 In
the farthest reaches of the Sultanate, isolated from the rest
of Oman by the arm of the United Arab Emirate’s East coast,
arises a land of dramatic beauty. Musandam took shape 1850 million
years ago during the Cretaceous and Miocene ages. Here, awe-inspiring
mountain faces overlook pristine blue expanses. These mountains,
originally from the Zagros Mountain range, separated under earthquake
and volcanic violence to form the Hajar Mountain range. A starkly
beautiful region of fjords, mountaindraped roads and bustling
villages, Musandam is a must visit for any visitor to Oman.
TAKE A WALK DOWN TIME
The passage of time has not changed the raw natural beauty of
Musandam. Flanked by the Arabian Gulf on the North West and the
Gulf of Oman in the East, this land is home to four wilayats,
Khasab, Bhuka, Dibba and Mudha.
A boat ride across the coast of Khasab is a breath-taking experience,
with panoramic views of craggy cliffs, a jagged coastline, and
glimpses of little fishing villages nestled among them. Dominating
the coast and surrounded by towering mountains, is the Khasab
fort. Dating back to the time of Al Bu Said, it was renovated
by the Ministry of Heritage and Culture in 1990. The Kumzan fort
ruins and the towers of Al Siba, Kabas Al Kar and Said Bin Amad
Bin Sulaiman Aal Malik are other areas of interest here.
A stone’s throw from Khasab port is the village of Tawi,
where you can admire ancient rock carvings, the work of artists
from prehistoric times. Research has also proved that Mudha has
been home to settlers for over 3500 years. Here rock paintings
dating back to pre-Islamic times have been uncovered. And excavations
have thrown light on ruins from the Iron Age, 1000 – 1500
years B.C.
WHERE NATURE GOES OVERBOARD WITH ABUNDANCE.
The Musandam coastline is peppered with many small islands and
inlets, all teeming with bird and marine life. Seabirds, dolphins,
whales and a colourful spectrum of fish species make this a nature
lover’s and diver’s paradise. Divers especially, find
an underwater haven in these blue waters. Mushroom Rock, a small
island that just kisses the surface, has a reef that gently slopes
down to the sand floor, making it the perfect dive spot. Another
ideal dive spot is Limah Rock, a large island rising from the
sea. Divers in these waters are astounded by the variety of reef
fish and shoals of larger fish like the batfish and barracuda,
which give it an almost aquarium like feel. Corals abound here
– large green cabbage coral, red and yellow teddy bear coral,
soft purple coral, brown and green table coral.
A LAND THAT GROWS ON YOU
Khasab means ‘fertile’ in arabic, and the cultivation
of fruits and vegetables, fishing and animal rearing are the occupations
followed by the inhabitants here. Mudha is irrigated by a falaj
and natural springs. Some of these have astonishing properties,
which put them high on a mustvisit list. Al Samaai springs contain
sulphurous water, which is said to cure skin disorders. Sheikh
Al Mohammed bin Salim al Madhani falaj is cold in summer and warm
in winter. To experience these rejuvenating waters, be sure to
make Mudha part of your Musandam itinerary.
PACK YOUR BAGS FOR THE MAJESTIC FJORDS
 You
can get to Musandam by air, with Oman Air, which has three direct
flights from Dubai to Khasab, and yearround Muscat-Khasab flights.
The airline also has convenient connections from many Gulf cities.
Also, check out the attractive packages linked to these flights.
Oman Air’s holiday package to Khasab includes Economy Class
airfare to Khasab and back, airport / hotel / airport transfers,
2 nights accomodation with breakfast on a twin sharing basis at
the Khasab Hotel, two half-day 4WD tours, and a full day Dhow
Cruise with lunch. You could also drive down from Dubai to Dibba
(120 kms) crossing. Alternatively you can also arrange to get
there by sea from the U.A.E. Local tour operators will be helpful
here.
VISA FORMALITIES
Citizens of GCC nations and most residents can enter Oman by road
or air with valid passports. Citizens of 59 other countries like
Australia, New Zealand and Japan can apply for a visa at the border
or at Khasab airport. (For the latest in visa formalities please
check the details at www.rop.gov.om) |
