5 Great Surprises in Wadi Shab

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".

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:

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. 

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.

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.

Mirror on the water

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.

This was my third jump. Yes, pinching the nose will prevent the rush of water unless you love sneezing all the way back home.

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.

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

The superladies who drinks like a camel but brought more chips than water.

With my loving wife and adorable daughter Une Marchesa
Photo image by Anen Poras

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! 

5 Great reasons to visit Salalah

SALALAH: Have you heard from a friend, read from magazines or stumble upon websites describing how magical Salalah is? Believe me they are half-telling truth, because it is more than magical it is enchanting!

Salalah simply qualified to be covered photo's in a number of printed articles and websites.

Get your bearings

Salalah is the second largest city in the Sultanate of Oman, and the largest city in the Dhofar Province. It is the southern most region in Oman bordering to Yemen. Travelling by road from Muscat will take 10-12 hours and it almost traversing Oman territory in an about 1000 km journey. We took the plane as it is the most convenient mode of transportation and that we can enjoy the place as soon as we arrived.

A handful of colleagues hail from this place and they handed me a list of places of interest including those that are not in the tourism information. Exploring Salalah is easy going so we decided to divide the city to in 3 areas proportionate to spending a full day in each destination. Here are my 5 great reasons why you have to pack you bag and go.

1. Green Green Grass of Home

Despite the vast desert lands of Oman, this city turns into lushes of green sighting that reminds me back home. When the monsoon rain kisses this barren land, the leaves sprouts and eventually dressed this vast expanse of land. This season are famously celebrated as the Khareef festival. During this time the mountains around Salalah are rainsoaked and shrouded in fog and so flocks of tourist come especially on the hot summer months in the arabian peninsula.

The rains bring life to waterfalls, rivers, streams and wadis. Some referred this place as the Scotland of the Mideast, it called it home. Salalah is famous for its plantations of coconuts, papayas and small bananas native to this region. As you stroll around the streets of Salalah you will see plantations of coconuts, papayas and banana. To tastes the freshness of this fruit, we stopped at one of the may colorful stands. The sad thing though is that we rarely see an Omani selling their hard earned harvests, I just felt there is disconnect.

We were lucky to have rented a sun-roofed vehicle as it offers us the luxury of a safari experience.

2. Camels everywhere

Contrary to big cities like Muscat and Dubai, the camels in Salalah are herded not domesticated. Khareef season offers the camels bountiful of food and so are the camels are roaming everywhere from hills to the beach. We are lucky to see the sighting on our way to Wadi Darbat. A herd of camels were descending from the hills into their next field of grass. It was a rare sighting of a towering heads higher than the roof of our SUV.

Yes, camels are also fond of the beach.

3. Historical Tour

Yes, and frankly Salalah is second in my list of the most historical place in Oman. The main point of interests that we visited are Dawkah Frankincense Reserve, ancient site of Al-Baleed, and the archeological site of Queen of Sheba.

Even our daughter helped herself enjoying the cold and windy weather.

4. It is the Countryside

When we visit a country, we love to explore the country side for the prime reason that it reflects the tradition. Salalah is a sleeping city at night but an early riser, from fisherman to farmers. We have avoided overly courteous to locals are not as open as Omanis in Muscat 

Salalah also is along the path of the migratory path and they spend longer time during Khareef Festival. There are atleast 3 places where one can join dozens of bird enthusiasts

5. Travel while you can

Chartered flights from Europe are increasing year on a year and so are commercial airlines started to offer direct flights which on normal routes are transiting Muscat International Airport. Hurry while this place is not exploited yet and enjoy the virgin beauty of this enchanted territory.

This is Wadi Darbat during Khareef season. Isn't amazing to see green during hot summer months with temperatue averaging at 42 degree Celsius? oppps, there is an extra "s".

Big smiles after there was break in the herd as they got chance to fully stick their heads out in the car.

This place is not included in the tourism information but if you got chance, travel to Iftlqoot!

Have you explored other places in the Mideast with these greenery? Tell me about your experience...

Mabuhay!

Where to experience hiking in Muscat?

MUSCAT: Despite the rough terrain, hiking remains the best way to enjoy the Sultanate’s wonderful mountainous nature. One can make different excursions of varying degrees of difficulty. 

This weekend we tried the easiest of all, classified as Grade1. What that means is that we don't have to be an experienced hiker to complete the route. This path will take on average 2 hours But with a 3-year old preschooler that can extend up to 3 hours including the photos and breaks in between.

It just rained 3 days before our trek so this added color to our experience. Next time, I will definitely take a deep in this crystal clear waters.

It is obvious from the start that we are not experience trekkers and that includes myself! It is only halfway through that I realized that these painted striped of yellow, red and white are trek markings that will guide us through the trail, see the photo below. I thought in the beginning that these are one of the nationalities that has been here and thought that I might just make one for our beloved country, the Philippines.

Dangerously as it looks but it is more fun than it appears.

One can either start the route from Riyam Park or Muttrah. I recommend to start at Riyam park as you will be rewarded within 10 minutes of ascend. Follow the coloured markers from the parking area at Riyam. In the old days the only way to get to Muscat was by sea or over this path. Once you have reached the higher parts of the route, turn around to enjoy the amazing view over the coast and sea.

Breathtaking scenery of Riyam Park. The first step of the trail is just behind that beautiful yellow house.

These well-placed stone slabs leading up the hill have been used by countless generations of visitors from Mutrah and the interior, to help them climb the last hills before they entered the gates of Muscat. 

Few ascends and the magnificent view of the Muttrah corniche will unveil like a kingdom in bedtime stories. Upon reaching this point, take more photos as much as you can because the next course to follow is an unforgettable experience for the "acrophobics".

If not the best, it is the recommended spot that one have to spend most of the scenic reminiscing.

You might just be lucky to befriend some of the trekkers both young and old.

When you are hiking with your kids, I would advise that you do all the pep talk that can enable the children to cooperate. As for my case, I told my daughter that a pool of water was waiting for her to play.

Pep talk with my daughter just before we hit the wadis.

And just as you promised, give them the reward. Well, at least we were ahead of her mom otherwise, she would be the first one to object.

Une asking if I had brought with me her pair of swimwear.

Trekking along the wadi is the easiest part but most enjoyable as you have to navigate your way through the boulders. Ladies, let the gents head the pack as we are best at it :)

My born-ready wife in action.

Afternoon walk offers shady parts in this part of the trek

Enjoy the scramble that is sometimes necessary to pass the wadi leading to Mutrah. Take care to turn left when arriving at the graveyard just before Mutrah, otherwise you might walk through.

This is us and our 3-year old daughter overlooking Riyam Park.

If you are going to do just one walk in the capital area, this should be the one.

Oh look at that smile! How happy she was to be allowed to play in these waters.

These ladies are the toughest... at least in our pack. Well done girls! From left: Anen, Honey, Jan and Aching.

Would you consider bringing your kids on this type of trekking?


Mabuhay!

Why visit Nizwa on Eid Holidays?

NIZWA: "Saba Mia wu Thalatain!", shouted a gentleman in his early thirties while he wrestles an adult bull. I am in the middle of ocean of white garments, an extraordinary experience to be in a place full of Omani. Yes, finally, I feel am in Oman enjoying the sighting as I observe the lives of ordinary citizen Friday morning.

Nizwa Livestock Market where cattle are traded as high as OMR730 ($1,800) as Eid Al Fitr approaches. 

It was Wednesday, July 23, declared as the last day of work and the beginning of 10-day holiday (yahooo!). My wife and I agreed to experience Eid Habta, the market (flea) event especially set up for the occasion of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. Nizwa Souq was our choice due to its proximity to Muscat and it is known to have the higher number of livestock auction as advised by Nasser, my colleague in Nawras who happen to reside in Izki (village before Nizwa).

You will be lucky to find a spot in this huge parking area should you come after 7 am. 

Hani (my wife, uniquely regarded by me as she is mostly spelled as Honey resembling her unsuspecting beauty) eagerly contacted Marivic for special arrangement at Golden Tulip Nizwa. Lucky us, we only have to spent for our splash in their newly renovated pool as her bungalow was more than enough to accommodate us.

We started our trip half-past 2:00 pm and at comfortable cruising speed we reached Nizwa at 4 pm. Along the way, Une (our daughter) was as sleep soundly because she woke up early in the morning brought by her excitement to see her tita Evic.

Ahlain Tayyib! Cattle waiting for their turn to do the "cow-walk". This gentlemen suddenly appeared in front of my lens and I can't help but continue to press the shutter. My little Arabic vocabulary suggest that he was bargaining directly from the owner on my left, avoiding the crowded auction area.

Marivic welcomed us with her self-cooked Maja Blanca and baked Bico, a perfect company for an afternoon coffee. Just right after enough rest, our Princess Minnie (as she address herself) was in desperate attempt to change her swimming suite. Few steps from the bungalow, into the main hotel lobby and out into the yard is an inviting scene of clear waters of the swimming pool all to ourselves (as most during long holidays opt to spend outside Oman).

We reached the fully packed parking lot of Nizwa souq past 7:00 am, so we have to navigate through the cobbled streets around the famous Nizwa Fort. Our searched was brought to a standstill as the chaos of traffic continue to persist. Peering at my right window, I saw just enough space for our vehicle to park.

This busy corner apparently appears as ghost town at this very morning, thanks to Ramadan timing where shop keeper are late to open their stores.

Walking in the colonial streets of the fortress hinted us how the old times used to be, an experience you won't find in the urbanised Muscat. Omanis young and old smiled as we meet them along the way. Looking up the passage, you will see a striking art resembling the Muslim culture. As soon as we gaze through the arc, the familiar sound of gentlemen bargaining points us in the direction we were heading, the Nizwa Souq.

Watch the full video

Here in this flea market, trading includes pottery, cooking wares, fruits, vegetables and livestock (cattle, goat, sheep, rabbit, turkey, chicken and pigeons). The smell of the fruits direct from the farmers orchard and the animal dung, strikes a balance of scent that will remind us of this local market.

When you're in Oman and don't know how to spend the long holidays, come to Nizwa and experience the true Omani culture.

Tell me,Do you find Nizwa interesting?

Hajjar Mountain ranges extends in Ad Dakhliyah region

I am always interested to see how the countryside would look like. Here's how it is for the road to Nizwa, Oman

No holiday is complete without a dive in the water

Une is just 2.5 years old and already knows how to control her float

With our hospitable host, Marivic Suello

Reception area of Golden Tulip Nizwa

Typical Omani sitting corner portrayed in the hotel lobby