Petra - Jordan - page 366

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( 2157170; www.sellahotel.com ; JD20; 5.30-10pm) The Sella bathhouse has a com-
prehensive list of services including sauna and separate baths for men and women. Dead
Sea products are on sale here.

NAVIGATING WADI MUSA

The commercial centre of Wadi Musa is Shaheed roundabout, around 3km from the entrance to Petra. There is a
second collection of midrange and top-end hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops 2km downhill, close to the Petra
entrance. There are also a number of four- and five-star hotels on the 'rim' of Wadi Musa, on the road towards Wadi
Rum, all of which have wonderful views - not of Petra but of the unique surrounding landscape.

Tours
A couple of the budget (and a few midrange and top-end) hotels can also arrange simple
day trips around Petra and further afield.
There are many excellent local guides working independently in the Petra area. These
include Mahmoud Twaissi ( 077-254658; [e-mail]) , who has a well-
earned reputation not just as a guide but also as a fixer for large-scale projects throughout
the country. Equally well regarded is Mohammed Al-Hasanat ( 2156567; explorer-
[e-mail]) , who has been a licensed national guide since 1979. He has a passion
for hiking and has had plenty of practice: 'I took my first steps [hiking] aged six,' he says,
'and I've been walking ever since.' Both these guides are reliable, knowledgeable both of
the historical and cultural contexts of the areas they cover, and experienced in catering to
the needs of individual or groups with special interests. They can organise camping tours
over several days including camel and horse safaris.

Petra by Night
(adult/child under 10 JD12/free) If you were wondering what Petra would be like under
the stars, then you are not alone. The extremely popular Petra by Night Tour was intro-
duced in response to numerous requests from visitors wanting to see Petra by moonlight.
The magical tour of the old city starts from Petra Visitor Centre at 8.30pm on Monday,
Wednesday and Thursday nights (it doesn't run when it's raining), and lasts two hours. It
takes you along the Siq (lined with 1500 candles), in as much silence as is possible given

TOUR