14th Aug,2015 - It was a beautiful morning with a soft breeze, when we gathered at the car park adjoining the Muscat Bakery, Rex Road, Ruwi. We??? A group of 17 adults and 4 kids that includes mothers & fathers, aunts & uncles, brothers & sisters, cousins, and family friends those are less like friends and more like family. I am a newcomer to the Sultanate of Oman as well as to this troop. Yet, I was warmly welcomed by all of them and I can’t imagine I’ve only known them for the past 6 months.
My first trip out of Muscat, and I was so excited about it. Everyone gathered at 7.00a.m and we hit the road by 7.30a.m. I was already feeling this is going to be a great weekend.
The 5 vehicles tailed on route to Nizwa, one of the oldest cities in the Sultanate of Oman. With one stop on the way for 30minutes, we travelled approximately 170Km and reached Nizwa Fort by 9.45a.m.
Nizwa – A city that shouts out the antiquity of the country. For the first time, I was exposed to the scorching sun of the middle-east. But what came up next made sun the least thing I was bothered about.
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| Walking inside the Nizwa Souq |
Entering the site, visitors are met with the Nizwa Souq (Souq is an Arabic word for the market) that displays the handicrafts and agricultural products, the city is famous for. The souq is occupied with vendors selling dates, sweets, halwa, meat, fish, fruits and vegetables, gold and silverware and many more.
Nizwa is considered to be the best in the country for silver jewelry and masters in Khanjar making (curved dagger), popularly known for its unique style and patterns. Fine-looking display of copper ware, lamps, swords and pottery are also seen around the Souq.
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| Pottery and Artwork |
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| The Khanjar |
The surrounding, buildings and ambiance didn’t fail to remind me of the Middle-East that I pictured while playing action games on my PlayStation.
The Nizwa Fort is said to be one of Oman’s most visited national monuments. It was built in the 1668AD, by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi which has now become a major tourist attraction in the country. Unfortunately, being it a Friday, the Nizwa Fort was closed for prayers by the time we walked towards it. I missed the opportunity to witness the architectural creativity the location boasts about. My expedition in this ancient city sadly ended at the entrance guarded by two massive cannons. I definitely want to come back here. I want to see what’s behind those huge doors. I left the city with a lot of curiosity and desire to perceive the mystery behind the closed doors guarded by the canons. With a silent promise in my heart to return someday, we left Nizwa at 11.10a.m and headed to the Wahiba Sands.
After a long drive of approximately 2 hours across petty villages and more bare lands, passing mountains with all shades of brown and grey, finally we reached Al Wasil close to 1.15p.m.
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| The 4WD vehicles ushered us to the Desert Nights Camp |
We parked our vehicles at a safe parking area provided by the desert camp. From there, we were ushered by 4WD vehicles, 11Km into the desert on a bumpy dirt road that ran between endless red gold dunes and finally reached the Desert Nights Camp (DNC) in Wahiba Sands.
DNC is a luxury desert hotel managed by a renowned Sri Lankan corporate named Aitken Spence. Even though it is a foreign-owned haven, the management has carefully taken all the measures to protect & display the Middle-Eastern culture.
Getting off the vehicle, I first set my foot on the silky desert sand mesmerized by the view of the golden dunes surrounding it. We were warmly greeted by the hotel staff that offered us refreshing cold towels and led us to the Omani styled majlis (an Arabic word for a place of sitting). Then came the sweet fresh Omani dates followed by “Khawa”, a traditional Arabic coffee. It was served hot. Yet it was so refreshing that my energy which was drained by the sun boosted back to the top.
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| DNC is a luxury desert hotel managed by a renowned corporate named Aitken Spence |
We were then shown our Tented Suites that were styled with very cozy and refined Arabian furnishings. Every step I kept forward it was getting better and better. After settling our belongings we gathered at the sit-outs to spend time soothing and chatting. Wandering about the place, we walked into the recreation lounge that comprised of ample mediums of entertainment such as a pool table, indoor board games, DVD player, Xbox and many more. While groups can have fun, the quiet desert is wonderful place for the isolated. I didn’t hesitate to take an hour for myself to sit in a corner and admire the beauty as it is. I watched the sand blow away in the wind that passed. Time passed before I knew and it was time head to the dunes to watch the sunset.
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| The golden red dunes shouting out its beauty |
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| Watching the sunset |
We walked downhill and returned to the camp by 7.30p.m. After everyone refreshed, we gathered for a lovely dinner at the beautifully arranged dining room. The mouthwatering food was indeed a treat after a strenuous day in the desert.
The night was still young. So some gathered to sing songs and play cards while a few of us grabbed the bean bags and settled under the starry skies to watch the meteor shower that was rising to its peak during this time of the year. It did not take long until we saw the first streak of light flash through the stars. By midnight, I assume we counted at least 15 to 18 ‘shooting stars’ and finally it was time to hit the pillow.
15th Aug, 2015 - I woke up at the 6.30a.m and walked out to a mild breeze that blew across. After a wash, change and tea, it was time to begin the day with an exciting activity, Camel riding. The guides arrived with their camels to the camel point of the camp by 7.30a.m and we were ready to go. Mounting a camel is not that easy. As a first timer I had to be extra careful because they have a strange way of standing up. They stand their back legs first while the front is still on the ground, throwing the rider way to the front. He rests in that position for about 2 seconds and then raises the front legs swinging the rider backwards. Camels walk with one of its front leg and back leg of the opposite side at the same time. Therefore, I kept jerking front to back and side to side throughout the ride.
When everyone had their turn, we left for breakfast. Yet again, a scrumptious buffet was spread in the dining area. I enjoyed a delightful meal which was then followed by the highlight of the trip for me, the quad bike ride.
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| Riding over a sequence of golden red sand dunes |
The moment I saw the quad bikes I wanted to ride it. But little did I know the ride was going to be so adventurous. At around 9.00a.m, three of us from the troop along with a tour guide set off to conquer the dunes. We rode up the dunes and down the slopes. The desert was a paradise for adventure. The sun was up and I could feel the heat. But the awesome ride was totally worth the tan. Getting on a quad bike with a full-face helmet on, I got to ride the most challenging terrains of the desert. The ride over a sequence of golden red sand dunes was a remarkable escapade of my life.
As we returned to the camp, it was time for us to leave. I
got on to the vehicle and bid farewell to the desert only with the hope
to come back again.
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| The Picturesque Dome of the Lobby at the Sur Plaza Hotel |
We took off from Al Wasil at 11.10a.m and our next stop was for lunch. We drove approximately 120Km and by 12.30p.m we reached the Sur Plaza Hotel, another hotel managed by the Aitken Spence Group.
The sun was in its full effort of tiring us. Yet, the hotel made all arrangements to fight against it. Once again we were welcomed by warm greetings, cold towels and a refreshing mixed fruit drink. Before lunch, we had time to do a couple of laps in the pool. Who would miss that opportunity on a hot summer day? After spending almost one hour in the pool, we were ready for lunch. Another scrumptious buffet lay out in a very pleasing surrounding overlooking the pool and a great view of the mountains. The food was delicious.
After enjoying the lovely meal, it was time for us to leave to our next and last destination. We left the hotel at 3.30p.m. The drive of approximately 77Km to the next stop was beautiful. The mountains covered the sun and formed a shady route making it easy for us to travel. Halfway down the road, we could see the beautiful deep blue sea on to our right. Passing villages and towns, we reached the Bimmah – Sink Hole at 4.45p.m.
Located in Dabab Village, local inhabitants have a legendary story that a meteorite fell in this location. Hence, this place was named in Arabic as "Hawiyat Najm" which means "The Falling Star" and was formed into a park that attracts many visitors throughout the year.
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| Bimmah Sinkhole |
Scientists today, believe that this crater is a natural formation that occurred due to the interaction of calcium carbonate (in the dissolving limestone) with water causing of the earth’s upper crust layer to collapse. There was a hoarding put up in the park explaining this theory. Even though this theory spoils the excitement in mysterious story of the falling star, the beauty of the cold turquoise water beneath the rocks will never fail to mesmerize you. While the picturesque site attracts the eye of photographers, this is a perfect place to have a swim, walk around the park and spend time leisurely.
After spending about 45 minutes at the sinkhole we came to the end of our voyage. We drove back to the city lights. After a drive of almost 125Km, we reached the point where we started the day before – Ruwi – at 6.45p.m. As all good things come to an end, a trip of 2 days, covering almost 700Km, 4 remarkable locations and a memorable experience for lifetime, our journey came to an end. We were tired, but happy. I am definitely thankful to this lovely troop who made this trip even more special for me. I would undoubtedly want to do this trip again. Until then, I hope to explore more of this beautiful country – the Sultanate of Oman, and to keep you posted every time I do.
Until we meet again,
Wathsala Perera
The Jorney on a map: https://goo.gl/maps/ZVWAk
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