Job Discussion Forums

[Sydney2002]

Hi all

I'm working in Muscat and have never really been out of the capital other than to take a day trip to Nizwa about a year ago. I've got family coming to visit me in Muscat in June (of all times:( ) and I am considering taking them down to Salalah… partially to escape the heat and also to just get a change of scenery.

There may be some major drawbacks to visiting Salalah during mid-June also (18th - 22nd). I can get a good rate at the Marriot Resort thanks to its participation with my credit card's rewards program, but I understand that Mirbat and that hotel are nearly an hour's drive from Salalah's airport and that taxi drivers there cannot be trusted?

Anyone care to comment on that to begin with? I was advised to rent a car (which I'm not comfortable doing in an area I'm not familiar with) and drive from the airport to the resort.

Also- I'm not sure culture-wise if this would be a good place to take my brother and sister who have never been outside the western world in their lives. They've barely even been out of the U.S. and have held the same stigmas against the Middle East that so many other Americans (myself included at one time) have.

Would Salalah be too much of a culture shock outside the western friendly confines of the Marriot Resort? I was hoping to visit places like Al Baled and Khor Rori with the, both of which I understand are quite far from that hotel also.

Again- inviting anyone with expertise or just a helpful opinion to comment on this. I really would appreciate the help and feedback!!

[nomad soul]

Did you give travel websites like Lonely Planet, Virtual Tourist, or even Trip Advisor a look? They're a good place to start in terms of tourist info and tips.

[Sleepwalker]

I worked there years ago and found that, apart from some staring,people left me alone. The hotel will pick you up from the airport and will help you with taxis. The people from Salalah are well used to tourists - don't miss the blowholes at Al Mughsayl.

[veiledsentiments]

Sydney... why not give the hotel in Salalah a call and ask them if they can arrange transport... both to/from the airport as Sleepwalker mentioned... and organizing tours for you.

It might be an interesting introduction to Arabs from all over the Gulf as many head to Salalah to escape the heat.

Definitely check out the Lonely Planet Thorntree discussion board. Hopefully it is still searchable so that you can find the threads from the last few years.

VS

[madrileno]

[CANDLES]

Salalah is great, but it will be really hot & humid in June. People are wonderful. No-one stares really unless you are wearing inappropriate clothing for Middle East.

As for touring, the hotel can arrange a full tour so no problem there. Don't bother hiring a car,plus from the airport to hotel, there are plenty of taxis.

It's actually not a very big place, but very pretty especially up in the mountains and by the coast.

[grahamb]

The Khareef, which usually begins around the third week of June, shrouds the mountains in thick mist and makes driving hazardous. Beware of other tourists on the roads, and also wandering camels and cattle.