Making the most of Salalah
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships dock in an industrial area. This terminal has no cruise terminal building and it is surrounded by desert. Use taxis or ship provided transportation. The port is a 15-minute drive from downtown. Shuttles are often provided. Taxis are anywhere between 12 to 20 Riads, depending on your negotiating skills.
Printable map to take along.
Salalah is the biggest city in the Dhofar region and the second largest one in the Sultanate of Oman. It is known for its glorious history, heritage, rich culture, traditions, wonders of nature and as the traditional stronghold and birthplace of the Sultan, Qaboos bin Said. Today, it is also contributing towards the economic boom in the Sultanate of Oman. Salalah, despite lying in the Arabian Desert, enjoys a temperate climate throughout most of the year. The period from late June to early September, known as the 'Khareef', or monsoon season, is one of the main reasons why the area is becoming a tourist 'haven'. Visitors from across the…
Although the town is fronted by about two miles of pristine white beach, clothing restrictions ensure that almost no one will use it. Another reason for the deserted beaches is the dangerous undertow.
Getting around
Salalah has limited tourist attractions: Palace of the Sultan (only to be admired from afar), a somewhat glitzy new mosque and a souq.
A new bus service started in 2018: The new route in Salalah is as follows: Salalah Airport - Dhofar University - Al Sa’adah Sports Complex - Dhofar Police Station - Technical College - Sultan Qaboos Armed Forces Hospital - Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex – Al Hasila roundabout - 23rd July Street - Sultan Qaboos Mosque – Al Nahdah Street – Salalah Park – Al Rabat Street – Awqad roundabout - Salalah Club - Al Qurum roundabout- Sultan Qaboos Street - Salalah Port) and then the bus will return through the same route towards the starting point, every 30 minutes from 6:00 am to 11:30 pm on weekdays, and from 7:00 am to 11:30 pm on weekends and public…
Taxi drivers are very nice in Oman. All of them are Omanis as this profession is reserved for nationals. You may ask for ENGAGED, just say 'engaged taxi' to the driver, and you will pay for all the seats(4) and now have the taxi to yourself.
Taxis are somewhat expensive, about 40 rial for a 2 hour sightseeing.
Many cruise lines offer a tour that's essentially roundtrip transportation to the souk.
Nearby places
Job's Tomb (an-Nabi Ayyub) makes a very popular excursion from Salalah. The drive itself affords great views of the area, while the mausoleum can be visited (and photos taken) by all-comers. Just remember to take your shoes off first! Women need to cover their heads to enter the tomb. Don't worry if you don't have one, you can borrow one at the door when you get there.
A bus ride there costs only three Rials (a big savings, compared to the 20 Rial cab fare). But, there is a snag -- buses don't set off until they're full, so you could face a long wait. For cruise travelers, the best way to see Job's Tomb is as part of an excursion.
The Mughsail (or Mughsayl) Blowholes are a local attraction. In certain weather conditions, the inflow from the sea will result in waterspouts being forced through porous rock. Even when this is not happening, the eerie sound is rather impressive.
Food and shopping
The old city is confined to the area called Haffa. The Haffa souq (market place) has wide range of collectables to offer: frankinsence, dates, handicrafts, souvenirs etc. You'll need to practice your bargaining skills before you go shopping there. Better would be to have a local resident accompany you while you shop, so you know you are paying for the real thing.
On the pier, there is a small supermarket, electronics shop and some restaurants.
Money
The currency in Muscat is the Omani rial (OMR). One rial is made of one thousand Baisa. Since 1986, the rial is officially tied to the US dollar at 1 rial = 2.6008 dollars; exchange rates on the streets are a percent or two lower.
Staying connected
Arabic is the national language, however most Omanis will speak good to excellent English, particularly in major tourist areas and cities.
There are a few cafes which offer free WiFi for customers in town.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours: Shopping establishments are open from 9am to 1 pm and 4pm to 9 pm. Department stores, supermarkets and shopping complexes are open throughout the day during Ramadân from 9am to 10 pm, with a short lunch break all through the week, except Fridays. These timings could vary with different shops.