Travel Series: Oman November 16 2021

Note that recommendations in the Busty Girl Travel Series are based on my opinion. I paid for the trips with my own money and I was not given any compensation nor sponsorships.

In the second part of my busty girl travel series, I will give some tips about the lovely Gulf country of Oman. Oman has been on my list since I watched an episode of Anthony Bourdain's (RIP) Parts Unknown. The food looked great and the people looked great, so I was sold. I did some research on the history of the country and, unlike most other Gulf countries, Oman has a long history. It was a Portuguese colony for 150 years between 1500 to 1650. Then it colonized Zanzibar in 1698 and established trade on the eastern part of African. Oman was also at war with the Communists for 10 years, 1965-1975. Al Jazeera did a fascinating documentary on the history of Oman. 

The two most popular cities in Oman are Muscat and Salalah. They are 11 hours by car from each other and each has its own flavor. I only visited the northern part of Oman within a few hours drive of Muscat, but I heard that Salalah is more chill and conservative (no Western swimsuits allowed). Sightseeing in Muscat can be done in a few days, but what Oman is truly famous for is its natural environment. The country has deserts, lush forests in the south, mountains, and beaches with coral reefs. Its wadis are world famous and beautiful. Wadis are the bed or valley of a stream and, in my opinion, are the highlight of Oman, which has many. Some are easy to get to while others require a 4WD and hike through the mountains. I recommend renting a 4WD because there are many sites worth seeing off road. In terms of driving, my friends looked at me like I was nuts when I said that the driving was decent in Oman. I responded, "Oh, you haven't been to Qatar or the UAE." 

In terms of dress, like any Muslim country, modesty is required. The golden rule for women is that your shoulders and knees should be covered, and no cleavage should be visible. It's hit or miss in terms of bikinis, some places allow them and some don't. Knee length bike shorts and an athletic baby tee are fine for swimming in public areas or if you want to go full burkini, I recommend Lyra Swimwear.

My Lyra Swimwear burkini. I should have brought it to Oman.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS

Visa on arrival for stays up to 10 days, e-visa for stays longer than 10 days
Pre-registration
Negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival

RENTAL CAR

Enterprise Muscat Airport booked through CarRentals.com

SIM CARD

Ooredoo at Muscat Airport

SHOPPING

Bargain 30%-75% off the asking price at markets and rug shops

Frankincense 
Handmade rugs from nearby countries
Rose oil/water
Ceramics

MUSCAT

Sightseeing 

Old Muttrah Souk
National Museum
Al-Alam Royal Palace
Watchtower/Muttrah Fort
Royal Opera House
Bait Al Zubair Museum
Armed Forces Museum
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (open for visitors 8-11am, ladies bring a hijab and abaya otherwise you will have to pay for one at the gift shop in order to enter)

Restaurants

Ubhar
Al Angham
Dukanah (breakfast)
Copper Roastery (not a café, but will let you sample the coffee)
Mani's Cafe
Windrose Cafe
Rozna 
Zuwadeh 

Tours

Daymaniat Shells (book well in advance!)

Al-Alam Royal Palace

At the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque wearing my tall friend's abaya

NIZWA

Nizwa Fort
Jebel Akdhar (need 4WD)
Birkat Al Mouz Ruins
Nizwa Souk (known for ceramics)
Tanuf Ruins

OTHER SITES

Bimmah Sinkhole
Wadi Bani Khalid
Wadi Shab
Wadi Tiwi 

Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadi Bani Khalid, modest swimwear required

PCR TEST

Muscat Airport drive through testing (follow signs for long term parking), results within 24 hours, need Oman phone number