I am a true budget traveler, and when the opportunity arose for a layover in Muscat, the capital of Oman, I grabbed it. Choosing an Oman Air ticket with a nearly 10-hour wait was a deliberate decision. Since the ticket was covered by my company, it cost me nothing extra.
Obtaining the Oman e-Visa was straightforward, and after securing it, I did what I always do: I researched the must-see sights and, crucially, the most cost-effective travel routes.
Landing in Muscat at 5:15 AM, I wasn't worried about food, thanks to the satisfying Al Baik nuggets I had grabbed at Jeddah Airport and the meal I had on the flight. Immigration was a breeze, and I headed straight for the bus station.
🕌 The Grandeur of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
While waiting for the local bus, a kind Omani approached, asking if I needed a taxi. My first destination was the majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. If I took the bus, I would have had a 15-minute walk from the drop-off. The taxi driver offered to drop me right by the gate. After a bit of negotiation, we agreed on a fair price and set off.
During the ride, we chatted extensively. He was an Urdu speaker, part of the Balochi community whose ancestors had migrated to Oman generations ago. He dropped me off right in front of the mosque
Though the official visiting hours start at 8:00 AM, I was allowed inside by 6:30 AM, which was a huge bonus, giving me extra time for the rest of my day!
The main prayer hall is simply astonishing. My eyes were immediately drawn to the gigantic crystal chandelier hanging from the dome. Its golden frame and crystals cast a heavenly glow across the entire space. Even more incredible was the Persian hand-woven carpet covering the floor—the world's second-largest single-piece carpet! Woven over four years, its design and colors were beyond description. The mosque itself is a global masterpiece, enhanced by marble imported from India and the skillful craftsmanship of Indian artisans.
Walking toward the bus station, I couldn't resist turning back multiple times to capture photos of the mosque from every possible angle.
🚌 A Scenic Route to Old Muscat
At the bus station, I hopped into a Pakistani's shared van heading to Ruwi. We picked up and dropped off passengers along the way, giving me a chance to soak in the new sights. In Ruwi, I quickly transferred to the waiting bus destined for Muttrah.
The bus journey was scenic, taking us past the beautiful Muttrah Harbor, and finally dropping me at the last stop, near the Al Alam Palace. After enjoying the view of the palace from outside, I walked a short distance to the coastline. From there, I took in the views of Al Mirani Fort rising above the sea before heading back to the bus stop.
After a short wait, I boarded the bus for Muttrah Souq. The standard fare was 300 Baisa, but I only had 200 Baisa in change. The Omani bus driver took my 200 Baisa and handed me a 300 Baisa ticket. This small act of kindness left a wonderful impression on me.
🏰 History and Views at Muttrah Fort
I got off the bus, enjoyed the harbor views, and entered the Souq. I met a fellow Malayali shopkeeper, left my bag with him, and set off to find Muttrah Fort. Having studied the routes beforehand, I found it easily.
The sun was hot as I ascended the stone steps of the old Omani fort. Reaching the top was worth the climb.
Looking down from the ramparts, the Muttrah Port sparkled in the sunlight. It was captivating to watch the busy harbor, complete with cargo ships and even the Sultan's vessel at anchor. I found a chair at the edge of the fort and sat down.
The vast expanse of the sea, the distant horizon where the deep ocean met the cityscape of Muscat, and the cool morning sea breeze created a profoundly tranquil atmosphere. Sitting atop history and soaking in the panorama was an unforgettable experience. Muttrah Fort is definitely a place to enjoy both Omani history and stunning natural beauty.
🛍️ Timelessness of Muttrah Souq
My final stop was the Muttrah Souq. I stopped for a refreshing juice at a Malayali-owned shop nearby.
As one of the oldest marketplaces in Muscat, the Souq is a place where modernity has not intruded, perfectly preserving the essence of Omani tradition. Stepping through the main gate, I felt as if I was transported into an Arabian tale from a thousand years ago. The Souq is defined by its narrow alleyways, with small shops crammed together on both sides.
I wandered through the market, picked up a few souvenirs from the friendly shop where I left my bag, and walked to the nearby harbor bus station. After a moment to enjoy the harbor's beauty one last time, I boarded the bus back to Ruwi.
I made a quick stop at the Nestorian Hypermarket in Ruwi to grab some chocolates, then caught the final bus from the nearby station directly to the airport.
Bidding farewell to Oman, I carried with me the memories of another country conquered on a budget, adding another rich chapter to my journey as a budget traveler.
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