Garuda Indonesia Colours Magazine July 2014

140 Travel | Muscat © Oman Tourism Al-Jalali Fort stands guard over Oman’s famous Muttrah Corniche, defending Muscat since the late 16th century. Oman’s capital has begun to truly flourish under the current sultan, Qaboos bin Said Al Said. Since his accession to the throne in 1970, newspapers have been founded, highways have been built and tourism to Muscat and surrounding areas has blossomed. Standing guard at the entrance to Muttrah Harbour, and oﬀering outstanding views across the historically intact Muttrah Souq and Al Alam Palace, the domineering 16thcentury Al-Jalali Fort is where this luxury tour through Muscat begins. As Sultan Qaboos sails into the harbour on board his royal dhow with full white sails hoisted, traditional bagpipe calls echo through the mild evening air, and the glow of fireworks reflects in the glistening midnightblue waters. The historic low-rise oﬀ-white buildings with their straight lines and simple arches glow as the lights in the darkening skies flash all around. This city has so much to oﬀer to anyone who is willing to take the time to explore it. The bridge and stone path along Muttrah Corniche oﬀer some of the most scenic views out to sea. The exclusive pathway passes alongside the inner courtyard of the Sultan’s very own intricately decorated Qasr Al Alam Palace towards the white, blue and gold tiled entrance guarded by tall black gates adorned with golden Omani khanjars (daggers). Although rebuilt in 1972, His Majesty’s ceremonial palace is unlike any other royal palace in the region; it looks like an ordinary, albeit luxurious, Omani residence from the front. Local legend has it that the palace has a bowling alley in its basement, and when the Sultan hits a strike the skies roll with thunder! To enjoy a taste of life as a Sultan there’s nowhere better than the award-winning Chedi Muscat, Oman’s most luxurious hotel. Set on a private beach, the 158roomed Omani-Japanese-European-styled abode welcomes guests with a light-lit water feature and grand entrance into an intricately decorated, authentically Omani reception area. The crème de la crème of Chedi’s rooms is undoubtedly the Club Suite, with a private balcony complete with sunken bathtub, oﬀering spectacular views of the Gulf of Oman, the Hajar Mountains, water ponds and well-pruned palm-lined gardens. North from the hotel, head to the ancient walled city, which houses the legendary Muttrah Souq and Grand Mosque. The smoothly cut double-arched gate welcomes visitors to Muscat proper. Now being used as part of a museum of Omani history, the gate was used up to the 1970s to protect against marauding attackers coming from boats docked in the corniche… Not that marauders would have had to attack the walled city, as the Sultan’s Palace sits on the shore of the corniche. Muscat’s, and quite possibly Oman’s, quintessential image is that of the complex Muttrah Souq. The magical labyrinth of narrow alleyways is lined with tightly packed stalls brimming with unique Oudh essential oils, pure gold khanjars and coﬀee pots, and not forgetting frankincense crystals. For centuries, imams and sultans have wandered these hallowed alleyways, searching through the troves of treasure alongside the ‘common folk’ of Oman. Omani men dressed in white collarless dishdasha gowns edged with golden silk and masar turbans call out, trying to entice passers-by to sample their wares. Deep inside the market lies the Gold Souq, a bustling marketplace for shimmering necklaces, bracelets, charms and even kitchenware. Rumour has it that sultans throughout history

Garuda Indonesia Colours Magazine July 2014 | Page 142