Recent Blogs Created
Recent blogs created by our usersThere are currently 0 users online.
 |
Jan
10
Bahrain Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Saudi Arabia
A trip to Bahrain
Bahrain is made up of a group of islands between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. In the past it was largely unheard of, but a recent influx of tourists has seen this Persian gem transformed into a high-class hub for those looking for a top-end holiday experience. Shopping and dining are two of the most fervently pursued activities in Bahrain, while horseback riding is the way to get out and about among the beauty of the natural land and seascapes.
Flights to Bahrain
Although Bahrain has three airports, it is the Bahrain International Airport at Manama that is used by travellers arriving from around the world. Cargo, charter and scheduled flights service the airport, with Gulf Air and Emirates serving as the main carriers. Travel inside the city is easiest by taxi, which are widely available outside the terminal.
Movement around the city is most convenient by taxi. Bus routes are limited and do not cater to tourists. Bahrain’s roads are in good condition for those wishing to chauffer themselves. Local car hire agencies are plentiful, while a number of leading international companies also offer service in the capital.
If you are looking for a cheap flight to Bahrain try lastminute.com
Sightseeing in Bahrain
Bahrain’s capital Manama is the tourist hub of the area, providing visitors with a range of sightseeing options and activities to partake in. The modern metropolis has a number of excellent museums and beautifully built mosques to entice those interested in the art and culture of this Arab state. Many shopping fanatics choose to take advantage of the impressive range of shops here. The local markets known as souks provide an interesting insight into local culture and a wonderful day of shopping for the best in exotic local crafts and goods.
Many foreigners arriving from cooler climes in Europe take use the soaring summer temperatures to work on their tans. The beaches here are clean and picturesque with soft white sands and calm ocean currents. Alternatively, check into one of Bahrain’s five-star luxury hotels and sip at cocktails pool side.
Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
Bahrain’s eating options are endless. Cuisines from around the world can be found throughout Manama. However, no visitor should leave without sampling at least a handful of the local specialities, which can be found all over and at prices far below those of international dishes.
Manama’s nightlife scene is a hive of activity, with bars, restaurants and nightclubs providing a range of options to suit a number of tastes. The most well known clubs open into the early hours of the morning.
Fun by day – shopping and activities
Organised horseback riding tours are one of the nicest leisure sporting activities to partake in here. Golf enthusiasts will be thrilled by Bahrain’s courses, with Riffa Golf Club’s course being one of the most popular options, built upon a sparse terrain and including four lakes.
Bahrain is widely acknowledged as one of the best shopping destinations in the Middle East. The options include contemporary shopping malls and the more traditional souks. Brush up on your bargaining skills before hitting these markets and you will return home with a host of goodies and money left in your wallet.
Daytrips
There are a number of excellent daytrip opportunities for those stationed in Bahrain. The Tree of Life is a unique feature in the Bahrain desert. A guided ride by camel back will bring visitors to this lone tree outside of Jebel Dukhan. It has tapped into an underground water source sustaining it here amid a wash of sand in the desert.
The Hawar Islands are found directly off the coast of Qatar. The islands’ astonishing collection of rare wildlife species and the unique ecosystem at work here have generated a great deal of interest around Hawar. Potential status as a UNESCO World Heritage site is currently under consideration.
Bahrain, itself an island, is linked to Saudi Arabia via the 15-mile King Fahd bridge. When planning a trip to the mainland, day-trippers have the opportunity to stop at a restaurant situated at the halfway point across the bridge. The Saudi metropolis of Riyadh can be reached by car in four hours.
Must-see attractions
Bahrain is a kingdom within a kingdom (Saudi Arabia), and its single greatest draw for tourists is the relaxed attitude maintained toward western tourists. Those stationed in Saudi Arabia flock to Bahrain for the international dining and clubbing scene available here.
Bahrain’s capital city of Manama is a top-priority attraction for visitors across the Middle East. Tourists while away the hours absorbing the culture on hand at the local marketplace (souk), where quintessential Arabian products like woven rugs and aromatic oils are sold alongside modern appliances and Western-style clothing.
The Qal’at Al-Bahrain archaeological site is a treasure trove of ancient artefacts. These local findings have earned Qal’at Al-Bahrain status with the UNESCO World Heritage list, underlining its importance on the tourist trail. Archaeologists have unearthed remains of Dilmum, a civilisation that dates back more than 4,000 years.
Finally, the Grand Masjid is the most important mosque in Bahrain. It is a modern construction made partially from fibreglass in an attempt to stave off summer heat. It’s an active place of worship, with thousands of adherents showing up daily for one or more of the five calls to prayer. Be sure to make a special visit at night, when the mosque is brilliantly illuminated.
Best time to go
The best time to visit Bahrain is during the winter, when temperatures are comfortable enough to afford outdoor sightseeing and days on the beach. The summer months (June to late August) are really too hot for most visitors, and average temperatures typically weigh in just below 40°C. Anyone who does visit during this time will likely need to seek shelter from the sun during the heat of the day. Rain does fall in the winter though it seldom amounts to much and usually falls after dark.
Rainy day suggestions
It’s important to have an indoor activity or two ready while visiting Bahrain, not only in case of rain but also in case of extremely hot weather. The Bahrain National Museum (in Manama) explores a wide range of topics related to the local culture, history and artistic endeavours. This institute covers several millennia of local history, and all exhibits are presented in two languages: Arabic and English.
Comments
Leave a Reply
-
Subscribe to our RSS Feed
