Musandam Peninsula

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The Musandam Peninsula is the smallest and most northerly region of Oman. It is separated from the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates and its rocky headland juts out into the Strait of Hormuz.

The magnificent Hajar mountain range dominates the Musandam landscape ending with the Ru'us al Jabal (Heads of the Mountains) plunging dramatically into the sea. The coastline has fingers of fragmented rock reaching claw-like into the sea, creating long khawrs (fjords) and inlets. Small settlements nestle on the little amounts of flat land bordering the tortuous shoreline, most of them only accessible by sea. It is only in recent years that the completion of the graded road through the interior and a surfaced highway skirting the west coast of the Peninsula have made motorised travel in the region possible.

Musandam has much to offer the adventurous visitor. The remoteness of the region and its sparse population also make for a relaxing retreat. Dhow sailing in glittering, clear fjords provides a surreal sense of peace and tranquillity. Snorkelling and diving in the coral reefs surrounding the islands is idyllic, and for the history enthusiast the Peninsula's many ancient settlements, prehistoric tombs and rock carvings provide tantalising clues to the past.

Getting there

There are at least two options for travelling in to Musandam:

  1. Transfer/drive from Dubai to Khasab, the capital of Musandam. 2-3 hour transfer time (allowing for UAE/Oman border control formalities).
  2. Oman Air provide four flights to Khasab per week from Seeb International airport (Muscat) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays with a flying time of approximately 1 hour. Guests flying from the UK will need to spend at least one night in Muscat before going on to Khasab.
New High Speed Ferry service

The world's fastest diesel driven passenger catamaran, Shinas, will cover the 200 nautical mile distance between Muscat and Khasab in six hours. 'Shinas' currently departs from Muscat at 10am on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays, while the return trip will leave Khasab at 10am on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

'Shinas' will be joined by 'Hormuz' in September 2008. Both vessels feature state-of-the-art equipment and plush interiors, accommodating 203 passengers in Business and Economy classes and 56 vehicles.

Highlights

What to see

Khasab Castle: This picturesque castle on the inner cove of Khasab Bay overlooks the harbour and represents Khasab's eastern line of defence. Contained within its low, crenellated walls is a massive central tower that pre-dates the castle itself and the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century.

Musandam by Sea

The best way to experience the full splendour of Musandam is by sea. Our local tour operator can organise a variety of dhow cruise excursions including fishing, diving, dolphin-watching and visits to remote islands lasting from several hours to 2 days with overnight camping.

Where to go

Kumzar: the northernmost town in Oman appears tiny, overshadowed by the forbidding mountains that seem to be squeezing it into the sea. Kumzaris speak their own language and daily life is inextricably tied to the sea. The delicious aroma of fish cooking over acacia wood fires arises from clay ovens alongside the houses. The town may only be reached from the sea on a dhow trip or by privately hired speedboat. More...

Kumzar

Kumzar is the northernmost town in Oman. Although geographically isolated, it is home to a sizeable community of approximately 3,000 people. Iran lies about 55 kilometres across the water and there is a long history of contact between the two. There is no landward approach. By sea from Khasab it takes 2 hours to reach Kumzar by dhow, or as little as 45 minutes in a speedboat. The open sea has particularly strong currents, creating a turbulent stretch, so it is a journey best attempted by experienced sailors, although it remains a thoroughly enjoyable experience for passengers.

The approach to Kumzar, much longed for in rough weather, comes unexpectedly. The town appears tiny, overshadowed by the forbidding mountains that seem to be squeezing it into the sea. The town itself is wedged into a small area at the base of a steep gorge, and a channel created by the gorge runs directly through the centre of it. The densely packed houses are built on raised sections of land on either side of the channel, and are accessed by paths that lead along narrow rock ledges and through winding alleyways.

Kumzaris speak their own language, believed to be mainly a mixture of Arabic and Farsi, with the possible influence of Hindi, Baluchistani and Portuguese. Daily life is inextricably tied to the sea. From small clay ovens alongside the houses arises the delicious aroma of fish cooking over acacia wood fires. Children dash in and out of the surf while boat-builders work on the foreshore, tending to the local fleet of cowrie-decorated battil. Fishermen mend their nets on the beach and fish spotters, positioned high on the cliffs above the town, can be heard calling out instructions to the crews of small fishing skiffs in the bay.

At the foot of the gorge, at the very back of the town, are the oldest dwellings, situated close to the well that once provided the only source of fresh water. Water for the community is now provided by a modern desalinisation plant, located on the far side of the bay where a new school and a commercial jetty have been built in recent years.

Activities

Diving and snorkelling

You will find a PADI Dive Centre, managed by Extra Divers Worldwide, located at the Golden Tulip Resort Khasab. They offer all SSI and PADI courses from Bubblemaker for children up to Assistant Instructor license as well as Intro Dives for people who just want to have a go.

The underwater environment is well-preserved with beautiful coral gardens and a high quantity of assorted marine life including turtles, rays, nudibranches, dolphins and barracudas.

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