Oman - Oman, UAE and Arabian Peninsula - page 348

Barka is famous for its halwa , a unique, laboriously made Omani confection that, served
with small shots of Omani coffee, is an essential part of hospitality on formal occasions.
The gelatinous sweet is quite distinct from the sesame confection known as halvah, found
across the rest of the region. A pot from dedicated halwa shops in town costs from OR8.
There's nowhere to stay in Barka, but the town makes an easy diversion en route for
Sawadi or Sohar.
Getting There & Away
ONTC buses run between the Barka roundabout and Muscat's Ruwi bus station (OR1,
five times daily). Taxis and microbuses can be found around the T-intersection in town
and at the Barka roundabout on the highway. A shared taxi from Rusayl roundabout to
Barka costs OR3 per person and around OR12 engaged. Microbuses charge OR1.500.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Sawadi
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A sandy spit of land and some islands scattered off the shore make Sawadi a popular day
trip, an hour or so drive west of Muscat. At low tide, you can walk to a watchtower
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP on one of the islands, but beware: the tide returns very
quickly. There's good snorkelling off the islands and local fishermen will take you around
for OR5.
There is an abundance of shells at Sawadi. The resort shop sells a handy volume called
Collectable Eastern Arabian Seashells, by Donald Bosch, if you want help identifying the
booty on the beach.
One of the largest developments in the Middle East is taking shape at Sawadi, trans-
forming the surrounding desert into a housing and tourist complex. The global recession
has slowed the rate of progress but new tourist facilities are likely to be available within
the next three to five years. In the meantime, the construction is far enough away from
Sawadi's main beach area not to spoil the peace.
Activities
Extra Divers DIVING