Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND MUSCAT
For an easy and rewarding day trip from Muscat, a trip to the
khors
(rocky inlets) is recom-
mended. The area, southeast of the city, is a popular snorkelling spot for weekend boat trips
but it's also possible to reach many of the
khors
by car.
Peaceful alternatives to staying in Muscat include the traditional town of Seeb, to the
west of Muscat, and the spectacular resort of Bandar Jissah, to the east of Muscat. Both are
well worth considering.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Seeb
24 / POP 302,000
If you are looking to experience a typical Omani town close to Muscat that barely sees a
tourist, you can't do better than a trip to Seeb. A 20-minute drive northwest of the airport,
this thriving coastal town has much to offer: there's a watchtower, a lively souq with a col-
ourful textiles market, a gold souq with competitive prices, traditional Omani hat shops,
halwa
for sale, a magnificent stretch of sandy beach and some of the best squid kebabs in
Oman.
Sights & Activities
There are no 'tourist' sights as such but Seeb is a great place to experience everyday Omani
life. The wonderful 8km corniche has a landscaped area for walking, enjoying sea views,
sniffing drying sardines and watching the fishermen mending nets.
One place to get a feel for the culture is on the main one-way road that runs in a circle
through the heart of the town, flanked with banks, the
gold souq
(look out for fine displays of
Omani bridal gold), supermarkets and tailors. The main
souq
is between the main road and
the sea in a purpose-built sandy-coloured complex of buildings near the main mosque; it in-
cludes a fruit and vegetable area and a fish market.
The road doubles back on itself just after shops selling Arabic-style sofas and sedans and
Omani honey. On the return section of the loop are outlets selling Omani-style
traditional
ladies' clothing
with colourful anklets and embroidered smocking. Interspersed with the tailors
are 'wedding services' shops selling strings of lights and outrageous bridal thrones.
Towards the end of the street, and completing the loop, there are many
carpentry workshops
