Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
To reach the dhow yards, turn left at the souq end of Main St and follow the road in a
crescent past the corniche to the great lagoon. The road circles back eventually to the new
souq, passing by
Fatah al-Khair
, a beautifully restored dhow built in Sur 70 years ago and
brought back from retirement in Yemen. A small open-air museum (open during daylight
hours) in the grounds houses other traditional vessels. Look out for a small workshop op-
posite the dhow: Sur is famous for carpentry and some finely crafted model dhows are on
sale here (opening hours are at the whim of the owner).
Sleeping
There are only three places to stay in Sur so it is worth booking accommodation in the
high season (November to February) and during public holidays.
Sur Hotel$
HOTEL
( 25 540090; surhotel@live.com; off Souq St; s/d/tr OR18/24/31; )
In the middle of the souq, rooms
are noisy but the bus stop, cinema and corniche are within walking distance. Turtle-watch-
ing trips can be arranged through the hotel (OR25 for minimum of two people) as well as
trips to Wadi Tiwi (OR40) or Wadi Bani Khalid (price negotiable). A booking and trans-
port service to camps in Sharqiya Sands is available.
Sur Beach Hotel$$
HOTEL
( 25 542031;
http://surhotelsoman.com
; Beach Rd; s/d OR40/45; )
This beachside hotel bene-
fits from its location along a shoreside path. It receives many visitors at weekends during
the winter season so booking is advisable. The rooms have balconies overlooking the sea
from which you can watch for phosphorescent waves at night. Try the excellent Indian
fish dishes and fresh
japathi
in the restaurant. Picnic boxes (OR4.500 and OR6) save the
bother of self-catering.
Sur Plaza Hotel$$
HOTEL
( 25 543777;
www.omanhotels.com
; off Main St (Route 23, Ibra-Sur Hwy); s/d OR55/65; )
With the
Captain's Bar (6pm to 3am) offering live entertainment (usually a Filipino band), this
hotel is popular with tour groups despite being inland. Oyster's Restaurant serves deli-
cious local kingfish. There is a Budget rental agency in the foyer and turtle-watching trips
can be arranged (OR18 per person), departing at 7.45pm and 3am for the dawn excursion.
