Tackled another wadi in the morning. Drove to the trailhead of nearby Wadi Al Arbeieen but pathway up the wadi was unmarked. Headed up through the plantations, avoiding the rock scramble. Followed a falaj (traditional irrigation canal) up the canyon for 45 minutes, then gave up trying to find the promised pristine swimming pools. Back at the trailhead, found a deep pool and small waterfall, so took a dip there.
A two hour drive back to the airport to return our vehicle then taxied to the old area of Muscat called Muttrah. Wandered through the souk, the oldest market in Oman, then dinner at a patio restaurant on the Corniche.
Next day, walked 5km along the Corniche all the way to Old Muscat. Incredibly hot and humid walk so ducked into the air-conditioned Muscat Gate Museum. Quite interesting with lots of old city photos. Until 1970, these gates to the city were locked every night. Headed to the National Museum of Oman, not a lot of content but beautiful displays. Caught a glimpse of the Sultan’s Palace (you are not allowed in) then lunch at a small, local restaurant. Highlight was the Bait Al Zubair, a restored house with tons of informative displays about traditional dress, crafts, furniture, rosewater making, frankincense harvesting, stamps and coins. Taxied back to Muttrah for dinner at our favourite patio restaurant.
Friday is a Holy Day in Arabia, so much was closed. Quick visit to the Place and People Museum near our guesthouse. Several refurbished houses decorated as if in the 1950/60’s (pre the renaissance of 1970). Long hike in the hot sun up to the Muttrah Fort. Not much there (a few cannons) but a gorgeous view of Muttrah and the ocean. Grabbed a coffee and sat for a few hours in the cool breeze at the top. Early dinner as we had an 8:45am flight to Dubai. Excellent food and atmosphere at the Bait Al Luban (House of Frankincense) and a taste of frankincense water.
Here’s what we had to say about the National Museum and the Muscat Gate Museum in our review on TripAdvisor:
The National Museum in old Muscat was interesting, but perhaps a bit light on content. It did cover the entire history of the Omani people, but perhaps not in as much depth as we might have hoped.
The walk out to old Muscat along the Corniche is nice but be forewarned that it’s beside a 4-lane highway, and there’s hardly any shade the entire way. A highlight of the walk is a stop at the Muscat Gate. Reviews on TA don’t seem to mention the small but very interesting museum at the top of the gate. It’s not only free, but also air conditioned!
The palace of the Sultan of Oman can be seen from the steps of the National Museum, but you can only look through the fence at it, no entry for tourists.
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