Spontaneous Adventures: How I Ended Up in Oman for New Year's Eve
- patelnikita1491
- Jun 10
- 16 min read
Updated: Aug 15
Ever gone on a trip without knowing anything about the place? Well, that’s exactly what I did—an impromptu getaway to Oman. And guess what? I didn’t even know where it was on the map!
As the year was ending, I was determined to shake off the FOMO and finally tick off "travel abroad" from my list. A friend casually suggested Oman, and my first reaction? "Umm... really?" I had my doubts—spending New Year’s Eve in a Middle Eastern country? Would it be fun? Shouldn’t I be at some wild party instead?
But hold on—if you’re craving adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and a unique way to ring in the new year, OMAN is the place to be! Whether you're with loved ones or just embracing your solitude, this country knows how to make an unforgettable New Year's experience. Trust me, I went clueless and came back mind-blown!
Let me take you through the basics of Oman and how you can plan your trip, including what to carry, the visa process, and a complete itinerary to help you make the most of this amazing destination. Although my trip lasted only 10 days, I explored at my own pace without rushing, which allowed me to truly enjoy the beauty along the way.
A Quick Overview of Oman
Oman is located in the Middle East, bordered by the sea on the east and south, with neighboring countries on the other sides. This unique geography offers a breathtaking mix of sea, sand, and mountains. While Oman doesn’t have lush green mountains, the rocky landscapes here are unlike anything I’ve seen so far.
Best Time to Visit Oman
October – March (Peak Season): This is the best time to visit, as the weather is pleasant, avoiding the extreme summer heat. Even in peak season, Oman is far less crowded than other tourist destinations.
April – May: Temperatures begin to rise, especially in Muscat, reaching the high 90s.
June – September (Low Season): Summer months can be unbearably hot, and locals advise avoiding this season.
I visited at the end of December and found the weather perfect. I got to experience a mix of winter, monsoon, and even some warm afternoon sun. Tourist crowds were minimal, even during a national holiday.
Visa Process
I applied for a 10-day visa through Atlys just five days before my trip, and it was approved the day before I booked my flight—lucky me! The process was easy, and you can also apply yourself.
Currency Exchange
The local currency is the Omani Rial (OMR). It’s best to exchange money before your trip to avoid high exchange rates at the airport. In India, I used the MakeMyTrip portal, which delivered the cash to my doorstep.
For convenience, carry a global debit/credit card(Visa/Mastercard) for payments at hotels, restaurants, and car rentals.
Getting a SIM Card
You can buy a SIM card at the airport, but I recommend visiting a local store or mall for better options. Ooredoo offers 8GB of data for one week at around 5 OMR ($13).
I personally used Jio’s Gulf Pack, which provided data and calling minutes, making it a convenient choice. Keep in mind that WhatsApp calls don’t work on WiFi in Oman, as the feature is banned.
How to Travel to Oman
You can book a flight to Muscat, which has an international airport. From there, you will find various transportation options to reach different destinations across the country.
The most affordable way to reach Oman is by flying from Mumbai to Muscat. If you book early or travel during the off-season, tickets can be as low as ₹6,000. Since I booked just 2-3 days before my trip, my ticket cost ₹8,500 with luggage.
Getting Around Oman
Oman is best explored by car, as public transport is limited to major city centers. If you rely on taxis, reaching secluded destinations can be expensive.
Car Rental: The best way to travel within Oman. You can rent a car from the airport (though it’s more expensive) or from Muscat city, where there are plenty of rental options.
Type of Car: If you're planning to camp overnight in the desert and have a comfortable budget, renting a 4x4 is highly recommended for better accessibility and adventure. However, if you're sticking to paved roads and standard sightseeing routes, a 2x2 vehicle is more than sufficient, thanks to the excellent quality of rental cars available in Oman.
Car Insurance: It's advisable to purchase insurance directly from the rental company, especially if you want peace of mind during your journey. Most operators offer comprehensive coverage options—choose the one that suits your needs best.
Important Driving Tips:
Speed cameras are everywhere, including highways—strictly adhere to speed limits and traffic rules. Oman has a zero-tolerance policy, and fines can be quite hefty.
Avoid off-roading in a 2x2 vehicle. Rental agencies have tracking apps that notify them if you're driving on unapproved terrain, so stick to marked roads unless you're in a 4x4.
No honking culture: Omanis drive calmly and rarely honk. If someone does, it’s usually a signal that you’ve made a driving error—perhaps lane indiscipline or not following road etiquette.
Taxi Sharing: If you don’t drive, you can share taxis with fellow travelers to cut costs.
How Many Days Do You Need in Oman?
10 Days: This is an ideal duration if you plan to explore Muscat and its surrounding areas. In 10 days, you can visit beautiful beaches, wadis, islands, castles, and traditional villages. The driving distances aren’t too long, and with a car, you can cover a lot of ground.
Personally, 10 days weren’t enough for me—I wanted to visit Salalah, the southernmost part of Oman, which requires more time.
Stay Options for Road Trip & Camping in Oman
Muscat: In Muscat, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation options—hotels, homestays, and Airbnbs. I personally recommend Airbnb, as hosts are often more helpful in guiding you around the city and can even help you with local car or taxi arrangements at reasonable prices.
Remote Locations: Finding stay options in remote areas can be challenging. That’s why camping is the best alternative while on a road trip in Oman. The country allows wild camping almost anywhere, including beaches and mountains—just avoid restricted zones like turtle nesting areas.
If you're into camping, you can either carry your own tent or rent a camper van, which is available at select locations like Sur or near Bimmah Sinkhole.
A Note On Camping
You must be very careful camping around here, especially close to the nesting beaches at Ras Al Jinz. DO NOT camp on the beach, only on the cliff top and as far away from the edge as possible. The beach is closed from 5pm to 5am and rangers will likely visit you. You must keep light pollution to a minimum, as this could disturb the female turtles and stop them from laying their eggs. It could also disorientate the hatchlings and prevent them from making it to the sea. If you want to see the turtles on the beach, please only go on the guided tour offered at the Turtle Reserve. Don’t go by yourself or with any other locals who may offer.
What to Carry for a Road Trip in Oman (Especially for Camping)
This was my first international road trip, and I’m glad I had amazing friends with me who helped plan everything. You can easily buy all your camping gear and food supplies in Muscat, especially from Lulu Hypermarket, which has everything you’ll need—from butane gas to groceries. Here's a list of essentials for a comfortable camping experience:
Tent
Sleeping Bags
Butane Gas
Camping Stove (you’ll need this for cooking)
Foldable Dishes
Cooking Utensils
Tea Bags & Glasses
5-Litre Water Bottles (refillable from roadside water stations to reduce plastic usage)
Head Torch
Cap / Hat
Bedsheet
Toilet Paper
Spoon, Knife
Trash Bags
Swimming Gear
AUX Cable
G-Type Plug Adapter
Snacks
Hand Wash & Mouthwash
Power Bank
Speaker
Multi-Tool / Swiss Knife
Tissue Papers
Hydration Pack
Driving License
You can also purchase ready-to-eat food based on your dietary preferences.
My Actual 2x2 Road Trip Itinerary (Unplanned but Beautiful)
Day 1: Arrival in Muscat
Day 2: Muscat to Pebble Beach
Day 3: Pebble Beach → Wadi Shab → Sur
Day 4: Sur → Wadi Bani Khalid
Day 5: Wadi Bani Khalid → Nizwa
Day 6: Nizwa → Jebel Shams → Shannah Port
Day 7: Shannah Port → Ra’s ar Ru’ayas
Day 8: Ra’s ar Ru’ayas → Bimmah Sinkhole
Day 9: Bimmah Sinkhole → Muscat
Day 10: Departure from Muscat
Alternate Suggested Itinerary (More Optimized – 2x2 Car Friendly)
Day 1: Arrival in Muscat
Day 2: Muscat → Bimmah Sinkhole
Day 3: Bimmah Sinkhole → Pebble Beach → Wadi Shab → Sur → Turtle Beach
Day 4: Sur → Ra’s ar Ru’ayas
Day 5: Ra’s ar Ru’ayas → Shannah Port → Masirah Island
Day 6: Masirah Island → Shannah Port → Nizwa
Day 7: Nizwa → Jebel Shams
Day 8: Jebel Shams → Wadi Bani Khalid
Day 9: Wadi Bani Khalid → Muscat
Day 10: Muscat & Departure
Day 1: - Mumbai, India to Muscat
Our first day in Muscat was all about settling in and soaking up the vibe of this beautiful city. I landed early in the morning and had only booked a stay for the first day, as the rest of the journey was planned as a road trip adventure.
Since we had already rented a car from India, I had been in touch with the rental service well in advance. To my surprise, the car rental agent was incredibly kind—he picked us up right from the airport and dropped us off at our Airbnb stay, making the arrival experience super smooth and stress-free.
After catching up on some much-needed rest, my friends and I decided to step out to pick up groceries and try some local delicacies. We walked to the nearest supermarket, and even this short stroll turned out to be a unique cultural experience—interacting with locals, browsing local products, and just absorbing the new environment.
In the evening, we received our rental car, and to get a better feel of the roads and traffic rules, we decided to take it for a trial drive. It was a mix of nervousness and laughter, especially as we tried to adjust to new driving habits. Oman’s traffic rules are strict and well-regulated, so getting familiar with the driving environment on Day 1 really helped.
Later, we headed to the Muscat beach, where locals were enjoying a peaceful evening with family and friends. The beach was well-organized and serene, and to our delight, it also had designated spots for camping. With plenty of food joints nearby, it turned out to be the perfect spot to unwind and wrap up our first day in Oman.
Day 2 - Muscat to Pebble Beach (Camping spot location)
After a hearty breakfast, we set out to explore the charm of Muscat. Our first stop was the Mutrah Corniche—a stunning 3-kilometre-long promenade that beautifully runs along the waterfront. It’s lined with cozy cafés, local markets, and restaurants, offering a perfect blend of city life and coastal serenity. On one side, you get breathtaking views of the Oman Port and harbour, while on the other, the dramatic Hajar Mountains and the remnants of Portuguese watchtowers paint a picturesque backdrop. The northern end of the corniche features a vibrant fish market and a traditional dhow harbour, while the eastern end is dominated by the majestic Mutrah Fort.
We also made a stop at the Al Alam Palace, a beautiful architectural marvel, although entry wasn’t allowed. Still, just being in its presence was delightful. While we skipped other major attractions like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, National Museum of Oman, and the Royal Opera House, we were completely content soaking in the cruise views, the fort, and the palace.
Soon after, we decided to head towards Wadi Shab, which we were most excited about. The drive itself was surreal—winding mountain roads, occasional rain showers, and a view of the blue ocean meeting the cliffs. It truly felt like we were driving through a dream.
As the day turned to dusk, we opted to camp near Pebble Beach instead of heading directly to Wadi Shab. Just a couple of kilometers away, Pebble Beach welcomed us with its untouched beauty. True to its name, the beach was covered in smooth pebbles, making it look like a postcard-perfect spot. This was our first camping night in Oman, and the setting was nothing short of magical.
Day 3 - Pebble Beach → Wadi Shab → Sur (Camping spot location)
The next day was all about adventure, and Wadi Shab was calling! We made sure to start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the place in peace.
To begin your journey at Wadi Shab, you’ll need to cross a short water stretch by boat, which costs 1 OMR per person—a bit steep for just 100 meters, but it’s the only way to begin the trek. The trail is well-marked and fairly easy, taking about 30–40 minutes to reach the actual wadi.
But the real highlight begins when the trail ends—you need to swim to reach the cave nestled at the heart of the wadi. The swim takes about 15–20 minutes, depending on the crowd.
The path through the water leads you to a hidden cave with a narrow entrance—just about the width of your head! It was a surreal experience.
Being a beginner at swimming, I rented a life jacket from the parking area, and that gave me the confidence to fully enjoy the adventure without worry.
There is an alternative hiking trail that offers beautiful views of the wadi and surrounding rock formations, but unfortunately, it doesn't take you to the cave. We tried that route first, only to realize it didn’t lead us to the main spot—so a bit of disappointment there, but the views still made it worthwhile.
After a refreshing swim and just before the crowd started pouring in, we made our way back to the parking area. There’s a public toilet and changing facility, which came in handy to freshen up and get ready for the next leg of the trip.
From there, we drove to Sur, filled our hungry tummies at a local eatery, and continued towards another serene beach to camp for the night. Sur is a peaceful coastal town where you'll find well-maintained sheds and designated camping spots right by the beach—mostly frequented by friendly locals. It’s a perfect place to unwind, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy a laid-back moment amidst Oman’s serene coastline.
Day 4: Sur → Turtle beach - Wadi Bani Khalid (Camping spot location)
From Sur, we made a spontaneous decision to explore Turtle Beach, located at the easternmost tip of Oman. Though this wasn’t the nesting season, the visit was still rewarding, thanks to the warm hospitality of the local people, who were more than happy to help and guide us around.
After spending a few quiet hours there, we set our sights on Wadi Bani Khalid, even though it was already late in the evening. As the sun was setting, we came across a beautiful camping spot perched above the wadi—a peaceful escape with breathtaking views.
We couldn’t resist a little off road detour to explore a secluded nearby village. The road was dusty and under construction, but the adventure was worth it.
After picking up a few essentials and groceries for dinner from a small local store, we set up camp for the night.
And oh, the night sky! A blanket of stars stretched endlessly above us, making it one of the most magical nights of our journey.
Day 5: Wadi Bani Khalid → Nizwa (Camping spot location)
The next morning greeted us with a stunning view of the wadi from above—a perfect start to the day. We quickly packed up our gear and headed straight down to Wadi Bani Khalid, determined to reach before the crowds rolled in.
A little heads-up: local guides often join you during your walk, offering insights and taking you through lesser-known spots like hidden caves, natural water streams, and even sharing fascinating stories about the area. While they don’t ask for money upfront, they usually expect a small tip at the end—totally your call, but I must say, our guide made the experience more enriching.
Since we arrived early, there were barely 4–5 people around, making the entire experience calm and serene. The refreshing dip in the cool water, the natural fish spa (yes, the little fish tickle your feet!), and the tranquil surroundings made it feel like a private paradise.
After soaking in this beauty, we hit the road towards Nizwa, which is one of the largest cities after Muscat and en route to Jebel Shams. By evening, we arrived and decided to camp amidst the mountains, away from the usual bustle and close to nature. Finding the perfect camping spot took some time—nearly an hour—but it was absolutely worth it.
The day ended with a breathtaking sunset behind the rugged peaks and a sky full of stars above. A moment of stillness, nature, and pure bliss.
You can also explore the Nizwa Fort and bustling local market, both offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture.
Day 6: Nizwa → Jebel Shams → Shannah Port (Camping spot location)
From Nizwa, we made our way to Jebel Shams, the highest mountain peak(3,009 meters (9,872 feet) above sea level) in Oman, known for its breathtaking views and the famous Balcony Walk. The drive is scenic, and the road is in good condition up to a certain point. However, to reach the summit, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. If you’re driving a 2x2, it’s still possible to reach with caution—provided your rental company permits it. Alternatively, you can hire a local taxi, which typically charges around 9 OMR per person. It usually takes about 3–4 hours to explore the area at a relaxed pace.
Camping on top is also an option for those wanting to enjoy the mountain vibes under the stars. However, we chose to head toward the Shannah Port instead. It was a bit of a gamble to leave Jebel Shams in the afternoon and drive all the way to the port, but we went for it.
It was our first time driving on Omani highways after dark, and while it felt a little risky, it was also exciting. We passed through sand dune-prone areas and stretches of pitch-dark roads, but the experience was thrilling. By nightfall, we reached spot near the port—an unnamed location—and simply slept in the car.
As I’ve said before, Oman is incredibly safe, and even sleeping in the car felt completely fine. We were low on energy to set up a camp, and since we wanted to catch the early morning ferry to Masirah Island, this turned out to be the perfect time-saving decision.
Day 7: Shannah Port → Ra’s ar Ru’ayas (Camping spot location)
We kicked off our day early by heading straight to Shannah Port, hoping to catch the sunrise by the sea—and it did not disappoint. The sight was absolutely breathtaking, a perfect moment of peace and beauty.
Initially, our plan was to head to Masirah Island, but as we waited for the ferry, we spontaneously decided to slow down and take it easy during the last few days of our trip. After all, it was New Year’s Eve, and we felt like embracing a more relaxed pace rather than hopping onto another island adventure.
That said, if you’re planning to visit Masirah
Island, here are a few helpful tips:
Reach early in the morning, as truck drivers form long queues for the ferry from dawn.
You can take your own car to the island, so do check with your rental operator in advance.
Both Masirah ferries and private boats are available; private boats only depart once they are full, so plan your timing accordingly.
After a hearty local breakfast near the port, we set out toward the northern side of Oman without any fixed destination in mind. Sometimes, the best travel moments come from spontaneous decisions—and this was one of those days.
Along the way, we stumbled upon some incredible natural landscapes—from the White Desert (Salt Beach) to the mesmerizing Pink Salt Beach, and even stretches of sand dunes that made us feel like we hadn’t missed out on the famed Wahiba Sands after all. It was a surreal moment to witness the desert meeting the sea—a sight I had never seen before.
By evening, we arrived at Ra’s ar Ru’ays, a beautiful and quiet spot where we decided to camp. There was already a well-maintained camping dome setup with sea views, plus basic facilities like water tanks for washing utensils and freshening up—making it an ideal camping spot.
As the New Year’s Eve celebrations began, we were cozily watching a movie in our tent when something magical happened. We stepped out—and to our utter delight, we witnessed bioluminescence for the first time! It felt like nature’s own fireworks show, a glowing, surreal gift from the universe to mark the beginning of a new year. I couldn’t help but jump with joy—it was pure magic.
Note of Caution: If you’re planning to camp near this beach, be mindful of the restricted zones north of this area, toward Ras Al Jinz, as they are protected turtle nesting sites. Red signboards clearly indicate no camping or beach access from 5 PM to 5 AM, so make sure to respect those guidelines.
Day 8: Ra’s ar Ru’ayas → Bimmah Sinkhole (Camping spot location)
Ahh, what a blissful New Year morning it was—waking up to the sound of gentle waves, a golden sunrise, and the calming view of the sea right outside our tent. It truly felt like the best way to start the year—peaceful, grounding, and magical in every sense.
After soaking in the views, I took a leisurely walk along the beach, feeling grateful for such a beautiful beginning. I even prepared a simple breakfast by the sea, and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the year. It was one of those moments that makes you pause and appreciate life in its raw, simple form.
As for our next destination—well, we hadn’t really planned one. We started heading back towards Muscat, just going with the flow. But serendipity had other plans—on the way, we discovered a beautiful hidden gem: Bimmah Sinkhole.
Tucked inside a small, well-maintained garden near the beach, the Bimmah Sinkhole is a natural pool with turquoise water, surrounded by rugged rock formations. It’s an absolutely refreshing spot, perfect for a dip—and what better than to take a New Year’s Day swim in a place so serene and magical?
We ended up spending the entire afternoon soaking in the natural beauty, swimming, and relaxing by the sinkhole. The vibe was so tranquil that we decided to camp nearby for our last night on the road. The beach next to the sinkhole was just as beautiful, and we were lucky to have the place mostly to ourselves.
Though campervans are available for rent in the area, we were content with our tents and the rustic charm they offered. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we lit a bonfire, roasted some corn, played our favorite music, and spent the evening in heartfelt conversations—truly a perfect wrap-up to our memorable road trip.
It was one of those nights where everything felt just right. My heart was full, my soul at peace. What more could I have asked from the universe to begin the year with such joy and gratitude?
Day 9: Bimmah Sinkhole → Muscat
And just like that, our incredible road trip was nearing its end. With hearts full of memories and cameras full of pictures, we began our final drive back to Muscat. We started early in the morning, cruising through the scenic roads one last time, soaking in every bit of the journey before reaching the city by afternoon.
We had kept this last day intentionally free—just to slow down, unwind, and explore Muscat one more time. It was also the perfect opportunity to indulge in some souvenir shopping and retail therapy. Muscat has a good selection of branded stores and beautiful malls, making it a great spot if you’re looking to take something back home.
After a bit of exploring, we treated ourselves to some more local Omani delicacies, and also stumbled upon several Indian restaurants, which felt like a warm, comforting slice of home in a foreign land.
As the day wrapped up, we looked back on the journey with gratitude—from the mountains and wadis to the beaches and starry skies, Oman had truly given us an experience to remember. The next morning, on Day 10, it was time to say goodbye to this beautiful country and head back home with hearts full of stories and minds brimming with wanderlust.
Until next time, Oman. You were magical.
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