Difference between revisions of "Salalah"

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Cruise ships stop regularly at the commercial Salalah Port GPS 16.9467,54.0035 OMonday - salalah-hafen.jpg, west of the city. Shuttle buses transport visitors from the ship to the port entrance, and taxis are also available. Visitors need to bring only their cruise boarding pass and their Tourist Entry Permit.
 
Cruise ships stop regularly at the commercial Salalah Port GPS 16.9467,54.0035 OMonday - salalah-hafen.jpg, west of the city. Shuttle buses transport visitors from the ship to the port entrance, and taxis are also available. Visitors need to bring only their cruise boarding pass and their Tourist Entry Permit.
  
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<h2 class=subheader>Get Around</h2>
  
 
It is feasible to explore parts of Salalah on foot, as most places of interest are close to each other. During warmer times of year, though, walking may not be the best idea.
 
It is feasible to explore parts of Salalah on foot, as most places of interest are close to each other. During warmer times of year, though, walking may not be the best idea.

Revision as of 22:28, 17 September 2024

[[file:Salalah Beach Banner 2 - Salalah Beach|unesco=yes|otbp=yes}}






Salalah is the capital city of Oman's southern Dhofar region. It is the second largest city in the Sultanate, and has the distinction of being the Sultan Qaboos' birthplace.

Salalah Halal Travel Guide

Downtown Salalah Dhofar Oman - Central Salalah

For most visitors, Salalah is the gateway to Oman’s most southerly governate of Dhofar – a historically independent, and culturally and ecologically unique region.

As the traditional regional capital and the city’s history stretches back two millennia, when, thanks to its strategic location, it was an important stop on the frankincense and silk trading routes. In the 19th century the region was incorporated into the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman, and Salalah served as the nation’s capital from 1932 until the accession of Sultan Qaboos in 1970, who relocated the capital to Muscat. Salalah was the Sultan’s birthplace in 1940, and his mother was a member of a prominent regional Jebbali tribe; to this day the Sultan maintains close ties to the city.

Today Salalah is still known for the cultivation and trade of frankincense (albeit now on a smaller scale), and is famous for its summer khareef (monsoon) and annual Salalah Festival, when visitors flock to the region to escape the blazing hot temperatures elsewhere on the Arabian peninsula. As lodging and eating establishments outside the city are scarce, it serves as a useful and interesting base for Muslim travellers wanting to explore the wider area at any time of year.

Read

  • Maria Dekeersmaeker, The DNA of Salalah, Dhofar: A Tourist Guide. Written by a Belgian journalist based in Salalah, this unusual book is a treasure trove of facts and history, organized thematically.

How is the Climate in Salalah

Most visitors come to Salalah during July and August to enjoy the annual khareef, when the nearby wadis are full of water. Occasionally streets flood, and ocean currents are too strong for swimming or diving. The crowds leave in September along with the rains, but the vegetation is still green, and hotel prices have started to come down.

Diving is only feasible during the dry season, from October to the end of May, and this is also the optimal time for bird watching. May and especially June are the hottest months of the year, with humidity steadily increasing until the rains bring relief again in late June or early July.

{{Climate| units = Metric | janhigh =25.5 | febhigh =26.9 | marhigh =29.9 | aprhigh =31.7 | mayhigh =32.4 | junhigh =31.8 | julhigh =28.4 | aughigh =27.3 | sephigh =29.0 | octhigh =30.5 | novhigh =29.8 | dechigh =27.7 | janlow =17.9 | feblow =19.2 | marlow =21.0 | aprlow =23.4 | maylow =25.6 | junlow =26.5 | jullow =24.2 | auglow =23.1 | seplow =23.4 | octlow =21.6 | novlow =20.4 | declow =18.8 | janprecip =2.2 | febprecip =7.0 | marprecip =6.3 | aprprecip =19.8 | mayprecip =17.1 | junprecip =10.6 | julprecip =24.6 | augprecip =24.5 | sepprecip =4.1 | octprecip =4.1 | novprecip =9.6 | decprecip =1.1 | description = Source:[[:w:Salalah#Climate }}

Travel to Salalah

17.01460|54.09565

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Salalah

  • Oman Air - Flies from Muscat to Salalah at least three times a day, with a flight time of 1hr 30min. Operates direct international Flights from Dubai W-Sa, with a flight time of some two hours, as well as to Jeddah

Thursday and Sa, with a flight time of 2hr 50min.

  • Air Arabia - - Flies from Sharjah on Sunday Monday West Thursday, with a flight time 1hr 45min.
  • Rotana Jet - Operates from Terminal 2 in Abu Dhabi.

Beware and the taxi from the airport is 10 or 20 times the normal taxi rate.

By car

Day 1, 12-30pm (6355517131) - It's a very long drive from Muscat

Driving to Salalah from Muscat takes around 12 hours, and can either be an amazing and memorable experience, or a very uncomfortable one depending on what kind of traveller you are. The first 5 hours are very scenic, as you pass Rusayl, Nizwa and other small towns. However, it's barren desert and oil fields for most of the remainder of the trip, with the only larger settlements along this stretch being Haima and Thumrait.

Travelling at night is usually better than driving in the heat of day (arriving in Salalah at night is a must, as the city lights from the high-altitude entry point are gorgeous). Watch out for renegade dunes on the way. There are several stops along the way for food, drinks, a cigarette break, or nature calls – you should take every opportunity to stop, as there might not be another one for many more kilometres.

Travel on a Bus in Salalah

  • ONTC Bus Station - 17.018874, 54.098415 next to the New Souq / Central Market ☎ +968 23 292773 +968 23 202721 RO 6 (one-way), RO 11 (return) Oman National Transport Company runs buses to/from the Ruwi station in Muscat three times daily, with the trip lasting 12 hours.

Bus transport to/from Muscat is also offered by Malatan Trading (As Salam St, tel. +968 23 211299) and Bin Qasim Transport (tel. +968 23 291786), both with identical fares.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Salalah

There is at least one operator in Muscat that will charter you to Salalah.

Cruise ships stop regularly at the commercial Salalah Port GPS 16.9467,54.0035 OMonday - salalah-hafen.jpg, west of the city. Shuttle buses transport visitors from the ship to the port entrance, and taxis are also available. Visitors need to bring only their cruise boarding pass and their Tourist Entry Permit.

Get Around

It is feasible to explore parts of Salalah on foot, as most places of interest are close to each other. During warmer times of year, though, walking may not be the best idea.

The usual unmetered Omani taxis operate here, with the average taxi fare for travel within the city 500 baiza.

If you hire a car, 2WD cars are adequate for most sights within Salalah itself. Outside of Salalah, however, many places of tourist interest lie off road, and SUVs are recommended particularly during the khareef season because of slippery terrain. Book your vehicle well in advance if you plan to visit during this peak period, as rental agencies often run out of vehicles.

What to see in Salalah

Al-Baleed (Zafar)12 - Al Baleed Archaeological Park Al hafa corniche - Corniche in Al Haffa IMAG2062 (1) - Burj an-Nadha

The old city is confined to the area called Al Haffa (Hafah), on the seafront.

  • Al Baleed Archeological Park - As Sultan Qaboos Street 17.006929, 54.132433 ☎ +968 23 303577 Al-Baleed (Zafar)12 - Opening Hours: Sa-W 9AM Monday - 2PM, 4PM Monday - 8PM; Thursday - Friday 4PM Monday - 8PM RO 2 (includes admission to the Frankincense Museum) A UNESCO World Heritage Site and these extensive ruins were once the 12th-century trading port of Zafar, visited by Marco Polo in 1285.
  • Museum of Frankincense Land As Sultan Qaboos Street 17.009433, 54.136085 on the grounds of the Al Baleed Archeological Park ☎ +968 23 303577 | Opening Hours: Sa-W 8AM Monday - 2PM, 4PM Monday - 8PM; Thursday - Friday 4PM Monday - 8PM Admission included with Al Baleed entrance fee This excellent museum has displays on the history of the port and of the region.
  • Salalah Museum 1 7.022544, 54.086593 in the Salalah Cultural Center Opening Hours: Sa-W 8AM Monday - 2PM Free This museum houses an eclectic collection, with sections devoted to regional geology and history. There is also a permanent display of Wilfred Thesiger's photographs.
  • Burj an-Nadha - Burj al-Nadha, Clocktower - 17.025098, 54.111784 - IMAG2062 (1) - The clocktower may not be a sky-scraper but it is indeed the icon of Salalah, featured in the coat of arms of Dhofar Governate. The tower looks stunning during nights due to the colorful light display.
  • Tomb of Nabi Umran - Tomb of Nabi Imran - Al Matar Street 17.021682, 54.111376 next to Lulu Hypermarket - Free, tips gratefully accepted Umran (Imran) was a local Arab prophet, believed by some to have been the father of the Virgin Mary, and believed by others to have been the father of Musa. The sarcophagus is 33 m long. Visitors should remove their shoes before entering, and women should cover their heads with a scarf.
  • Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque 23 July Street and An Nahdah Street 17.017219, 54.093803 - Salalah Mosque - Opening Hours: Sa-Thursday 8AM Monday - 11AM (for non-Muslims) Completed in 2009, this mosque can accommodate 14,000 people. Conservative dress required; women must have their ankles, wrists and hair covered.
  • Sultan Qaboos Palace Al Bahri Street 16.999768, 54.099334 - OMonday to Saturdaylalah-palast-aussen - Sultan Qaboos was born in a fortress at this location, which is now the grounds for a modern palace. It is not open to the public, but tourists may photograph it from the outside.
  • Traditional Dhofari houses Al Bahri Street 17.001697, 54.114204 along the coast - To see some older Yemeni-style architecture, drive east on Al Bahri Street along the beach.
  • Footprint of Prophet Saleh's Camel A Daqah Street 17.018581, 54.119352 - Free A shrine housing the footprint of an enormous camel in the bedrock. According to the Quran and the camel was said to have appeared from nearby mountains as a miracle, yet was killed three days later by unbelievers who refused to recognize the Prophet Saleh. In punishment a severe earthquake was said to have destroyed the entire city and its inhabitants. As in other religious sites, visitors are requested to remove their shoes and women should cover their hair.
  • Gun Souq As Sultan Qaboos Street 17.003000, 54.101833 A small informal open-air market for vendors selling all types of weapons, from antique rifles to traditional knives and daggers. Best in the early morning.

Best things to do in Salalah

Salalah Festival 5 - Dance performance during the Salalah Festival [[2011-05-16 19-03-06 p5162563 - Salalah beachfront Khor Salalah Dhofar - A khawr (khor) in Salalah

  • Salalah Tourism Festival - Salalah Festival / Khareef Festival - Opening Hours: July - Aug Held annually during the khareef period, this festival celebrates Dhofari culture and traditions with food, music, and entertainment.
  • Khawr Salalah 1 6.999912, 54.067233 As Sultan Qaboos Street and Al Khawr Street Opening Hours: November - April Free Avid birdwatchers can find many species of birds within the city itself, as this lagoon is noted for attracting flamingos, ospreys, and many migratory birds. Bring your binoculars.

Book a Diving trip in Salalah

  • Extra Divers Salalah - in the Crowne Plaza Resort ☎ +968 92 873560 | Opening Hours: 4PM Monday - 6PM Organizes guided tours for diving and snorkeling, and conducts a full range of PADI courses. Most of their dives take place outside of Mirbat, where they also have a dive centre. The centre is closed during the khareef from the end of May until 1 October.
  • SubAqua Dive Center - @ivecenter.com in the Hilton Hotel ☎ +968 9989 4031, +968 9989 4032 Offers full dive packages in the waters by Salalah as well as by Mirbat. Offers PADI courses.

Horseback riding

  • Dhofar Waves Equestrian Club - Awqad Street ☎ +968 926 579 78 - Offers beach and sunset rides. It is a little bit difficult to find, so use Google Maps or let them pick you up.

Local Language in Salalah

Most residents speak some English, but if you know a bit of Arabic and Malayalam then conversation will be much easier.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Salalah

Frankinsence-oman-dhofar - |Frankincense Haffa Souq 1 - Haffa Souq

Frankincense is the souvenir purchase in Salalah, and only visitors who avoid shopping will not be offered some. Frankincense is available in several different grades differentiated by colour and the lightest considered to be the highest quality and the costliest. Hand-crafted incense burners made of local Dhofari clay are also good purchases. Myrrh is relatively easy to find as well, as are the myriad Omani perfumes on offer throughout the nation. You can also buy a khanjar and the traditional Omani dagger.

  • Handicraft Souq Tatawur Street and Al Marqaz At Tijari Street 17.023047, 54.093567 near KFC Opening Hours: Sa-Thursday 9AM Monday - 1PM, 4PM Monday - 10PM; Friday 4PM Monday - 10PM A good place to pick up traditional hand-crafted items.
  • Haffa Souq - Al Husn Souq - As Sultan Qaboos Street 17.001666, 54.101416 - OMonday to Saturdaylalah-Weihrauchsouk-01 . The Haffa souq (market place) is the best place for frankincense and incense burners, and a wide range of other collectibles including handicrafts and souvenirs. Haggling is necessary, or alternatively have a local so you know you are buying genuine goods. Payment can be made in Omani rials, euros, or dollars.
  • New Souq 23 July Street 17.018471, 54.099446
  • Family Book Shop Al Matar Street 17.024037, 54.11215 in Assafa House - Has books in English and Arabic, and a good selection of maps.
  • Goal Sports As Salam Street 17.013167, 54.094757 opposite HSBC Bank ☎ +968 23 296624 Has outdoor sporting goods, including camping supplies.

Grocery stores

  • Al Isteqrar Hypermarket Al Fayha Street 17.012275, 54.074952 - Groceries are on the ground floor, and a food court upstairs.
  • Lulu Hypermarket - Ar Rubat Street and An Nama Street 17.020113, 54.111227 ☎ +968 23 218400 | Opening Hours: Sa-Thursday 9AM Monday - 11PM; Friday 9AM Monday - 11PM, 4:30PM Monday - 11PM A branch of the United Arab Emirates chain. Good for picnic supplies or camping gear.
  • Lulu Supermarket - 23 July Street and Al Matar Street 17.017322, 54.061723 ☎ +968 23 288133 | Opening Hours: Sa-Thursday 8AM Monday - 11:45PM; Friday 8AM Monday - 11AM, 4:30PM Monday - 11:45PM - More centrally located than Lulu Hypermarket (see listing above), but with a much smaller deli and no camping gear.
  • Spinney's An Nahdah Street 17.026001, 54.091636 by the An Nahdah Roundabout - Small supermarket with international food.

Halal Restaurants in Salalah

Salalah Fruit Stand - Roadside fruit stand

If you decide to visit places outside Salalah city (good advice for traveling anywhere in Oman), remember to carry some food packed for emergencies (fruits, fruit juices, sandwiches recommended) as there are few restaurants outside the city. Always carry several bottles of soft-drinking water since you may not find any store on the highways. There is, however, a delightful ocean-side cafe on the way to Mughsayl and the tidal geyser there.

  • Al Kutaini Restaurant 23 July Street ☎ +968 23 294179 Offers a wide range of continental dishes but specialize in (Pakistani) cuisine.
  • Annapoorna Restaurant - Al-Saf Saf - Al Ferdows Street 17.015301, 54.090231 off of 23 July Street A traditional South Indian Restaurant serving only Vegetarian food.
  • Bin Ateeq 23 July Street 17.009176, 54.072538 New Salalah ☎ +968 23 292384 | Opening Hours: Daily 9AM Monday - 1AM - Part of a small chain of Omani restaurants, and a good place for Omani food.
  • Bin Ateeq 23 July Street 17.018276, 54.102526 Middle Salalah Opening Hours: Daily 9AM Monday - 1AM A second branch of the popular Omani restaurant.
  • Cascade Tandoori Restaurant 23 July Street 17.016953, 54.096845 near Bank Dhofar ☎ +968 23 288233 | Opening Hours: Daily 11AM Monday - 3:30PM, 6:30PM Monday - 12:30AM Offers a large range of Indian dishes, particularly well-known for their vindaloo.
  • Chinese Cascade 23 July Street 17.015619, 54.094265 ☎ +968 23 289844 Chinese restaurant offering decent food. No buffet.
  • Chopsticks 23 July Street ☎ +968 24 783384 Indian-styled Chinese restaurant with decent food. No buffet.
  • Hassan Bin Thabit Restaurant - 23 July Street 17.016527, 54.098229 ☎ +968 23 291010 | Opening Hours: Daily 8AM Monday - 1AM - Serves Arabic, Chinese, European and Indian cuisines.
  • Ittina Cafe Atin Road 17.08583, 54.071143 on the road to Ittin-Garziz, turn right at the second roundabout, about 10 min drive from Salalah ☎ +968 9814 1067 Offers decent food and an excellent view of the city.
  • KFC Ar Rubat Street 17.023611, 54.093182 American fried Chicken, sit-down restaurant and drive-through.
  • Khareef Salalah Restaurant - Bldg No 54 17.00427, 54.04110 near Al Awqadayn Roundabout ☎ +968 2321 0030 | Opening Hours: Daily 11AM Monday - 1AM A unit of Hassan Bin Thabit Kitchens, with a varied international menu.
  • Pizzas Hut As Salam Street 17.0110, 54.0885 Always an option for any Americans wanting a taste of home, delivery available.

Mid-range

  • Baalbeck Lebanese Restaurant 23 July Street 17.018204, 54.102116 near the main market ☎ +968 23 298834 A small family restaurant serving very good Lebanese Halal Food. Has excellent hummus, tum and shwarmas.
  • Browniz Coffee House @offeehouse.com As Salam Street 17.010805, 54.087141 across from the Salalah Cemetery ☎ +968 23 297575 +968 23 298787 - This cafe/restaurant offers a good range of European food. Free wi-fi.
  • Good Hopes Restaurant - formerly Woodlands Restaurant - 17.038419, 54.106874 in the airport - Surprisingly one of the better restaurants, licensed.
  • Lebanese House Restaurant Al Salaam Street 17.005303, 54.060783 Bait Lubnan ☎ +968 23 212100 This restaurant offers good Lebanese Halal Food at a reasonable price (RO 10 for 3 people - starter & main incl. 1 drink each). Delivery available.
  • Oasis Club - Port Road 16.930007, 53.997468 Raysut ☎ +968 23 219248 | Opening Hours: Sa-W 12PM Monday - 3PM, 6PM Monday - 11PM; Thursday - Friday 12PM Monday - 12:30AM - Offers a wide selection of international cuisine at a very reasonable price (a fraction of the cost of the hotel restaurants and better quality). This restaurant is also fully licensed. Take away and delivery available.
  • 16 Ajwa 23 July Street near Bank Dhofar - Offers (Pakistani) and Hyderbadi food. No buffet.

The restaurants located in the Hilton, Crowne Plaza, and Juweira Boutique hotels offer high-end dining services, with both à la carte and buffet options. For romantic dining, beach pavilions can be reserved at both the Hilton and Juweira Boutique.

Salalah road side - There are many roadside stands selling fresh fruit juice and coconuts. Alcohol for non-Muslim visitors is available at high end hotels like Good Hopes Restaurant in the airport and Oasis Club near the port, as well as at the bars in the Crowne Plaza, Hilton, and Juweira Boutique hotels.

For a refreshing drink, stop at any of the many roadside vendors selling fresh coconut. They will lop the top off a green coconut for you for 200-300 baizas.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Salalah

Salalah - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Salalah, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Salalah. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Salalah and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Salalah. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Salalah. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSalalah: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Salalah.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Salalah: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Salalah, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Salalah.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Salalah, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Salalah, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Salalah and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Salalah, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Salalah, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Salalah without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Salalah is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Salalah.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Salalah is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Salalah, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Salalah Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

During the annual khareef from July-September the population of Salalah balloons with Muslim visitors from elsewhere in Oman and the Persian Gulf, so if you plan to visit during this time it is crucial to make reservations well in advance. During other times of year rooms are plentiful and rates are more reasonable.

  • Al Hanaa Hotel 23 July Street 17.019656, 54.11017 across from Lulu Hypermarket ☎ +968 23 298305, +968 23 290274 - Within walking distance of downtown.

Mid-range

  • Arabian Sea Villas - Dahariz Beach 17.00901, 54.15876 near the Crown Plaza Resort ☎ +968 23 235833 +968 23 235830 Price RO 30-40/night An Omani-Belgian enterprise located directly on the beach of South Dahariz, adjacent to the coconut groves. This is one of the best budget options in Salalah; rates include breakfast and wifi (available in the breakfast/coffee room). Note: it is best to book a room directly by email or telephone, as the booking service on the website caters to German tour operators, with significantly higher nightly rates.
  • Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah - Dahreej 17.008817, 54.151286 ☎ +968 23 235333 +RO 72+/night | checkin=2PM / Check-out: noon A better alternative for luxury accommodation as the property is much larger than the Hilton and more importantly it is close to the downtown.
  • Dhofar Hotel Al Matar Street 17.01725, 54.110095 near Lulu Hypermarket ☎ +968 23 292300 +968 23 294358 Price €80/double - The hotel offers basic accommodation at very affordable prices. Located in the downtown it is a convenient option for those who are not looking for luxuries or a beach-facing hotel. Service is very friendly and hotel is reasonably clean.
  • Haffah House - Al Matar and Ar Robat Sts 17.02397, 54.112009 ☎ +968 2329 5444 - Old rooms, basic but decent. Very close to the airport and in the centre of the city so it's easy to reach any place you want to get to, reasonable swimming pool, gym and tennis courts. Banking and rent a vehicle services are available in the same building.
  • Hamdan Plaza Hotel - Al Wadi Street 17.018871, 54.059683 across from Lulu Hypermarket ☎ +968 23 211025 Free breakfast with wi-fi.
  • Salalah Beach Villas - Ad Dahariz Street 17.00894, 54.15809 ☎ +968 23 235999 Salalah Beach Villas - Price RO 30+/night - Mocated directly on the beach.
  • Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah - Dahreej 17.008817, 54.151286 ☎ +968 23 235333 +RO 72+/night | checkin=2PM / Check-out: noon A better alternative for luxury accommodation as the property is much larger than the Hilton and more importantly it is close to the downtown.
  • Hilton Salalah - As Sultan Qaboos Street 16.981361, 54.015384 ☎ +968 23 211234 +968 23 210084 Hilton Resort, Salalah - Price RO 59+/night | checkin=2PM / Check-out: noon A popular choice for European visitors. It is located roughly 12 kilometers outside the city and runs a daily shuttle service to and from the Gold Souq. However and the hotel cannot really be recommended as the service is appalling and a general sense of "the inmates running the asylum" pervades.
  • Juweira Boutique Hotel - Taqa Road 17.031464, 54.299717 Marina Town ☎ +968 23 239600 +968 23 239622 Price RO 65+/night - From Juweira you can get a clear view of the artificial 'Juweira Island' which is spectacularly illuminated during night. There are many wonderful cafes, lounges and restaurants in Juweira. There is also a fashion boutique and a children's play area.
  • Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara - Al Mansurah Street 17.008142, 54.143869 Al Baleed ☎ +968 2322 8222 - Doubles OR 132+ - Recently opened beach resort providing a myriad of activities including tennis, volleyball, and badminton courts, petanque, and beach football.

Telecommunications in Salalah

Mobile coverage using Oman's providers is close to flawless, but roaming can sometimes be slow. There are several internet cafes around town, but speeds are inconsistent. Prices vary, but are usually cheap.

Stay Safe

Salalah is a very safe place. However and the Salalah (Arab) way of driving might need some getting used to for non-Arabs.

Don't go swimming in the sea or permit toddlers/children to wander off at beaches. The sea has very strong ocean currents and the seabed has a steep drop off, making it very unsafe for swimmers, experienced or beginner.

Cope

  • Remember to carry your passport and visa papers with you wherever you go, at least photocopies, as you can expect local police or military patrols to check on you when you least expect them to show up, even if you are within city limits (it is just a routine procedure to check for illegal workers and immigrants).
  • It's advisable for women to bring conservative clothing, especially if travelling outside the city. A general rule is to keep shoulders and knees covered. Western swimwear is acceptable on private hotel beaches, but not on public beaches where one-piece suits, or even tshirts and swimming shorts, are preferable. Keep a sarong handy.
  • Bring plenty of water and sunblock if travelling outside the city.

News & References Salalah


Travel Next

An Nabi Ayub Tomb - Job's Tomb

North

  • Job's Tomb - An-Nabi Ayyub - 17.111902, 53.993848 30km northwest of Salalah off of Atin Road - 500 bzs Tomb of Job Job's tomb - interior Believed by many to be the tomb of the biblical figure Job, on a hill-top overlooking Salalah. There is a small restaurant nearby with wonderful views.
  • Ayn Razat - Ain Razat - 17.128826, 54.235584 Opening Hours: Thursday - F, daily during the khareef OMonday - salalah-ain-razat-02 A - Freshwater springs surrounded by gated rose gardens, with several pools and caves nearby. Swimming is not permitted because of the presence of schistosomiasis (bilharzia); toilets available.

East

Taqah is 35km away on Highway 49, and Mirbat is an hour's drive.

West

To the west is Mughsayl with its famous blowholes, and some dramatic coastline (see Itineraries in Dhofar).


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