Things to do & places to visit in Al Batinah Governorate, Oman

Al Batinah Governorate #6 destination in Oman 2023. The average rating score is 4.20 based on 747 traveler reviews, of 27 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Muscat, current date and time: Saturday, May 11, 2024, 0:36.

Top things to do (27)

Top places to visit (29 attractions)

5.0 Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (3 reviews)
- Grand Mosque
Religious Sites

Best Infrastructure and very clean. The design and the location of the Mosque make it very attractive. There are enough car Parks very safe to drive through. The Gardens around are well cared. Inside the Mosque, there are well planned decorations and the Praying Carpets looks marvelous. See more..
5.0 Al Sawadi Beach (1 review)
- Horseback riding
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Beaches

تفضل بزيارة السوادي الاستمتاع معنا بركوب الخيل Visit Al-Sawadi and enjoy horse riding with us Nice Beach Riding for Family and Friends Booking Beach horse riding +968 95600283 See more..
5.0 Blue Stable (1 review)
Spent 2-3 hours Equestrian Trails
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4.5 Nakhal Fort (221 reviews)
- A Very Old Fort
Historic Sites

Nakhal Fort is one of the very few forts in Oman which dates back to the pre-Islamic period. The Fort is larger than most of the other forts in Oman and is located at the heart of the town of Nakhal. The setting is just behind the Jabal Al Akhdar mountain and one could feel the difference is the greenery in the area. The Fort has been renovated a few times and is still being renovated to this day. Visiting the interior of the Fort is not possible now but seeing it from outside is worth it. See more..
4.5 Al Hazm Castle (98 reviews)
- Must see … check the entry fee
Castles

Beautiful and comments with the audioguide were really good (at least in french!). We really enjoyed the visit. Must see. Even though we could read that fee was 1/2 rial, we paid 3 rials to visit … but maybe we should have negotiated ? See more..
4.5 Seaoman Dive (89 reviews)
- Awesome Diving and snorkling trip with Seoman
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Water Sports • Boat Rentals • Dolphin & Whale Watching

Me and my girlfriend went on a combined diving and snorkeling trip last week with Seaoman. It was the last activity of our holiday in Oman and it was the ''cherry on the pie''. From the initial inquiry via telephone up until the end an excellent service level. We reserved relatively late but this was no problem, very friendly reception and we felt welcome right away. The diving itself was awesome. Instructor Nash took the time to explain the dive before entering and guided us to some excellent dive sites. I was lucky enough to see various Zebra sharks, Turtles, an Eagle ray, multiple moray eels and Stingrays. Captain Joma did a detour specially for the snorkelers on board to make sure they saw the various Turtles around. On the boat itself we had a good lunch and a lot of fun with the staff! So in summary, Great dive sites, good equipment, good food and the dives were well guided with enthusiasm! See more..
4.5 Wakan Village (54 reviews)
- The drive to Wakan village
Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods

The drive to Eagan village is not for the meek. One needs to be an experienced driver with a 4x4. The view is amazing. The 700 steps to the village and past it to a point where one has an outstanding view of the mountains are very well-maintained and easy to climb. See more..
4.5 Barka Bull Fight Arena (11 reviews)
- Bull Fight : it must be seen!
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

It was very hard to get information in bull fight on internet and asking people in Mascat. So I went a friday to Barka at 2pm at the bull fight arena that was empty. Some people told me that it was one week out of two in Barka and the other in Al Masnaah (10km after Barka following the cost). So I went there and it was A m a z i n g! I was the only non omani but as usual local people were very kind to me. Only men there. Bull don't kill each other but just fight. it's free to watch. See more..
4.5 Snake Gorge (7 reviews)
- Amazing Snake Gorge
Canyons

Last weekend we made our first hike down Snake Gorge 2.0 I don't think I'll find the words to describe the beauty and the thrill of the place. However, note that Snake Gorge 2.0 is somewhat more demanding: you need to be physically fit and have basic abseiling skills. We rented all abseiling equipment from Mr. Rashid the local guide, living in a village nearby and with the able help from his brothers - Zahar and Talib made it safely down the three sections where the rope is necessary. I would recommend Snake Gorge 2.0 to anyone who loves canyoning and ready for some challenge. In case you need it, the contact number of the local guide is below: +968 9236 0136, Mr. Rashid Good luck, Sergey See more..
4.5 Sohar Regional Sports Complex (7 reviews)
- Very Interesting
Arenas & Stadiums
The place is not far from the city and it worth to pass by and take a visit. It is only 15-20miutes form the hotel See more..
4.5 Bait Al Ghasham Museum (3 reviews)
- An interesting place to visit, worth the money.
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Speciality Museums • History Museums

At the beginning, we thought it must be a waste of money to spend 3OMR per person to see another restored house. However, the place is impressive, and the restoration was nicely done. Moreover, the guide can be quite helpful provided you ask questions. If not, it will end up quickly. We enjoyed the the serenity and the peacefulness of the place as well as the interesting architecture and complexity of the building. See more..
4.0 Al Thowarah Hot Springs (53 reviews)
- THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES OF THE MINERAL WATER
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Hot Springs & Geysers

Crowded most of the time Better to avoid going there during this pandemic corona . Other wise the place is Amazing.. Close to the Nakhal Fort, along a winding road framed by palm trees as far as the eye can see, are the Ain Al Thawarah hot springs. To this day, locals use the springs as a trusted water supply, and there is even a small pool to enjoy the therapeutic properties of the mineral water. See more..
4.0 City Cinema - Sohar (25 reviews)
- Sohar Cinema Theatre Complex
Movie Theaters

As this is the only theatre complex in Sohar, we used visit frequently. They have online site as well as mobile app for ticket booking and to know movie schedules. When you book online, you have to pay RO 0.2 per ticket as service charge. Printout of tickets can be taken at the Kiosk on the entrance or from Snack counters. They have 4 screens and Normal ticket charges are RO 2/-. Complex is well maintained with adequate & neat restroom facilities. Children below 3 years are not permitted. Also, you have to check for the Cinema Age rating prior to book tickets See more..
4.0 Bait Na'am (22 reviews)
- Barka Castle
Historic Sites

Barka castle is a major landmark on the Batinah Coast, It is located only a few hundred meters from the shore of the Gulf of Oman.The castle is free to enter and there is no charge for taking photographs too.Lots of information boards both in English and Arabic are available inside castle which gives you almost all the necessary information.IT consists of Ground level(Entrance,lower sabha etc),Mezzannine floor(upper sabha,A well & a mosque),First floor(Octogonal tower,few other towers,majlis,Bed rooms,kitchen,stores,couple of wells and an escape route etc) and Roof floor(Imams private rooms and few look out stations). Lots of cannons and cannon balls are exhinited in the Octogonal tower.Three excavated cannon dug out the cannon are also displayed. The caste is well preseved by the Ministry of Tourism.Its open from Sunday to thursday and open from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.It is very near to sea.The castle is clean and tidy and is well maintained.Its a worth to visit the castle See more..
4.0 Al Rustaq Fort (21 reviews)
- Falaj Al Muyassar and Rustaq Fort
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

The massive Al Rustaq Fort, a much older fort dating back to the 13th century, is near the city market and be can be seen from the surrounding hills..entrance fees 500 baiza .. Falaj Al Muyassar(spring) has been included in List of World Heritage Sites in Oman by UNESCO. It is an exciting experience to walk along the Falaj during its moving and passing among residential areas and fields towards the huge Al Rustaq Fort. See more..
4.0 Barka Grand Center (3 reviews)
- Gives Grand Mall feel
Shopping Malls

For those not in Muscat, can get a feel.of almost the same shops, as in Muscat Grand mall. A family can explore shopping and spent good time here. See more..
4.0 Ziggurat in Arja (2 reviews)
- Geological Adventure Drive
Ancient Ruins

We took a little side trip to the location on trip advisor and only found power lines and industrial buildings but had fun with the kids being explorers :) Back at the hotel I looked up the GPS coordinates and found the correct location. We went the next day as we drove past the correct location while on our way to Dubai through Al Ain. Once off the main road we found the road very easy going with amazing colors in the rocks. The site itself needs an information sign installed and excavating as it is clearly very old. At the moment there is only a sign saying don’t damage it or take anything away is it is a protected sight. See more..
4.0 Barka Castle (1 review)
Spent 1-2 hours Castles

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4.0 Barka Sooq (1 review)
- A Fish and Vegetable Market
Spent 1-2 hours Farmers Markets

Lively fishmarket See more..
4.0 Ziggurat in Arja (2 reviews)
- Geological Adventure Drive
Ancient Ruins

We took a little side trip to the location on trip advisor and only found power lines and industrial buildings but had fun with the kids being explorers :) Back at the hotel I looked up the GPS coordinates and found the correct location. We went the next day as we drove past the correct location while on our way to Dubai through Al Ain. Once off the main road we found the road very easy going with amazing colors in the rocks. The site itself needs an information sign installed and excavating as it is clearly very old. At the moment there is only a sign saying don’t damage it or take anything away is it is a protected sight. See more..
3.5 Safeer Mall (35 reviews)
- Great
Shopping Malls

One of the largest mallin sohar great area for kids to enjoy the rides under air-conditioned atmosphere. Great choice in food court See more..
3.5 Ain Al Kasfa (12 reviews)
- Hot water spring for treatment
Hot Springs & Geysers

Kasfah hot water spring is famous for being a natural remedy for rheumatic diseases due to its sulfur nature as well as a treatment for skin diseases... The water is too hot ,but once you are able to sit inside and cover your body with water you feel good .. See more..
3.5 Sohar Souq Historical (2 reviews)
- High Class galleries and shops - not a souq
Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls

The place was very nicely, maybe too nicely renovated, and it turned into a passage of high class souvenir and art galleries and shops - many of them have Iranians with exquisite handmade items. Most of the shops are empty, since it seems the rent is too high. It does not seem to fit the original aim of this place's creator. Souq it is not. See more..
3.5 Ain Al Kasfa (12 reviews)
- Hot water spring for treatment
Hot Springs & Geysers

Kasfah hot water spring is famous for being a natural remedy for rheumatic diseases due to its sulfur nature as well as a treatment for skin diseases... The water is too hot ,but once you are able to sit inside and cover your body with water you feel good .. See more..
3.0 Sohar Fort (38 reviews)
- Nice Fort in Downtown
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Sohar Fort is very much like the other Omani forts in its architectural form. Sohar Fort is located in downtown Sohar within a very close distance to the central souq. The place is a nice spot to spend some time and is ideal to do some photography from the Omani architecture. The place was closed due to Covid 19 though I reckon the interior may be interesting as well. See more..
3.0 An Naman Zoo (35 reviews)
- The only zoo in Oman
Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

the only zoo in Oman, About 1-hour drive from Muscat, This Is Small private zoo near Barka. Surely children will like lott... You can watch verities of Birds big ostrich, lion, tiger etc., Visiting Time :- 8 am to 9pm For Omanies:- 1.5 RO and Expatriates:- 2 RO See more..
3.0 Muscat Global Center (2 reviews)
- Not much choice
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Shopping Malls

Muscat Global Center at Al Rumais Barka is also known as China Mall as it has exclusively chinese shops selling made in China products. Good for people residing close to it but waste of time for Muscat residents. See more..
The Adventure Vibes (0 review)
Private Tours • Day Trips

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Abaq Al-Amour Perfumes (0 review)
Speciality & Gift Shops
محل لبيع العطور والهدايا المميزة بجانب بوابة صحار التاريخية الجميلة ، يتميز المحل بانه يمتلك منتجات مصنعة في صحار بحرفة See more..