Welcome to Oman – a country full of natural beauty and hospitality. Whether looking for water, mountains, or the desert, this is a place to add to your list.

Regarding hospitality, Oman is one of the friendliest countries, with people always offering to help or invite you for food and drinks on a hiking trail or while walking around a traditional village. When it comes to places to visit or things to do, the list is endless. Everything from hiking ‘the grand canyon’ of Oman, glamping in the desert, or seeing turtles in Ras Al Hadd, there will be something for all ages.

While walking around, there are a few greetings to learn. To say hello, one can say ‘marhaba,’ salam alikum’ and then ‘kaif halek’, which means How are you? To respond, say ‘Tamam’ or ‘zain,’ which means good/okay.

Dress
Dress appropriately when visiting villages, wadis, and other smaller cities. Women should cover their arms and wear long pants or skirts. If swimming in the wadis, try to cover up and wear yoga pants over your swimsuit. Wearing swimsuits at hotels and private beaches is okay, but remember that this is the Middle East, and locals will appreciate visitors respecting the culture. Guests should also cover up when visiting mosques, and ladies must cover their heads.

There are many places to choose from, but I wanted to introduce Sur, a coastal city two hours south of Muscat. I have lived here for nearly four and a half years.

When planning a trip to Sur, there are more things to do than guests realize. Some are surprised when arriving in the coastal city because there is plenty to do, ranging from kayaking, visiting a museum, the fish souq, the dhow factory, and more. Below is a list of some of the best places to visit in Sur.

Kayaking
For first-timers or experienced, renting kayaks for 3 rials for one hour is possible. Kayakers can head toward the mangroves and the boat museum or in the other direction toward the marina, depending on the current.

Boat rides
Guests can also book a one-hour boat ride and see Sur from a different angle. A sunset ride is a great time to go. About eight people can go in one boat. Coming to the beach near the main bridge and lining up is possible to wait for a ride.

Al Rabban Museum
To learn about Omani history and see the traditional clothing and wooden doors, head to Al Ayjah to visit this house turned into a museum. Stop upstairs to catch views of the watchtower. The museum is open in the morning from 9 to 11 and again from 4:30 to 6 pm. Call ahead at +968 9112-8588 to make sure it is open.

Dhow Factory
It is worth stopping to see men building these traditional boats. The bigger ones can take one to two years, while the smaller ones take six to nine months, depending on how many men work on the ship. There is also a gift shop for those wanting a wooden souvenir. The factory is open from 9 am to 6 pm and costs 1 rial.

Traditional souq
The souq sells gold and silver jewelry, so look for the bracelet with the pointed cone spikes around it. It is coming for women to wear the gold one for weddings. The silver shops also sell the Khanjar, the traditional knife that men wear for ceremonies and festivals. It is also possible to buy material or ready-made dresses, and some shops sell bahour, similar to incense, to make clothing and the house smell good.

Handicraft shop
The shop in Al Ayjah sells small wooden dhows, lighthouses, and other handicrafts. There is also a room in the back where men make smaller wooden dhows and lighthouses. The man who owns the shop used to paint, and some of his work is also on the walls, including paintings of boats.

Al Ayjah
First, stop at the lighthouse for some photos. Afterward, roam around the alleys in the area. One can find traditional wooden doors, mud homes, and newer homes. There is also a good spot near the sea to catch glimpses of fishing boats.

Fish Souq
Go inside the marina and head to the fish souq. Try to go around 7 in the morning to watch the dhows come in and load the fish off the boats. Sometimes an auction will be held outside, and the fish will be taken inside so different booths can sell the fish. Some common fish here is King Fish and Sharyia, which are both mild white fish and very tasty.

Many people visiting Sur only pass through to go on to see the turtles or to camp in the desert. It is worth staying a few days to relax and explore and discover what Sur offers.