Oman - The Bradt Travel Guide
A review of Oman, Middle East by Diana Darke & Sandra Shields
Diana Darke is a Middle East specialist who used to live in Oman. Sandra Shields lived there for three years and revisited several times to research this guide.
Bradt Travel Guides are the best choice for travellers serious about getting expert, inside advice for a country. They are informative, deal with a location in depth and are ideal for the first time casual visitor as well as the seasoned traveller.
As with other guides in the series The Bradt Guide to Oman is split into two sections.
Oman Part 1: Background
This consists of two chapters. The first of deals with useful background information including an historical overview, the geography of the country, economy, government and politics, religion, language, culture, natural history and of course the people.
Chapter two contains the practical information that any visitor will need including entry requirements, getting there and away, internal transport, accommodation, eating, drinking and shopping, tour operators, embassies, consulates and health and safety. It also has a list of highlights and some suggested itineraries. The short itineraries are great for anyone limited in time with a few days to spare while the longer ones can save even the serious traveller a lot of research.
Oman Part 2: Details
Part two is the meat of the guide covering the country in eight separate chapters from the capital of Muscat and the Batinah coast in the north to the Dhofar Mountains in the south and from the Indian coastal section of The Shariqiya in the east to the vast desert plain of The Dhahirah which stretches from the Gulf of Oman to the Hajar mountains and west into the Rub’al Khali or the empty quarter which continues over the border to Saudi Arabia.
Each chapter has detailed information on how to get there, where to stay and eat, what to see and how to move on.
Information boxes throughout the guide provide interesting background and snippets like the story of explorer Tim Severin leaving Muscat on his epic 6000 mile voyage to China following the original Voyage of Sinbad. His dhow (a traditional Arab sailing vessel), The Sohar, was built in Oman and named after Sinbad’s birthplace. Following the voyage The Sohar was returned to Oman and now sits on a roundabout at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel.
Sinbad’s reputed birthplace of Sohar is listed in the guide as one of the highlights of a visit to Oman. It’s just 230 km or 2½ hours travel from Muscat.
Anyone who thinks that Oman is just another patch of arid desert will have their eyes opened by reading this book. As well as extensive archaeological sites and historic buildings it has an elaborate network of over 1,100 forts ranging from castles to watchtowers. They were built to withstand invasion from China , Europe and Africa and to provide protection from warring tribes. Oman also offers first class diving facilities, whale and dolphin watching, superb Arab cuisine, art, culture, a sense of mystery and even the Queen of Sheba’s Palace.
