SUR: The coastal region of Sur in Sharqiyah
Governorate of Oman in host to a distinctive wadi experience. The most
frequented site is Wadi Shab due to its forgiving terrain and the all family
experience. Just under 2 hours drive from Muscat, the trip to this place is
rather enjoyable as the contrasting elements of Oman presented. My Omani
friends even have their action term for it, "wadi shabbing".
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| Worry not for the "call-of-nature" during the long walk, these boulders will shield you from possible on-lookers. |
As the temperature sets
little below 30 degrees Celsius, this place starts to witness a flock of
tourist from varying nationalities. Here you can also find a number of
respectful Omani that will greet you with a pleasant smile as they tend to
their bbq session. As a virtue of courtesy, don't hesitate to take their
offering of "mishkak" or bbq of meat because that might be the
tastiest you have ever tasted. And then you just experience the true Omani
hospitality. So, here are my top 5 great surprises that await you in Wadi Shab:
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| The grand entrance to Wadi Shab |
1. The Cave
Have you been to the
cave inside? This is definitely the most frequently asked question when you
tell someone that you've been to Wadi Shab. There must be something there,
right? The entrance to the cave is narrow and the only way-in is to swim, be
prepared. If you are an average swimmer, I recommend bringing personal floating
device as some current may just be too strong. Otherwise, you can just glide
along just as we did while holding on the sides of this wall.
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| Inviting isn't it? Take extra care because this are for those capable swimmers only. |
The last time I visited
in 2007 we have to swim underneath the cavern, but this time it much easier. My
preference of entering the cave was to have my back facing the cave and swims
in supine position for the prime reason of surprise and second is for smoother
swim. Just as we enter this passage, I can hear the rush of waterfall
increasing and condition my mind to be ready for the dividends of a long walk.
When I am inside, I felt I have had a romantic time with nature. The only way
to the top is through the rope that runs along the falling water. Of course, a
more interesting story about the cave is the experience of jumping in the
Turquoise Blue lagoon.
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| Nothing beats this dividend of a long walk. |
2. Three colors of
water
Yes, you heard me right.
Wadi Shab has these 3 colors of waters. You will mistake it of using it in your
art session of ready to use water-color. Shortly after the 15 minute walk, these
emerald green waters emerge in site. What makes it green are the different
debris of trees, clay, sand and gravel at the bottom. I came to know this when
I jumped and had my butt touched the bottom and they are stuck inside so I have
to wash them-off. As we move forward on the next 15 minutes, this crystal clear
water are so inviting for a stopover. The looks are so clean that we were encouraged
to splash our feet. It looks for drinking but I would not recommend it. This
crystal clear water comes in pools as we approach the base of the cave. We saw
tourists basked themselves in the sun just as it is in the beaches of Oman. And
of course, the blue turquoise water in the cave is the third and most
unique about Wadi Shab.
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| Mirror on the water |
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| Oman is an open and welcoming country. Feel free to wear what comforts you most on a long walk. |
3. YOLO Jump
Wadi Shab hosted the
2012 Red Bull Cliff Diving competition. You can still experience the
thrill by doing Only Live Once (YOLO) jump. The platform is not there but you
would need a lot of courage jumping just on the hiking path. My tip is not to
stare longer on the water below because it will just discourage you from
jumping.
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| This was my third jump. Yes, pinching the nose will prevent the rush of water unless you love sneezing all the way back home. |
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I hope Ministry of Tourism will not use this photo against me. I did not swim, I jumped!
Photo image by Anen Poras |
4. Hiking Experience
The short 45 minute
(one-way) up the stream is one of a kind. As the saying goes, it is not the
destination that matters but the journey along the way. We meet people of all
ages and of different ethnicity and all most of them are very courteous
(do the same for them). The walk starts with normal gravel and on to these
gigantic boulders as high as 2 story building. The best part for us is when we
look up; it is amazing to see the contrast between these rugged mountains and
the blue sky. If you are lucky to have clouds, one will have the nature’s way of
playing a time-lapse video.
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| Behind us are ruins of the mud house, currently serve as shelter for the herds of goat. Photo image by Anen Poras |
5. The People
Wadi Shab is an
experience for the whole family, equipped yourself with proper hiking gear when
you are with kids. We are surprise how many children are there in the pools of
water enjoying their family time. My daughter even refuse to go with me inside
the cave as she was intimately playing with here new found friend.
My newly acquainted Omani on our way to the cave. Unknowingly, most of them are friends of my colleague in ooredoo
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| The superladies who drinks like a camel but brought more chips than water. |
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| With my loving wife and adorable daughter Une Marchesa Photo image by Anen Poras |
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The best way to end the Wadi Shab trip is to stop at this Fins beach, another camp site to visit in the near future.
Photo by Anen Poras |
Mabuhay!
