According to the safety and crime index of Number on Numbeo’s website, the Sultanate of Oman, often known as The Pearl of Arabia, is one of the top four nations in the world for the year 2022. Muscat, the nation’s capital, has also been placed 20th globally in the ranking of the safest cities, according to the Oman Observer, with 79.46 points for security and 20.54 points for crime-committing.
Apart from safety, why would you travel to Oman? Does the nation have unique attractions? Absolutely! But first, you should know that because Oman is located in one of the world’s hottest regions, visiting from Oct. to May will allow you to benefit from a much more pleasant climate. On the other hand, going from June to Sept. wouldn’t be the ideal scenario because of Oman’s intense summer heat, where temperatures can approach 40°C accompanied by a lot of humidity.
Are you prepared to travel? Let’s explore Oman’s underrated tourist attractions where you can go and have a nice time and enjoy the moderate weather.
Bimmah Sinkhole
Bimmah Sinkhole is one of the most beautiful natural pools in the world located in Oman and it’s just an hour-and-a-half drive south of the capital, Muscat. But how did the Bimmah Sinkhole come to be? The local legend has it that “Hawaiyat Najm” (Arabic for a falling star) struck the earth in this very spot, creating the Bimmah Sinkhole according to GHM. While you’re there, you may also hear the locals refer to Bimmah as “Bayt al Afreet”, meaning house of the demon, owing to the belief of an aquatic monster that lurks in the waters. The sinkhole is one of the easiest places to visit in Oman as it is only 600 meters from the ocean and is fed by freshwater. It is situated about 130 kilometers south of Muscat, just off the Muscat-Sur Highway, close to the village of Dibab.
Wadi Bani Khalid
One of the most visited wadis in Oman is Wadi Bani Khalid. Wadi Bani Khalid may be reached in roughly 3 hours from Muscat and 2 hours from Sur. Additionally, Wadi Bani Khalid is only around 45 minutes from where the majority of desert tour and camping businesses are headquartered, making it simple to combine the two if you intend to camp in the desert. The route leading to Wadi Bani Khalid’s parking area is a beautiful one that winds through the highlands and past settlements, making it the easiest wadi to access. It takes around 40 minutes to get from the highway down through the villages to Wadi Bani Khalid, and during that time you can see the entire range of village architecture.
Muttrah Souq
You may get the best list of products to buy in Oman at this old traditional market, which is located on 8 Street 125, Mutrah, Muscat. The location is one of the top attractions in Oman, even if it isn’t about shopping. It’s a wonderful spot where you can wander around for the entire day because of the numerous historic stores. The specialized items you can get as a souvenir are wood crafts, traditional jewelry, and Arabian perfumes. The souq is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am until 1 pm.
Pink Lakes
Those pink lakes are precisely 300 kilometers south of Muscat in the state of Jalan Bani Bu Ali in South Al Sharqiyah, only a few minutes’ drive from Muscat. The coast of Jalan, which stretches for approximately 180 kilometers, is the ideal location for camping, hiking, mountain climbing, and even seeing many migratory birds, including pink flamingos. But why are the lakes pink in color? The primary cause of the distinctive pink color of Oman’s pink lakes was investigated and the results were caused by bacteria and a species of algae called Dunaliella Salina. This algae contains unusually high levels of B Carotene and salt. It also harbors a variety of unharmful bacteria, including Bacillus Megaterium and Bacillus Subtillis. But, believe it or not, a bacteria known as halobacteria is the cause of the distinctive pink color according to Times of Oman.
Al Qurum Beach
Located in Muscat, Al Qurum beach is one of the greatest places to visit in Oman because it is surrounded by a variety of cafés, restaurants, and shopping centers, allowing guests to have a great time. But that’s not it, Al Qurum is a terrific destination for a family outing because there are so many different activities to try out there. For example, the beach offers a stunning view that may be enjoyed while lounging on the beach thanks to its palm-tree-dotted coastline. Also, you can rent equipment to partake in a variety of beach sports including jet skiing and snorkeling.
In conclusion, it is safe to travel to Oman for tourists, according to Numbeo, who asserted that Muscat has a very low crime rate (13.64). The Sultanate is ranked “extremely low” in terms of the likelihood of being physically attacked, having your car stolen, or being the victim of a robbery based on being a minority. According to Zawya, walking alone during the day has a very high safety rating of 90.79, and walking alone at night has a very high rating of 76.80 as well.