Bahla Fort (Muscat)
The ruins of this immense fort will spark any child’s imagination. It will also interest parents. Set in the oasis of Bahla, the fort owes its prosperity to the Banu Nebhan tribe who dominated the area from the 12th to 15th centuries. With its massive walls and towers of brick and stone, it is a remarkable example of the power of the Banu Nebhan.

Children's Museum (Muscat)
This interactive museum allows children to explore their world using scientific methods, such as energy creation using dynamos; reaction tests and balancing boards. Its large blue and white domes can be seen from the main highway around Shatti al Qurum.

Frankincense Trail (Salalah)
In ancient times some 1,400 kilogrammes of frankincense were transported each year by ship from southern Arabia to the Mediterranean. This protected UNESCO site was the centre of frankincense trading. You can see the frankincense trees of Wadi Dawkah, the remains of the caravan oasis of Shisr/Wubar, and the ports of Khor Rori and Al-Balid which vividly illustrate the frankincense trade that flourished here for many centuries.

Horseback Riding
Arabian horses are world famous and if you like riding, Oman has exotic trails and the horses to take you there. You'll find the Royal Stables in Seeb a good spot to for equestrian events, and if you go to the Al Kamil/Al Wafi region of the country, you can find the best breeders and trainers the country has to offer.

Mutrah Souk (Muscat)
This is the oldest market in Muscat and a fascinating place to wander. People dressed in traditional attire, shops selling all sorts of things from ornate Omani silver swords and trunks, to carpets, spices, Bedouin jewellery and frankincense. Located on the main seafront (Mutrah Port) in the heart of Muscat - Mutrah Fort is nearby as well as other places of interest.

Natural History Museum (Muscat)
Oman’s indigenous species are on display here including a huge skeleton of a sperm whale which washed up on shore around 27 years ago. The botanical gardens with its aromatic shrubs are the perfect place for a stroll during the cooler months. Housed within the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture, Al Khuwair, Muscat.

Turtle Watching
The beaches of Ras Al Had, Ras Al Junayz and Masirah Island are just some of the areas where several species of marine turtles come to lay their eggs. Green turtles, loggerheads, Hawksbill and leatherbacks live for over 100 years and swim the length and breadth of the Indian Ocean only to return every year to the same sites to lay their eggs. Many tour operators and hotels offer turtle tours.

Oman's diverse terrain of mountains, deserts and seascapes provide a host of outdoor pursuits from diving and sailing to hiking and caving.

Bird Watching
Species from Europe, Africa and Asia can be spotted in Oman, especially from October to April. Green parrots, herons, ospreys, laughing doves and Egyptian vultures can be seen. The best sites are the Al-Ansab lagoons, Qurum National Park and the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary.

Caving
Oman is home to the second largest cave in the world the Majlis al-Jhinn. Its long passages, crystal-clear streams, canals and drip curtains extend throughout its 4 million cubic metre expanse. It’s best to hire a guide or join a tour. Inquire at your hotel.

Fishing
Game fishing is now becoming very popular in Oman as species such as marlin and tuna are highly sought. The coasts off Sur and Masirah are especially suited for fishing. Spear-fishing is strictly prohibited.

Hiking
Oman is an amazing place for exploration among its dramatic mountain scenery. Oman’s hiking is the best kept secret of the Gulf region, if not the entire Middle East, having striking scenery, friendly people and year-round sunshine. Hire a guide or get yourself a copy of "Adventure Trekking in Oman" by Anne Dale & Jerry Hadwind which introduces the myriad pathways and staircases criss-crossing the country's fascinating mountains. These higher elevations provide cool relief from the hot plains and coastal areas

Horseback Riding
Arabian horses are world famous and if you like riding, Oman has exotic trails and the horses to take you there. You'll find the Royal Stables in Seeb a good spot to for equestrian events, and if you go to the Al Kamil/Al Wafi region of the country, you can find the best breeders and trainers the country has to offer.

Photography
There is an abundance of glorious photo opportunities throughout Oman. The best months for photography are November to April in the early morning or late afternoon. Use of a UV and polarizing filter is recommended.

Note
It is not advisable to take pictures of women without requesting and obtaining permission beforehand. This can be done by saying "Mumkin sura, min fadlak?" (May I take your picture please?). Photography of government and military installations is strictly prohibited.

Rock Climbing
Rugged mountains, rising to 3,000 meters, amongst a maze of spurs and wadis (riverbeds), deep canyons and towering cliffs presents climbers with enigmatic challenges. Getting onto the mountain in a four-wheel drive is easy. For specific information pick up a copy of "Rock Climbing in Oman" from Apex Publishing (Tel: 799 388), available at most book stores and shopping centres.

Sailing and Boating
Water crafts for hire range from traditional wooden dhows to sporty sloops, graceful catamarans and sailing/motor yachts. Go dolphin and whale watching or simply enjoy the sea air and exotic scenery.

Scuba Diving
With a coastline over 2100 km long, Oman has a wealth of underwater life and adventures. Several companies specialising in diving services offer a complete range of diving courses, diving equipment and activities such as night dives, wreck dives, etc. Inquire at your hotel.

Turtle Watching
The beaches of Ras Al Had, Ras Al Junayz and Masirah Island are just some of the areas where several species of marine turtles come to lay their eggs. Green turtles, loggerheads, Hawksbill and leatherbacks live for over 100 years and swim the length and breadth of the Indian Ocean only to return every year to the same sites to lay their eggs. Many tour operators and hotels offer turtle tours.

Everyday Omani cuisine includes a wide variety of soups of vegetable, lentils, lamb or chicken. Salads are also popular and usually include smoked eggplant, tuna, dried fish or watercress. Main course dishes are extensive and range from marak, a vegetable curry, to assorted kebabs, barbecued, grilled and curried meat, chicken and fish dishes.

Rice is served in a variety of ways, from steamed and spiced with saffron to elaborate concoctions bursting with meat and vegetables. Breads rage from plain to those flavoured with dates, sesame, honey, thyme and garlic. For dessert, Omani halwa (sesame and honey), or sweatmeat, is a traditional favourite.

Traditional Omani cuisine is fairly simple, but by using various marinades and impregnating meat with spices, the results are mouth-watering concoctions. Mutton, chicken and fish are regularly used in dishes. Meats are generally roasted and served with saffron rice, bread and salad, while fresh kingfish is barbequed and served with lemon and rice. Yoghurt drinks, flavoured with cardamom and pistachio nuts are also very popular. A favourite drink is laban (salty buttermilk).

Omani cuisine is distinct from the indigenous foods of other Gulf States and even varies within Oman's different regions. However, one delight that remains a symbol of Omani hospitality throughout the country are the abundant dates, served with khawa, or Omani coffee. Khawa is prepared from freshly roasted ground coffee mixed with cardamom powder. Rukhal bread is thin and round and is eaten at any meal, typically served with Omani honey for breakfast or crumbled over curry for dinner. Spices, herbs, onion, garlic and lime are liberally used in Omani cuisine, but it is not spicy by Asian standards.

In the more local eateries, you will notice segregated “Family Rooms”. This is where you should eat if you are a woman or if you are dining with a woman. Men are allowed in the Family Rooms, but only if accompanied by a woman. However, if the men outnumber the women in your dining party, you may dine in the main dining room. Western women are not forced to dine in Family Rooms, but may feel more comfortable if there are many men in the main dining room.

Numerous restaurants have opened in recent years, but many people retain the habit of dining at hotels. There is a wide variety of cuisine on offer, including African, Arabic, Chinese, Indian, European and other international cuisine. Coffee houses are popular serving spiced coffee, sweets and Sheesha (flavoured tobacco). Muslim law forbids alcohol, but most hotel bars and restaurants serve alcohol. Visitors are only allowed to drink alcohol in licensed hotels and restaurants.

The modern shops are mostly in Muscat in the districts of Ruwi and Qurum. The two main souks (markets) are located in Mutrah in the heart of Muscat and Nizwa two hour’s drive from Muscat. Special purchase include traditional crafts such as silver and gold jewellery, khanjars (Omani daggers), brass coffeepots, trunks, frankincense, myrrh, bukhoor incense, hand-woven textiles, carpets, baskets and camel straps. Antique khanjars (over 50 years old) may not be exported. It is wise to check with the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture for the necessary documentation before purchasing anything over 50 years old.

Mutrah Souk
Brightly-coloured and permeated with the smell of frankincense, Mutrah Souk is the oldest and by far the most well known market in Oman. Situated in the heart of Muscat along the stunning seafront, a tall arch frames the entrance. The souk is a people-watching and shoppers' delight as old and new mingle among the maze of fascinating alleys. Here, Bedouin women sell the fragrant aromas known as Bukhoor, combining various raw materials such as sandalwood, frankincense and natural oils. The souk is best enjoyed when you can take your time to take in all the sights and sounds. It is least crowded in the mornings and late afternoon and busiest in the evening hours after 6 pm. The prices for most items are negotiable and haggling is a long-standing tradition. As a rule of thumb, however, it is not necessary to haggle for anything less than one riel. Even if you don't buy anything, the souk is well worth a visit to see this centuries-old slice of daily Omani life.

Modern Replica Souks
In the Sabco Centre mall and the Capital Commercial Centre, both in Muscat, you can find upscale replicas of the traditional souk. Here merchandise is a combination of authentic artefacts, cheap reproductions and trendy items usually reserved for the malls (such as perfume, watches and knick-knacks). Bargaining is still common place.

Nizwa Souk
Nizwa Souk is about a two-hour drive from Muscat. Outside the renovated fort stands the central market. You can purchase antiquities, pottery and silver jewellery. Nizwa silver craft is considered to be the finest in the country. As always, you can haggle for your purchase and you may be surprised at the deals you can find.

On any day of the week you can experience the usual hustle-bustle of the traditional market. However on Fridays everyone in the town gathers early in the morning at the goat walk at the far end of the souk to purchase livestock from the local farmers. This lively scene provides travellers with an excellent opportunity to observe local customs.

Sinaw Souk
Set between the Wahibah Sands and the edge of the Empty Quarter, is where the Bedouins come to do business. In the heart of the city in the square behind the green doors, all the action of a Middle Eastern market is at its finest. Bedouin jewellery, clothing, handicrafts, household goods and livestock are the main products.

Ibra Ladies Souk
This spirited Wednesday market is an all-women affair. No men allowed. Arabian women behave quite differently when the men aren’t around! Handicrafts, textiles and utensils are the main items sold here. Remember to test your bargaining skills and enjoy this secret slice of Omani culture.

Al Hafah Souk (Salalah)
Nestled in the coconut groves on Salalah's south side is a cosy souk in the Al Hafah section of town. The best feature of this souk are the various perfumeries where you can find frankincense, myrrh, rose, and bookhur that will send your senses sailing. There are also textile and tailor shops, gold and silver souks and cafes serving up the best in local snacks.

Shopping hours are generally Saturday through Thursday 08:00-13:00 and 16:00-20:00. Souks open from 08:00-11:00 and 16:00-19:00. Many shops close on Friday. Opening hours are one hour later during Ramadan.