10 Places To Visit In Oman Beyond Muscat

I have always considered Oman as a perfect destination for a spontaneous out of the country getaway. It's only a bus ride away from Dubai and Filipinos with UAE Residence Visa can obtain an Oman Tourist Visa on arrival. I have been there twice, and still, I'm on the look out for more long weekends when I can squeeze a trip to the fascinating Sultanate.  

There are so many things to do in Oman. One can start exploring in the laid-back capital and if time permits, a day or two can be spent in the outskirts! The country has a lot of surprises; from rocky mountains to golden desert to quaint villages!

With the help of my blogger/instagrammer friends who are based in Oman, I have compiled 10 places to visit in Oman beyond Muscat. So, if ever you find yourself in the "jewel of the Arabian Gulf", here are the attractions to keep in mind.

Must-see attractions in Oman outside the Capital

Wahiba Sands

"You can do a lot of fun stuff on the sand dunes at Ramlat al Wahiba Sands (Sharqiyah Sands). You can roll, make a sand angel, do the yoga, hang with the Bedouins, or pitch a tent, stay loose and watch the night sky under the blanket of stars in the evening. There are plenty of routes to this beautiful destination but i would recommend going to Mintrib. It's on the way going to another tourist attraction, Wadi Bani Khalid. So it's a win-win situation if you plan for this trip."  

- Bien Tuanzon of @bientuanzon on Instagram

Bien, a Filipino Expat based in Oman, in the golden sand dunes

Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadi Bani Khalid is the most popular wadi in the Ash Sharqiyah Region of Oman. It's a long drive from Muscat, but it's truly worth the visit. It has natural pools, lush vegetation and picnic areas. 

Wadi Bani Khalid - one of the most visited wadis in Oman

Jabal Shams

"Jabal Shams in Oman is a landscape that will leave you breathless. It is the highest mountain in Oman at 9,800 ft., referred as the Grand Canyon in the Middle East. The temperature on summer time is around 20-25 degree Celsius, a perfect destination for camping and mountain climbing.  It is the untouched and unexcavated beauty of Jabal Shams that make it stand out from the rest of other tourist destinations." 

- Joanna Villanueva of www.travelingslippers.com blog and @travelslippers on Instagram  

Joanna, a travel blogger based in Oman, in Jabal Shams

Jabal Akdhar

"For a quick getaway from the scorching heat and humidity of the city, visit Jabal Akdhar in the wilayat of Nizwa. Jabal Akdhar referred as the Green Mountain is a must see in Oman. Just 155km away from the city of Muscat, the mountains view are eye catching. To get there it is necessary to have a 4x4 WD. Camp, visit the old villages and hike the mountains are the top activities to do, don’t miss it out!" 

- Joanna Villanueva of www.travelingslippers.com blog and @travelslippers on Instagram  

Joanna at "The Green Mountain" of Oman

Wadi Dayqah Dam

"If you desire an easy access to one of the wadis in Oman, visit Wadi Dayqah Dam. It is only 1 hour and 30 minutes drive away from Muscat Governorate. It's a tourist attraction and the biggest dam in Oman. It was made to collect rain that falls from the mountains to control the volume of water running thru the villages. The stead is not for swimming and other water activities. It's only ideal for picnics  and for photography." 

- Heidz Gariando of @a_wannabe_explorer on Instagram

"A spectacular view of a tranquil lake surrounded by slopes of hills." - Heidz

Bimmah Sinkhole

Bimmah Sinkhole is an interesting attraction to visit in Northern Oman. It is located inside Hawiyat Najm Park (Meteor Fall Park). The park was named as such because a local legend suggested that a meteor fell in the area and created the massive sinkhole. Whether it was caused by the meteor or just by natural erosion, Bimmah Sinkhole is enchanting! The emerald waters are crystal clear and the rock layers surrounding it are stunning! 

More about our experience in Bimmah Sinkhole in this post: The Enchanting Bimmah Sinkhole.        

A sinkhole or a meteor crash site? Whatever it is, Bimmah Sinkhole is astonishing!

Birkat Al Mauz

Birkat Al Mauz is an abandoned village in Ad Dakhiliyah Region of Oman. We made a detour in this ghost town while we were on our way to Nizwa from Muscat. It is off the beaten path, less visited by tourists; hence it remained quiet and mysterious. The deserted traditional homes, the falaj which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the view of the oasis from the watchtower made Birkat Al Mauz a must-see on our list!   

Ed at the remains of the watchtower in Birkat Al Mauz

Nizwa Souq

Nizwa Souq is a sprawling traditional marketplace. There are designated areas for local handicraft, livestock, fruits and vegetables. There is even a separate section for the traditional Omani sweet called Halwa! Here, one can buy kitschy travel souvenirs (fridge magnets, key chains), purchase a silver khanjar, smells the spices and simply feel the local vibe.  

When in Nizwa, embrace the local vibe at the Nizwa Souq.

Misfat Al Abriyeen Village

For someone who's into small quaint villages, Misfat Al Abriyeen is an ideal destination. It is tucked in an oasis located an hour away from Nizwa. Traditional mud houses are still inhabited. The villagers have agricultural terraces where they grow fruit trees. There is a walking path for tourists from the entrance of the village leading to the plantations downhill.  

traditional Omani homes in Misfat Al Abriyeen

Jabreen Castle

Jabreen Castle is considered to be one of the most beautiful castles in Oman. It is located in Bahla in the Ad Dakhiliyah region. It was built for Imam Bel’arab bin Sultan Al Yarubi during the 17th century. Jabreen Castle holds an impressive history and culture. Exploring the ancient rooms and walking under the remarkable ceiling artwork made me feel like I traveled back in time.  

Jabreen Castle - formerly a royal residence, transformed into a museum

Have you been to Oman? 

Share your favorite destination beyond Muscat in the comment section!

PS. I would like to thank my friends who are based in Oman - Bien, Joanna and Heidz, for making this blog post possible. To know more about Oman, follow their adventures on Instagram! :)

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