Erica & Matt Chua: Oman

Oman is a country that wasn’t our radar before we booked a flight to the UAE.  Then our friends told us we had to visit Oman while in the area…how right they were!  It was a highlight of our time in the region.  We were intrigued by the mystery of a country covered in sand with reportedly gorgeous beaches, incredible hiking and a goat market that has to be seen to be believed.  Oman delivered on all counts!  Better yet, it was easy to get to from the UAE.

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DON’T MISS: The Friday goat market in Nizwa.
MUST SEE: Nizwa’s old souk, Wadi Shab and Muscat.
MUST TASTE: Hummus and meat…think about it…it’s as decadent and delicious as it sounds!

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TRIP PLANNING: Plan on at least a week to enjoy this beautiful country.
GETTING AROUND: Rent a car, there’s no way around it as there is no public transportation, however make sure you have the correct insurance if you are renting a car from the UAE.

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OUR COST PER DAY (2 ppl): $123.22. Half of which was the car rental from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
COST OF A BEER: Let us know if you get your hands on some in this beer desert (literally and figuratively).
KEY MONEY-SAVING TIP: Fill up your car in Oman as the gas is so cheap!

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YOU NEED TO KNOW: It is hot and dry, even if you are in an air-conditioned car you’ll want a stash of water.
IF WE KNEW WHAT WE KNOW NOW: We would have budgeted many more days to explore Oman and do some hiking.
HELPFUL LINKS TO LEARN MORE: Wikitravel, Nizwa goat market information.

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WE WERE THERE FOR: 3 days
OUR HIGHLIGHT: The Friday goat market in Nizwa.
WHERE WE WENT: Nizwa, Muscat, Tiwi and Wadi Shab.
WE REGRET MISSING: The beautiful beaches of Sur and nearby turtle nesting sites.

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Oman Highlights

Rolling sand dunes, the beautiful Gulf of Oman and countless markets make this Middle Eastern country worth visiting, see the highlights in just 22 photos.

22 Photos

Nizwa

Nizwa was the former capital of Oman and is one of the oldest cities in the country. It was once a center of trade, religion, education and art. Nizwa is a center for date growing and is the market place for the area, featuring a chaotic goat market every Friday.

18 Photos

Muscat

Muscat is the largest city and capital of Oman. The rocky Western Al Hajar Mountains dominate the landscape of Muscat. The city lies on the Arabian Sea along the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman. Low-lying white buildings typify most of Muscat’s urban landscape, while the port-district of Muttrah, with its corniche and harbor, form the north-eastern edge of the city.

10 Photos

Tiwi

The coastal city of Tiwi and the incredible Wadi’s in the area are a must-see in Oman. The deep gorges and blue green waters of the desert Wadis are beautiful and worth a stop.

12 Photos