Our First Journey Together, Oman (Salalah)

The Sultanate of Oman is in the Middle East, on the southeastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders the United Arab Emirates in the northwest, Saudi Arabia in the west, and Yemen in the southwest. Oman has two exclaves separated from it by the United Arab Emirates, the Musandam Peninsula and Madha.

Until Sultan Qaboos bin Said exiled the previous Sultan in 1970, Oman was an under-developed nation, and almost completely closed to visitors. Since that time, education, public works and tourism have taken off throughout the country.

Omanis are friendly people and are very helpful to tourists. In turn, tourists should respect the ways and traditions of the Omani people.

Omanis are proud of both their country's rapid progress and their heritage as one of the great sea-faring nations. Excellent schools and hospitals, good governance, and on-going infrastructure improvement are all important characteristics of this once introverted and closed nation.

" We did not choose our destiny, Destiny choose you"

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The Best Things to Do in Salalah, Oman

Salalah is known for its unique Khareef (monsoon) festival, in which the whole city turns green and attracts visitors from all around the world. Nevertheless, there is more to this mind-blowing gem in terms of natural beauty and architectural wonder. Here are the best things to do, and the most splendid places to visit in Salalah.

Al Mughsail Beach

Al Mughsail beach is located in Salalah in southern Oman. It has beautifully white sands, and crystal clear waters. What adds to the beach’s beauty is the green mountain that surrounds it and the natural fountains that burst out of its rocky edges.Marneef cave is in close proximity to Al Mughsayl Beach, which one of the most preferred picnic spot by Salalah locals, residents and tourists.

As per Regional Books, the definition of a cave is “A cave or cavern is a hollow place in the ground, especially a natural underground space large enough for a human to enter”. In the light of this definition, Marneef cave cannot be classified as a cave as doesn’t have any such opening, but may be it’s the look, which makes it qualifies for cave.There are many benches besides the cave, where tourists can sit and take a view of the cave or Mughsayl Beach or Blowholes. It’s definitely a nice selection to choose from.The cave is at an altitude of around couple of feet from the ground. The access is through stairs or walkway with steep slope.A perfect perfect view of this cave is when you go down to the blowholes and see on the return. The complete gigantic cave will be in sight and will be a perfect place to view and capture on camera.

Al Mughsayl Blowholes

At a stone’s throw away from the Marneef Cave are three impressive blowholes (know as Al-Mughsayl Blowholes due to proximity to Al-Mughsail/ Al Mughsayl Beach). They are also referred as Mughsayl Natural Fountains by the tourists.

As per wikipedia, the definition of the blowhole is “a blowhole is formed as sea caves grow landwards and upwards into vertical shafts and expose themselves towards the surface, which can result in blasts of water from the top of the blowhole if the geometry of the cave and blowhole and state of the weather are appropriate.”

The stairs from Marneef Cave will lead to the famous blowholes. There are around 50+ steps in the stair (didn’t count, just an estimate). In the above photograph, the steps in stair are visible.

These three entertaining blowholes have meshes over them. When the sea is slightly rough, sea water explodes into the air through these holes in the rock, which are just above the sea. The water jet from the blowholes vary according to the season, but can get as high as 28m in the sky in Khareef season.There are three viewing galleries in around the blowholes for having a look at the sea. The sea at this place is very rough with high splashes, that’s why the fencing is done around the viewing galley for the safety of the visitors. Don’t cross the fencing!In addition to the sitting area around the cave, there are gazebos with benches to relax and enjoy the view near the blowholes. A must place to sit. The view is fascinating.