Musandam, the Norway of the Middle East Within the United Arab Emirates, Musandam is a peninsula and an Omani enclave. It shows that it is a territory that connects to Oman but is alienated from it. Khasab is the capital, and with some Iranian islands, the Musandam peninsula has extremely tactical significance. They appear to shape the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow gate to the Persian Gulf and the track where most of the world's gas goes. It is hardly populated besides Khasab, and you can probably find just a few settlements. It is for the region's western part, where you can reach easily.
Besides that, Musandam is home to some traditional villages accessible only by boat. It helps to preserve the conventional Persian Gulf culture of Qeshm Island in Iran. It is one of the very few places.
However, the main reason behind planning a trip to Musandam is that the region has some of the most renowned landscapes and fascinating marine wildlife in the Arab Gulf Peninsula. Ranging from dolphins to manta rays to a grand crag with remarkable marine views, you can count Musandam as a great day trip from Dubai and the ultimate weekend getaway.
Where to Stay in Musandam
Do you know that camping is allowed all around the Peninsula? YES, surprisingly, now you can enjoy your own camping in Musandam. However, for those who prefer to stay in hotels, there are options available for them as well.A few hotels are located close to Khasab, and the cheapest is a 3-star hotel. You can find 3-star hotels with incredible views of the sea and the Musandam Mountains.
Besides 3-star hotels, you can also choose 4-star hotels if you are looking for the best place to relax, chill, and enjoy.
Other than 4-star, another option is available – A big, entire villa. If you don't like the above two options, you probably would most appreciate it. Usually, for a group of people or when you want lots of space and privacy, it is the highly recommended place to stay while on your Musandam tour.
Things to Do in Musandam
Musandam is the best place for you if you love diving or snorkeling. You will experience considerable coral and big marine animals in Musandam. Besides that, you must try Musandam to try seafood. Seafood is prevalent there, in Khasab restaurants, such as fresh shrimp, calamari, and other kinds of fish; undoubtedly, all these foods are mouth-watering and cheap.
You must go to the Khasab Daba Road if you have a 4x4 (marked as Jeep Road on the map), a fantastic mountain road with heroic views of Musandam. Keep in mind that only 4x4 can go to this road. If you try going in another vehicle, you can face trouble as driving there is impossible.
To be more precise in details, Musandam has few particular spots to visit; however, it is a place to get lost and stop at random points. One of the most wanted activities most travelers like is a tour on a dhow cruise. Travelers book a time on a dhow cruise, and most daring people try to traverse some off-the-beaten-track villages on their own. Isn't it interesting? Sure, it is stirring, and you can also enjoy it with guts and nuts.
You must go to the Khasab Daba Road if you have a 4x4 (marked as Jeep Road on the map), a fantastic mountain road with heroic views of Musandam. Keep in mind that only 4x4 can go to this road. If you try going in another vehicle, you can face trouble as driving there is impossible.
To be more precise in details, Musandam has few particular spots to visit; however, it is a place to get lost and stop at random points. One of the most wanted activities most travelers like is a tour on a dhow cruise. Travelers book a time on a dhow cruise, and most daring people try to traverse some off-the-beaten-track villages on their own. Isn't it interesting? Sure, it is stirring, and you can also enjoy it with guts and nuts.
Things to do in Khasab
Khasab is the capital of Musandam, a small town, and you can have a small flash of Omani culture. In the 17th century, a fort was made for the Portuguese. It was not made for military reasons but for logistics. It is reserved as a supply for dates and water for the Portuguese ships.
Where to Find the Best Beach
From the frontier to Khasab, Musandam has tens of kilometers of virgin beaches. A pretty hidden beach, Khor Najd, is 30 kilometers from Khasab and the best place to choose for swimming. First, you must drive to the top of a small mountain to get to Khor Najd, where you get dramatic sights of the bay and the Omani fjords. Undoubtedly, Khor Najd is one of the prettiest places in the Musandam peninsula. I recommend visiting the place during a quiet hour of the day, and you will enjoy seeing turtles approaching the shores.More Practicalities for Your Musandam Trip
Camping in Musandam
The ultimate destination for camping is Musandam. You are allowed to camp anywhere you want in the peninPeninsula natives of Muscat and people from other places come here for camping, and they always express their happiness by sharing their meals with each other.Food
A couple of good restaurant choices are available in Khasab. On the other hand, all kinds of food are available in LULU Hypermarket, which includes prepared meals to take away.Best Time to Visit Musandam
Like other places in the Arab Peninsula, you can visit Musandam in winter or early spring. Summers are too hot there, so winter and early spring or late autumn are also suitable for travel to Musandam.Final Thoughts
The ultimate guide is always needed whenever you travel to a new place. It is the best I have yet to visit those who have never seen Musandam. Make sure to enjoy most of the time doing great activities.