Batinah Coast

The fertile strip of the Batinah Coast to the east of Muscat is wedged between the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Oman and the towering Hajar mountains. The region is noted for its fine fortresses, lush semi-tropical oases, hot springs, scenic mountain villages, and magnificent off-road driving experiences.

Early morning at the coastal town of Barka presents a colourful scene as the daily catch is brought up the beach by hand to be sold at a lively fish auction. Nearby, at Bait Na’aman, examples of traditional irrigation techniques can be seen along with a small fort. The impressive town of Nakhl is the first of three fortress and oasis towns (Nakhl, Rustaq, Al Hazm) collectively comprising the Rustaq Loop. Palm trees surround Nakhl’s hot springs, a place of outstanding natural beauty. The town is also the perfect spot for an idyllic picnic lunch! At Rustaq, the onetime capital of Oman, the mighty fort has a pre-Islamic origin and hot springs bubble to the surface in two great clear pools.

Further on, Al Hazm’s fort is considered one of the most beautiful in Oman. If time in Oman is short, visiting Rustaq’s tall sand dunes will give you a taste of the desert wilderness. Another opportunity for adventure seekers is an off-road journey through the highly scenic Wadi Abyad. Behind Nakhl and Rustaq, dramatic roads penetrate the precipitous Hajar mountains.

The route through Wadi Mistal up to the mountain eyrie oasis village of Wakan is spectacular, while the climb through Wadi Beni Awf to beautiful Bilad Sayt and over to Nizwa is considered to be one of the great off-road drives in the country. To the north, Batinah’s capital of Sohar claims to have been the birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor. Much of the Batinah Coast is accessible on day trips from Muscat.