Musandam, Sultinate of Oman

My sister Marlen had done the research, created the plan and possessed the will for both of us, to make our journey into Oman’s rocky Musandam Peninsula a reality, on her visit to see me during my first year living in Dubai. It was non-negotiable, actually. For Marlen was ready to immerse herself in Omani culture, food, water, sights and smells. I was game too, truth be told…

Musandam, Oman: f/3.4; 1/1000sec; ISO-80

Musandam, Oman: f/3.4; 1/1000sec; ISO-80

The drive from Dubai to the Omani border was a three hour mission, however the vistas our eyes entertained began as magnificent desert landscape which then make way for magestic mountains and finally azure blue waters.

Musandam, Oman: f/5; 1/400sec; ISO-80

Musandam, Oman: f/5; 1/400sec; ISO-80

Marlen’s obsession with planning and researching was well founded, as her due diligence uncovered that we travellers require, in order to enter Oman from the UAE, a passport and an entry visa which mercifully is applied for and purchased at Khasab’s border security.

Musandam, Oman: f/3.4; 1/800sec; ISO-160

Musandam, Oman: f/3.4; 1/800sec; ISO-160

The Sultinate of Oman is in two bits, so to speak, separated by the UAE. Indeed the Musandam Peninsula – the smallest and most northerly region of Oman – is set apart from the rest of the country by the UAE. Musandam’s rocky headland juts out into the Straits of Hormuz, giving it strategic dominion over one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world…

Musandam, Oman: f/3.4; 1/1000sec; ISO-250

Musandam, Oman: f/3.4; 1/1000sec; ISO-250

But we did not care for ships, their captains nor their cargo. Marlen and I were all about immersing ourselves into the warm, salty waters of Musandam, and enjoying some freshly caught fish for lunch.

Musandam, Oman: f/4; 1/1000sec; ISO-160

Musandam, Oman: f/4; 1/1000sec; ISO-160

The isolated and harsh environment of Oman’s most northerly peninsula has instilled a hardiness and resourcefulness in the region’s population, many of whom migrate to the coast in the summer to harvest dates and to fish…

Musandam, Oman: f/3.4; 1/1000sec; ISO-100

Musandam, Oman: f/3.4; 1/1000sec; ISO-100

Dhow sailing in glittering, clear fjords and between the inlets is how best to experience the tranquility of Musandam. Dolphins frolic uninhibited, schools of fish dart; with our snorkels fixed firmly to our mouths, Marlen and I could only be tempted out of the waters with the promise of a traditional Omani lunch.

Musandam, Oman: f/4; 1/1000sec; ISO-100

Musandam, Oman: f/4; 1/1000sec; ISO-100

The striking juxtaposition of long fjords and barren mountains, sleepy villages and teeming fish markets, epitomises Musandam. Sun-bleached boats, drawn up on the beach or moored at the dock, glow in Omani sun. Local women are demure and elegant; local men are busy mending nets. All are welcoming of the visitor to Musandam.

Musandam, Oman: f/5; 1/800sec; ISO-100

Musandam, Oman: f/5; 1/800sec; ISO-100

 

 

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