Oman is home to vast deserts, emerald-green valleys, the Grand Canyon of Arabia, white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Arabian gulf. It barely seems possible for such dramatically different landscapes to exist in one nation, yet you can experience it all in Oman. There are so many beautiful places in Oman, yet this Sultanate in the Middle East doesn’t get the attention from tourists it deserves. We think Oman should be on everyone’s bucket list, although we selfishly kind of want to keep it a secret. A place this stunning deserves to be shared with the world, and we think you’ll agree. After our recent visit, it has risen to #2 on our list of favorite countries (after Iceland) because of the stunning scenery, tons of opportunies for adventure, and incredibly kind and hospitable people.
We are going to show you five of the most beautiful places in Oman to add to your bucket list. Believe us, you’re going to want to visit Oman after checking out these gorgeous locations. We took a 5 day Oman tour and here’s the highlights from our Oman itinerary. Keep reading for jaw-dropping photos that will make you want to plan a vacation to Oman. Like, right now! 😉
Bimmah Sinkhole- the legendary Oman sinkhole in Hawiyat Najm Park
Bimmah sinkhole, also known as the Oman Sinkhole and Dabab Sinkhole, is definitely one of the coolest places to visit in Oman, quite literally. This turquoise sinkhole is a refreshing oasis from the hot Oman sun. It is a 1.5 hour drive from Muscat in the Muscat governorate of Oman just off the highway to Sur. We recommend stopping for a swim or just to snap some killer photos on your way to Wadi Shab and Tiwi Beach, just a few kilometers away.
You can go swimming in the sinkhole that local Omani people say was created by a falling star. The name of the park that surrounds the sinkhole is called Hawaiyat Najm Park, which means “meteor fall park” in Arabic. Others explain that the water-filled depression in the limestone is actually a sunken cave. We prefer the falling star explanation, it’s so much more romantic! 😉
The sinkhole is filled with a combination of fresh water and sea water since there’s an underground tunnel connecting the sinkhole to the sea. You can swim and snorkel in the sinkhole, or those more daring (or crazy in our opinions) can jump in from above. We don’t like to go to the hospital for head injuries during our vacations, so we recommend taking the steps that lead down the sinkhole where you can wade in safely.
This is one of the most unique swimming holes in Oman since it is located in the middle of dry desert terrain and just seems to pop out of nowhere. You will find small fish inside that will nibble at the dead skin on your feet, which means a free spa pedicure. Another great thing about this sinkhole is that it’s completely free to visit. Woohoo we love to do awesome things that are free!
Take a refreshing dip in the Bimmah Sinkhole in Oman at Hawaiyat Najm Park
Our favorite Oman Wadi – Wadi Shab
Just a short drive from the Bimmah Sinkhole is the emerald-green valley Wadi Shab, or Wadi Al Shab. Wadi means valley in Arabic, and there are fantastic wadis all throughout Oman. Wadi Shab is commonly known as the best wadi Oman has to offer. It was our favorite of the two we visited because it is so much fun to get there and because there was almost no one else there. In fact, we were the only ones at the swimming spot for about an hour. See that solo swimmer below in the emerald water? That’s me, with the natural pool all to myself, making my way to the hidden cave.
Wadi Shab Oman is a bucket list destination!
To get to Wadi Shab, you must take a quick boat ride across the water to the hiking path. Our Wadi Shab adventure led us along the palm-lined valley, over giant boulders, past waterfalls and emerald pools of water to the natural swimming pool. From there you can swim and wade your way to the Wadi Shab cave, a hidden gem of Oman. This cave is so gorgeous that it is impossible to describe in words. You have to see it to believe it.
The tragedy of our visit is that our GoPro camera
stopped working just before I entered the cave. I didn’t realize that it wasn’t filming until after we left and discovered that I had no photos or videos of the cave. I can’t begin to tell you how disappointed I was about not capturing photos of this epic place. That cave is one of the most surreal places I’ve ever visited. It was like a giant blue glow stick was illuminating the water from below. I honestly can’t even begin to describe how incredible it was!
Thankfully our awesome Oman guide sent us a photo to share with you, because you really have to see this cave! The adventurous can climb up the giant boulders inside the cave and jump into the water below. I was inside the cave by myself because Bertaut can’t swim and didn’t want to put a damper on our trip by drowning. Although I wanted to try climbing up that rock, I didn’t want to risk getting hurt while alone. Next time, Bertaut is going to swim with a lifejacket to that cave and we will stay and take as many photos as I want until my heart is content. Can you tell how much it bothered me about not having my photos? 🙁
Inside the hidden cave at Wadi Shab
Wahiba Sands Desert
Next bucket list-worthy location in Oman is Wahiba Sands, also known as Sharqiya Sands. This desert is home to wandering camels and goats, nomadic Bedouins, and desert camps located amongst the sand dunes that range from rustic to luxurious. Any visit to Oman is not complete without a trip to Wahiba Sands, where you can have coffee and dates with local Bedouin families and learn about Omani culture. You can also enjoy dune bashing for some thrilling excitement, take a camel ride, or fly above the dunes in a Micro Light or paraglider. Read about our experience glamping at Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp in Wahiba Sands. Make sure to catch sunrise and sunset from the top of the dunes. It will take your breath away! Here’s a few of our favorite shots from the dunes of Wahiba Sands.
Sunsets are epic in Wahiba Sands desert in Oman
Watching the sunrise in Wahiba Sands from the Oman sand dunes
Wadi Bani Khalid
After leaving Wahiba Sands, head to Wadi Bani Khalid, our second favorite Oman wadi. It’s about a 45 minute drive from the desert. This one is much easier to access which makes it the best wadi in Oman for those who don’t like to hike. After parking there is a short walk along the falaj irritation system to the fabulous oasis of turquoise or emerald green waters, depending on the depth. Walk up to the small tower for a better view, and then head up the steps to the small restaurant for a snack or cool drink while you enjoy the serene setting.
Wadi Bani Khalid is one of the best wadis in Oman
Another great thing about this wadi is that you can put in your feet for another free spa pedicure courtesy of tiny fish nibbling on your dead skin. You can also swim, but respect the local culture and dress modestly since many locals come here to picnic and swim. Bikinis are not advised and females may want to wear a t-shirt or rash guard over their swimsuit to respect Muslim customs. We just dipped our feet into the pool, but I was prepared with a long-sleeved rash guard cover-up if we had decided to swim. You can find one Here
, which also helps protect you from sunburns in the blazing Oman sun.
Jabal Akhdar
Last but not least, Jabal Akhdar, also spelled Jebel Akhdar and Al Jabal Al Akhdar, is a must-visit place in Oman with phenomenal natural beauty. This mountain is part of the Hajar Mountains Range and features rocky plateaus, stunning canyons and gorges made from limestone. The Green Mountain of Oman is covered during the warmer months with terraces of pomegranates, roses, and other plants that give it its name. We stayed a few nights at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar and soaked in the spendid scenery where Princess Diana once stood decades ago. Here’s our favorite lookout spot on Jabal Akhdar mountain from the grounds of Anantara. Read our thorough review of this Oman Anantara for more fantastic photos of the luxury resort on Jabal Al Akhdar. Also check out our thrilling yet terrifying experience rock climbing in Oman on Jabal Akhdar.
View from Saiq Plateau on Al Jabal Al Akhdar Mountain
Have we convinced you to visit the most beautiful places in Oman?
If these 5 epic places to visit in Oman have not convinced you to add Oman to your bucket list yet, then we don’t know what will! If you’re planning a trip to Oman and would like to hire a private guide to take to you to these picturesque locations like we did, we recommend freelance guide Khair. He’s extremely knowledgeable and will give you not only information about the sights but also about Omani history, people, and culture. You can contact him via email at Khair-eddin85@hotmail.co.uk or by phone at +968 9600 0143.
We have a lot more on Oman to share with you coming on the blog, so check back soon for more on this amazing sultanate. Sharing is caring, so please share this post on social media and pin it for later when you’re planning your Oman vacation. For more travel tips and information on the Middle East, check out our blog posts on Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s Burj Khalifa are other places to add to your bucket list. Sign up for our email newsletter for more tips and inspiration to explore the world.
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