A perfect Arabian Gulf getaway Khasab, Musandam

Monday, 20 October 2008

Travellers visiting Dubai can now breakaway from its frenetic pace for three days and immerse themselves in a cocoon of ancient jagged cliffs that suddenly thrust upwards from the Arabian Gulf’s cerulean waters, quiet sandy beaches, spectacular coral reefs and quaint fishing villages.

Less than a three-hour drive from Dubai is Khasab – the capital of the Musandam region, which straddles the most northern tip of Oman. Separated from the rest of the Sultanate by 70 kilometres of U.A.E domain and surrounded by towering mountain peaks that soar to 2000 metres, Khasab is also enclosed by a body of water; once a haven for lusty pirates and today a major thoroughfare for visiting Iranians in search of cigarettes and other luxury items.

Overlooking the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Gulf of Oman to the Persian Gulf – one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world – Khasab’s 19,000 residents bring an eclectic mix of Arabic and Farsi culture into play, along with an unspoiled setting blessed by dramatic underwater chasms and an abundance of exotic marine life – ideal for advanced diving adventures.

Khasab is also the gateway to the Fjords of Arabia, a narrow inlet of water that is flanked by steep, stark limestone cliffs on both sides. Born and chiselled by underwater volcanoes thousands of years ago, the best way to view the dramatic fjords is to enjoy leisure cruise onboard a wooden dhow or catamaran.

Local tour companies package trips that include snorkelling and diving as well visits to Kuzmar, an isolated Bedu village accessible only by boat. Speaking a hybrid dialect of Farsi, Arabic, Portuguese, Hindi and English, travellers can stroll past the villagers’ old stone houses or bargain at the local bazaar – a marketplace filled with a fascinating blend of traditionally attired men and women as well as herds of bleating goats.

Off Khasab’s coastline seldom does a moment pass where humpback dolphins are not seen frolicking and slicing through the warm waters along with pods of whale and the occasional shark.

“Musandam’s varied marine life is just spectacular along with its maritime heritage,” says Mona Tannous, Australian Director, Ministry of Tourism. “Travellers can either enjoy a cruise or hire a boat with a skipper and navigate the fjords, the many hidden khors or simply visit the quaint fishing villages that dot Musandam’s shoreline.”

The road that links Khasab to Dubai also unveils date plantations, provincial villages and picturesque wadis, nourished by seasonal rains. For a bird’s eye view of the fjords and Hajar Mountains, hire a 4 x 4 wheel vehicle to reach Khor an-Majd and overlook the sea that once linked Oman to ancient Persia. The drive also allows travellers to explore a number of rural villages and classic mountain scenery at Jebel Harim.

While in Khasab, visitors can explore Khasab Fort, located at the end of Khasab’s harbour and built by the Portuguese in the 18th Century. Featuring three cannons, which face the sea, the fort was used until recently to signal the sighting of the moon – indicating the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid.

Also near to Khasab is Bukha Fort, a splendid citadel constructed in the 17th Century and meticulously restored in 1990. Though Bukha is relatively remote, surrounding the fort is a pristine beach, providing travellers with a timeless view across the Arabian Gulf.

FAST FACTS:

Oman Air operates four weekly services to Khasab from Muscat
Khasab offers a number of deluxe accommodations including Golden Tulip Khasab Hotel Resort, Khasab Hotel and Al-Kaddar Hotel. Advanced reservations are required from October – March
Car hire is available along with snorkelling, diving and boat tours in wooden dhows and catamarans.

For further information contact Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism in Sydney on 02 9113 5959.
Email: info@tourismoman.com.au

Visit: www.omantourism.gov.om
Visit: http://www.omanair.aero