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It’s my first time in Oman! My 172nd country! On my first few days in Muscat, I stayed in Al Falaj Hotel.
I was so excited to finally step foot in Oman! It’s my 172nd country (152nd UN), so I was all prepared and ready to see more of the Middle East! I started in Muscat, the capital city, where Al Falaj Hotel became my home for a few days. It was such a great start since we did a lot of tours in this country so it is important to stay at a hotel that is comfortable and relaxing enough. That’s Al Falaj Hotel for me! More about this hotel is below.
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Things To Do in Muscat, Oman
1. Admire The Grandeur of Mosques
There are a few Mosques to see and admire in Muscat. All these stands with such elegance and you should see them!
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – A visit to the mosque is definitely worth it. The monumental building can be visited without an entrance fee. Even the large gardens around the mosque are impressive. Notes: Shoes must be removed before entering and women need to particularly wear covering clothing. The women’s prayer room is relatively small while the large hall for men is clearly different and is very finely designed.
- Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque – The Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque is also only a few years old and is located on an exposed hilltop location. Since the mosque is not yet commercialized, expect very few visitors during your visit. The mosque is beautiful and the interior is well worth seeing, so be sure to visit!
2. Visit Museums after Museums!
In Muscat, there are a lot of museums you can explore! In this way, you’ll be able to learn more about this historic city. Even if you’re not a fan of museums, there are literally plenty of them that you can choose from that might catch your interest.
- The National Museum – A modern and spacious museum. In the various departments, the development of Oman is presented from prehistoric times to the present day. The exhibits are well-lit and labeled (both in English and Arabic). Some exhibits even directly invite you to touch (or grasp) them. In a film hall, the history of Oman is summarized in a 15-20 minute film (alternately in English and Arabic) – absolutely worth seeing.
- Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum – A very interesting exhibition that tells the history of Oman’s military achievements from antiquity to the present day. The exhibitions of the museum are very well laid out with their historical division.
- Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art – A small museum that gives an insight into Omani life in the 50s/60s/70s. Living rooms and other rooms that were inhabited in summer or winter are shown. In the Art Gallery, works by Omani artists are also shown.
- Natural History Museum – This small museum gives an overview of the wildlife and geological history of Oman. The botanical garden is also interesting, with some specimens of Boswellia Sacramento, the frankincense tree, and more!
- Oman Children’s Museum – A very well done museum for coming up with such Scientific entertainment for the development of children. Even older than 11 years old, the game here will be like an added knowledge for a child.
- Bait Al Zubair – A cultural foundation that opened its doors to the public in 1998. The complex consists of five separate buildings as well as a garden with a range of traditional features, a cafe, and a gift shop. Unfortunately, it is forbidden to take photos in the museum.
3. Explore Natural Wonders – Beaches and Wadis
If you love swimming under the sun, Muscat is also a perfect place to freshen up! Wadis are also another natural wonder in the city that you must see! Here are some of the beaches and wadis we recommend you to visit.
- Qurum Beach – A very beautiful and long beach right on the street. It is clean and the water is very clear. There are also a few cafes and restaurants in close proximity to the beach.
- Wadi Bani Khalid – Undoubtedly the most visited wadi in the country, it takes a bit of luck to breathe in the full beauty of the terrain. Just enjoy nature like a dream and if you have the right swimwear with you, you can also go into the water or let the fish nibble on your feet.
- Bimmah Sinkhole – This hole between the sea and mountains is really impressive. About 120 meters in diameter and 30 meters deep. Below you can swim in the clear water and refresh yourself. There are also picnic opportunities at the top.
- Wadi Al Arbeieen – A beautiful wadi with deep blue pools and amazing surroundings. This Wadi is one of the highlights. You should take two to three hours to explore it extensively. If the off-road vehicle is absolutely necessary then you will be rewarded with a special landscape. The contrasts of the steep mountain walls and the multifaceted green form a special atmosphere.
- Qantab Beach – Should definitely be visited. Like everything in Oman, this beach is best reached by renting your own car. Because it’s a little far away is what makes it so peaceful and attractive. A gorgeous beach with crystal clear and warm water.
- Al Sifah Beach – Sifah Beach is about 45 minutes from Muscat City and can be reached via a beautifully paved road that runs through the mountains and partly along the coast.
4. Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House is impressive both from the outside and from the inside. The opera house is particularly atmospheric in the evening when the indirect lighting is switched on. World stars of opera, ballet, folklore, dance troupes, and musicians come here on tour.
5. Oman Avenues Mall
Oman Avenues Mall is one of the largest malls in Oman which opened in Muscat in May 2015. Located on Sultan Qaboos Street, it is a shopping mall of the renowned Abu Dhabi-based LuLu Group International and has quickly established itself as one of the most impressive and modern shopping centers in the region.
Where To Stay in Muscat, Oman
The strategic location of the Al Falah Hotel is very convenient for me as a travel blogger. It’s in the heart of the city and is near the most popular tourist attractions. I’m just so glad that we got to stay at one of the finest business hotels in Oman before we could kick off our travel adventure in the country!
Accommodation in Al Falaj Hotel
Thank you so much to Mr. Praveen for welcoming us to the hotel! We felt at home the moment we arrived at the hotel!
There are different types of rooms to choose from in Al Falaj Hotel; Deluxe Rooms, Classic Rooms, Suites, and Standard Rooms. All rooms are spacious and offer a great atmosphere! Our first few nights in Oman were already memorable because of Al Falah Hotel!
Restaurants at Al Falaj Hotel
Middle Eastern Cuisine and other Asian dishes are the main offers of the restaurants in Al Falaj!
The Al Falaj Restaurant
The Al Falaj Restaurant is the only restaurant in Oman that pays tribute to the popular and traditional Oman Soups (you MUST try them!) Of course, other than soups, steak, lobster, kebab, and more dishes from around the world can be eaten here. My heart was so happy!
Tokyo Taro Restaurant
From the name itself, the cuisines you should expect here are those from Japan! We all know Japanese cuisine is highly loved by everyone around the globe (including me! Haha!) From Sushi and Sashimi to Tepanyaki and Tempura, you’ll find it here!
Stassen Tea Lounge
A lounge that offers tranquility and peace of mind. Sip your delicious tea while relaxing at the hotel’s lounge away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Tea lovers would love their time here!
Overall Experience at Al Falaj Hotel
After our stay at the hotel, we left happy and satisfied with everything we experienced. We were so thrilled with all the tours we were about to do in Oman and Al Falaj helped us to relax and enjoy the Omani hospitality. I will never forget how the people treated us with a warm welcome and smiling faces. After my quest of visiting all countries in the world, Oman is one of the countries I’d go back to and Al Falaj is the hotel I wanted to be my home again!
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