Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Salalah is famous for its plantations of coconuts, papayas and bittersweet, small bananas.
Stroll through the plantation roads near the corniche (2km from the town centre); for re-
freshment, stop off at the many colourful fruit stands that stay open until late in the even-
ing.
Al-Husn Souq
SOUQ
(Sultan Qaboos St; 10am-1pm & 4.30-9.30pm)
Head for this souq to rub shoulders with the jovial
Dhofari people. The alleyways next to the sultan's palace flap with colourful cotton head-
dresses, smoke with aromatic frankincense and sparkle with imitation jewellery. This is a
good place to see how the Omani hats are made.
Extra Divers
DIVING
( 92 873560;
www.divesalalah.com
; Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah, Al-Khandaq St; 4-6pm Oct-May)
For
diving and snorkelling opportunities in the region, contact the highly competent Extra
Divers. A day trip (two dives) including transport, equipment and permit costs OR60.
Note that it is not possible to dive or snorkel in the summer months (June to September)
due to dangerous currents.
Tours
Zahara Tours
TOURS
( 24 400844;
www.zaharatours.com
; 8am-1pm & 4-7pm Sat-Thu)
The Frankincense Trail explores
the mountains (OR141), the castle tour covers Taqah and Mirbat (OR136) and there's a
city tour (OR120) operating on Saturdays and Wednesdays. All prices quoted are for a
whole-day excursion in a vehicle with an English-speaking driver and a maximum of
three people.
Festivals & Events
During the
khareef,
the Ittin road is the main location of the
Salalah Tourism Festival
. Arab
families from across the region come to picnic in paradise. Their favourite haunt is under
the streetlights of Ittin Rd where a large festival complex includes funfairs, clothes stalls,
cultural villages, a theatre, restaurants and lots of small stands selling kebabs and
