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Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Balad Sayt village: A hub for tourism, adventure
Al RUSTAQ: Nestled amid lush oases and towering mountain peaks, Balad Sayt village in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq in Al Batinah South Governorate has emerged as a premier destination for adventure tourism. The village captivates international thrill-seekers due to its location along Wadi Bani Auf. It also serves as a gateway to an ancient mountain pathway officially recognised among Oman's mountain trails, linking Balad Sayt to the Wilayat of Al Hamra. Dr Al Mutasim bin Nasser al Hilali, Director of Heritage and Tourism in Al Batinah South, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the village boasts five tourist facilities with 42 rooms, attracting numerous daily visitors. Its natural and heritage diversity, coupled with unique experiences, makes it particularly popular in winter (September to April) when temperatures drop and tourism peaks. Summer tourism (May to August) also thrives due to the village's moderate climate. Balad Sayt lies along an active tourist route promoted by travel companies for its historical landmarks, natural springs and traditional markets. These attractions complement the adventure offerings of Wadi Bani Auf and extend towards Al Hamra in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. The canyon, a dramatic rock fissure in Wadi Bani Auf, earns its name from its serpentine twists. Adventurers can tackle three rappelling points — the highest at 23 metres — and navigate 13 natural water pools across a 3-kilometre stretch. A shorter trail, "Baseer Al Zama," features a 4-metre rappel and opportunities for swimming and cliff-jumping amid striking rock formations. Balad Sayt's origins are deeply rooted in history, with landmarks like the fortified "Al Manie Tower," the ancient "Al Madiq Mosque," and the 400-year-old "Great Falaj" irrigation system, now a Unesco-listed architectural heritage site. The village also preserves intangible heritage, including traditional crafts like basket-weaving, rope-making and palm-frond handicrafts. Funded by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources and Al Zubair Institution, the "Agri-Ecotourism in Aflaj Systems" project aims to revitalise rural areas. As Oman's first such initiative, it seeks to bolster economic sustainability and local community development. - ONA
Observer
28-04-2025
- Observer
Wakan village sees surge in visitors, boosting tourism
NAKHAL: The number of visitors to Wakan village in Wadi Mistal, the Wilayat of Nakhal, Al Batinah South Governorate, has reached 19,270 since the beginning of January until April 2025, according to statistics released by the village's Tourism Guidance Office, affiliated to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. The village has seen a significant influx of visitors during this period, with statistics indicating that February is typically the peak month for tourism. This year, the village welcomed 7,888 visitors in February, compared to 6,499 in February 2024 and 4,974 in February 2023. The Department of Heritage and Tourism in Al Batinah South affirmed that Wakan village is one of the governorate's key tourist attractions due to its moderate summer climate, similar to other high-altitude areas in the Western Hajar Mountains. This favourable weather allows locals to engage in year-round agriculture, particularly cultivating crops that thrive in temperate summer climates, such as apricots, pomegranates, peaches, walnuts and grapes. Dr Al Mutasim bin Nasser al Hilali, Director of the Department of Heritage and Tourism in Al Batinah South, stated that Wakan village in Nakhal has gained tourist prominence by offering unique experiences, such as stays in its high-altitude mountain lodges, hiking along agricultural trails and exploring ancient mountain paths that have become a draw for adventurers worldwide. He explained that the diversity of attractions in Wakan has made it a sustainable tourism destination. During winter, it attracts international visitors, including those from GCC countries, while domestic tourism peaks in summer due to the mild temperatures and harvest seasons. Key harvest periods include apricots in April, peaches in June, and pomegranates and grapes from June to September. He added that the agricultural trail in Wakan is one of the most enriching experiences for visitors, offering adventure, discovery and immersion in the village's mountainous environment. The trail requires ascending over 600 steps to reach its highest point. The village also features historical landmarks, including an ancient mosque, old neighbourhood structures and centuries-old agricultural terraces. Farmers in Wakan have begun harvesting apricots during this period, with prices ranging between RO 2 to RO 3 per kilogramme, depending on quality. Apricot cultivation remains one of the primary income sources for local farmers. - ONA
