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Nature
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Beach in Oman
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Qurum Beach
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Qurum Beach , below the Crowne Plaza Hotel, is well set up for visitors and has
a number of picnic areas and palm shades. When the tide is low, one can take a 4km
walk towards the Embassies' area in Shati Al Qurum. Approximately half way along
this stretch of beach is the Muscat InterContinental hotel.
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Aviation Beach
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Which is located near the Civil Aviation Club in Al Azaiba. A four-wheel drive vehicle
is necessary to get down to the water's edge. It is abundant in starfish, crabs
and exotic shells.
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Bandar Jissah
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Bandar Jissah is located near Qantab, on the way to Al Bustan & Shangri La Resort.
The bay is quite secluded and the rocks at the foot of the cliffs can be good for
exploring when the tide is out. Snorkelling is popular here. There is also a children's
playground and snack shop.
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Marjan Beach
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Marjan Beach , near Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), is quiet during the day, but
tends to get livelier in the early evenings. It has some small coral reefs, perfect
for the novice snorkeller, as one doesn't have to swim too far out before seeing
the likes of clown fish, parrot fish, sea cucumbers and occasionally, turtles and
rays. Local fishermen can be seen spearing cuttlefish.
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Mountains
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Al Jabal Al Akhdar
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Jebel Akhdar in Arabic means "Green Mountains" and this region of the most verdant
outside of Salalah and the Batinah Coast . To go there requires a 4-wheel drive
( and a road permit because of military installations in the area). One of the most
scenic areas in Oman , coupled with the friendly local inhabitants, this region
is a natural spot for tourism. Points of interest include the towns of Wadi Bani
Habib, Saiq and Al Ayn, where local farmers raise grapes, pomegranates, apricots
and walnuts.
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Jabal Shams
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mountain of sun is a mountain located in northeastern Oman . It is the highest mountain
of the country and part of Al Hajar Mountains range. It is a popular sightseeing
area located 240 km from Muscat . In the summer temperature is around 20 °C and
in the winter it drops just above 0 °C.
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Wadis of Oman
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Wadi Bani Khalid
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Wadi Bani Khalid is about 203 km far from Muscat . It is the best-known wadi of
the Sharqiyah region. Its stream maintains a constant flow of water throughout the
year. Large pools of water and boulders are scattered along the course of the wadi.
As a geographical area, Wadi Bani Khalid covers a large swathe of low land and mountains.
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Wadi Dhaiqah
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Wadi Dhaiqah lies in a grand canyon about 90 km eastwards from the Bait Hattat (Wadi
Adei) roundabout in Muscat . As many as 120 other wadis lead to this great valley
which features as a large natural park extending from Wilayat Dima W'attayyeen in
the Sharqiyah region to the Wilayat of Qurayyat in the Governorate of Muscat.
It is easy to reach Wadi Dhaiqah from the highway, but after 20 minutes venturing
into the wadi one is surprised by massive boulders and deep pools before coming
across the famous fruit farms of Al Mazarea and many other attractions. In some
places along Wadi Dhaiqah, the valley becomes narrow and its walls shoot up and
change into high, wonderful cliffs.
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Wadi Shab
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Wadi Shab lies in Niyabat Tiwi, Wilayat of Sur, is 76 km from Qurayyat. It is easy
to reach this wadi from the Qurayyat-Sur highway. The wadi combines the attractions
of coast areas and inland wonders. It has at least seven pools of shimmering emerald
green water studded beautiful boulders. One of the pools is in a cave where light
streams in dramatically from above and there are fantastic echoes as you swim and
splash.
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Wadi Al Abyadh
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One of the Al Batinah region's best loved valleys is Wadi Al Abyadh which lies some
30 km away from Muscat-Sohar highway. With a four-wheel drive vehicle, it will be
a memorable experience to explore this wadi, which is vested in green vegetation
and white boulders and rocks, from which the wadi probably takes its name. The rough
road runs through the middle of the wadi. There are pink oleander trees and many
beautiful birds.
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Wadi Tiwi
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About seven kilometers away from Wadi Shab starts Wadi Tiwi which extends 36 km
inland and ends at a mountain village known as Mibam. Many groves and fruit trees
grow along the course of this wadi from which the azure blue sea can be seen as
you climb up the hills and descend into the valleys.
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Wadi Ghul
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located approx 15 Kms from Al Hamra. Over here one can see an abandoned persian
village perched on the sides of a steep cliff. Wadi ghul has a recharged dam built
to stop floodwaters from washing into Al Hamra and to allow water to be stored and
drained down into the Wadi bed.
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Wadi Darbat
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In addition to its dramatic cliffs, extensive white beaches, caves and grottos,
Dhofar also boasts some fascinating wadis, with Wadi Darbat being the most popular.
Wadi Darbat carries the largest water supply in the region. It thrusts its way between
the hills, finally arriving at Khawr Rori, where it discharges itself into the sea.
However, its main contribution is to the subterranean water supply of Dhofar and
it is also the source of the waters found in Teiq Cave .
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Wadi Al-Hoqain
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Within the old Wilayat of Rustaq, some 135 km from modern day Rustaq, lies Wadi
Al-Houqain, characterised by its many springs, some of which gently flow between
the scattered granite rocks forming clear running brooks, whilst others pour unrestrained
into the main stream of the wadi.
The wadi carves its way through the rock strata to form striking waterfalls up to
10 metres high, feeding refreshing, crystal clear pools. Along the upper bed of
the wadi flows As-Saighi Falaj, irrigating distant palm groves and supplying the
necessary water to the people and livestock of the area.
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Wadi Bani Auf
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Wa di Bani Auf, an ancient wadi offering breathtaking vistas along its 26km trail,
is one of five spectacular wadis in the Wilayat of Rustaq. Picturebook oasis villages,
nurtured by copious springs and aflaj, are a striking feature of Wadi Bani Auf.
The wadi is about 10 minutes' drive from the ancient city of Ar-Rustaq and winds
its way through the towering heights of Jebel Al Ahkdhar. A crumbling watchtower
stands high on a crag marking the entrance to the wadi .
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Wadi Fida
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Wadi Fida in the Wilayat of Dhank, offers charm and variety as it cuts its path
through Adh-Dhahirah Region, before emptying itsef in the sands of the As-Sinainah
desert straddling the Oman-UAE border.
The wadi is usually in full flow around Yanqul, gurgling on for about 3km and then
following a subterranean course until it reaches the outskirts of Dhank, some 30km
downstream.
There are driveable trails running alongside the winding course of the wadi all
the way to Dhank. In fact, much of Wadi Fida's charm lies along a scenic one-kilometre
stretch at Dhank. Here, date palms and other wadi flora grow richly in a verdant
swathe with the crystal waters of the wadi coursing through.
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| Springs
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Ain Razzat
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Ain Razzat within the Governorate of Dhofar flows at an average speed of 180 litres
per second. Suitable for drinking, its waters have an average temperature of 31°C
and are used to irrigate the surrounding cultivated lands.
Many smart embellishments have been erected in the immediate vicinity of the spring,
making it an ideal recreation spot, attracting hoards of visitors on a daily basis.
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| Ath-Thuwarah
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At the foot of a mountain in Wilayat Nakhl, surrounded by palm trees, one will find
the slightly less forceful but just as regarded Ain Ath-Thuwarah. With temperatures
reaching 37°C, this spring is also said to possess healing powers, with an average
water flow of 53 litres per second.
Many visitors frequent the spring to take advantage of its therapeutic properties,
to swim and generally have fun in the shade of the surrounding trees.
Research has suggested that Ain Al-Kasfah spring feeds into Ain Al-Thuwarah providing
hot water from its rainwater stores collected over numerous years.
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| Ain Al-Kasfeh
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One of the most renowned springs in Oman , Ain Al-Kasfah in Wilayat of Rustaq has
been continuously flowing for countless years. Many stories exist as to the therapeutic
properties of the spring, due to its 45°C potable water and unrelenting flow.
Throughout the ages, intruders have attempted to block its surge only to meet with
failure as its unstoppable force gushes at an impressive 81 litres per second.
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| Ayn Razat
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This places is natural fresh water springs gushing out from small crevives in the
mountains. You can see several natural caves in the hills, where you could opt to
camp overnight. There is a garden and play area at Ayn razat where you could take
a breakand stop for a meal.
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| Caves
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Majlis al Jinn cave
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It is the second largest underground chamber in the world covering an area of around
60,000m2. This is an extremely difficult cave to negotiate, and it is important
that the expedition is not undertaken lightly and without professional guidance.
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Hota Cave
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It comprises an underground cavern and subterranean lake system. It is a 2.7 km
tunnel which runs in a north-south direction. There are many offshoots to the main
tunnel, but so far, only approximately 5km have been charted by experienced cavers.
Contact No: 968 24490060 – 968 92404444
Website : www.alhootcave.com
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Teiq Cave
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It is the largest sinkhole in the world and located between Taqa and Mirbat. The
sinkhole has two wadis, which replenish the pool when it rains .
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Al-Merneif Cave
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Situated in Al-Mughaisil area of Dhofar, roughly 40 Km from Salalah, Al-Merneif
Cave is amongst the most beautiful caves in the Sultanate.
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| Razzat Cave
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Located some 25 Km from Salalah, Razzat Cave is one of the most popular destinations
by visitors and residents alike, as it lies amidst the mountains overlooking the
spring of Razzat.
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| Ettein Cave
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Located some 10 Km from Salalah, the Cave of Ettein lies 400 metres to the West
of Jarzeez Spring, and is considered to be the largest, with respect to surface
area, in the region.
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| Parks & Gardens
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| Qurum Natural Park
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It is 1715449 m2, the largest park in Muscat . The park contains a large boating
lake and fountain Waterfall Hill.
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| Riyam Park
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It overlooks the sea and designed on several heights that gives distinguished dimension
for the park which covers an area of 100,000 m2
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| Al Naseem Public Park
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It is the first park to be established in Oman and its gross area is 750,000 m2
and it is about 30km from the Airport.
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| Kalbou Beach Park
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in the heart of Muscat City . It is an attraction spot for those who are willing
to enjoy walking and fishing.
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| Al Wadi Al Kabeer Park
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It is located on the road leads to AlBustan Palace Hotel in Muscat on an area of
40,000 m2
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| Al Sahua Park
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It is located in Seeb covers an area of 300.000 m2. The park has various divisions
like the main plaza on the middle of the park, Islamic gardens, fountain zone and
flowers garden.
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| Natural Reserves
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| Ra's al Hadd Turtle Reserve
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It is Turtles Reserve and located in Sur. Its covers 120km2 with a coastline of
42km.Between 6000 - 13000 turtles migrate here annually from the Arabian Gulf, the
Red Sea and the East African coast. Oman is one of the most important sites for
green turtles in the Indian Ocean . Many tourists visit the area to observe the
estimated 20,000 nesting turtles.
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| The Arabian Oryx Sanctuary
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The desert region in al Wusta is an area of great interest to scientists and environmentalists
alike. It is here that the last sightings of the Arabian Oryx in the wild were recorded,
whose numbers were depleted drastically by hunters, and where His Majesty, Sultan
Qaboos established the Arabian Oryx Reserve in 1974.
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| Al Saleel National Park
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It is located Al Kamil w'al Wafi and covers an area of 220km2. The park mainly consists
of acacia woodland and provides a safe habitat for many of Oman 's indigenous mammals.
There are three main areas to the park: the first is the alluvial plain covered
in acacias; the second consists of the wadis in the mountains and the third is the
sparsely vegetated hills and rocky outcrops which form the northern boundaries and
the higher elevations.
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| Jebel Samhan Nature Reserve
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This reserve is in Dhofar and covers an area of 4500km2. It is predominantly made
of limestone highlands rising from the coastal plains. Jebel Samhan is a range of
craggy peaks, which are separated by wadis and canyons. Hasik village, accessible
only from the sea, lies on a small gravel area east of the Jebel. The sea has eroded
much of the coastline and the limestone cliffs are dramatically sculptured and undercut
at the base.
The canyons are filled with deep pools, and with the varied plant life, the area
provides perfect habitat for the likes of the Arabian Leopard, Nubian Ibex, Arabian
Gazelle, Striped Hyenas, Caracal, wild cats, foxes and wolves. The steep cliffs
make ideal breeding sites for rare species of birds and the surrounding waters provide
food for Masked Boobies and Socotra Cormorants. Shrimps, abalone, whales, Green
turtles and Loggerhead turtles are also found in the waters.
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| Dimaaniyat Islands Nature Reserve
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This group of nine islands lies along the coast of Seeb and Barka. The islands cover a total area of 203km2 and can only be reached by boat. Many migratory birds nest here in the summer and there are various species of fish found in the coral reefs. Large numbers of Hawksbill turtles, a globally endangered species, lay their eggs here which enhance the islands' environmental importance. The green turtles also nest on the islands' sandy beaches.
Thousands of marine birds nest on the islands throughout the year, including terns,
ospreys and Red-billed Tropic birds. The islands which have been turned into reserves
are free from predators such as foxes, cats and dogs. There are two species of snakes
living on the islands, whilst the sea contains marine snakes.
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| The Khawrs' Reserve of Dhofar Coast
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They contain large numbers of fish, in particular edible milkfish and mullet. These
fish have a high tolerance to freshwater and can adapt to decreasing levels of salinity.
Over 200 species of migrating birds rest and feed at the khawrs.
For more information visit:
www.omantourism.gov.om / www.omanet.om
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