|
Bahrain
Tiny Bahrain, an archipelago of 33 low-lying islands in the Arabian Gulf of the east coast of Saudi Arabia, is an intriguing mix of ancient and modern. Skyscrapers sit comfortably beside ancient mosques and embodiments of Islamic architecture and culture. Bahrain is considered the most ‘liberal’ of the Arab countries, and with excellent infrastructure for tourists, is a good place to visit for an ‘introduction’ to the Middle East.
Manama, the capital, is a modern city with a large souk (market) in the heart of the city. Not to be missed here is the excellent National Museum. A short trip away is the A’ali Burial Mounds – the largest prehistoric cemetery in the world (with burial mounds dating back to 3000BC). Also of interest is the Heritage Centre, focusing on Bahraini heritage, and the al-Fateh Grand Mosque. There are several old Forts, including Bahrain Fort and Arad Fort. The Museum of Pearl Diving is housed in ancient Bahraini law courts. It is also possible to visit oil wells, of which Bahrain has many.
There are many long, sandy beaches, the largest and most pleasant being Al Jazair. Trips in dhows (traditional boats) can be taken from the mainland to many locations, including al-Areen Wildlife Sanctuary, containing endangered species such as the Arabian Onyx; Jebel Duksan (the Mountain of Smoke), Bahrain’s highest point at 134 metres; al-Bander Resort; and the Tree of Life, a tree which stands alone in the desert, its water-source a mystery. It is possible to visit, or stay at, the Hawar Islands, a small archipelago with abundant marine and birdlife located between Bahrain and Qatar.
DIVING
There is a variety of diving available in Bahrain – however, most divers travel to Bahrain to try their famous pearl diving. Bahrain claims that diving was ‘invented’ in its shallow waters, as history shows that pearl diving was occurring in Bahrain as far back as 5000 years. Over 400 sq miles of oyster beds flourish in the warm, shallow waters of Bahrain, offering a very unusual diving experience. The name ‘Bahrain’ actually derives from two Arabic words – thnain Bahr – meaning “two seas”; this refers to the existence of fresh water springs located under the sea bed. This phenomenon is believed to be responsible for the unusual lustre of Bahraini pearls, the country’s main economy before the discovery of oil. Bahraini natural pearls are considered the finest in the world, and – incredibly - if you find a pearl whilst diving, its yours to keep; an excellent (and possibly valuable!) souvenir.
Other than reef diving, Bahrain offers a variety of wreck dives, including ships, planes, tugs and barges. Indo Pacific species including clown fish, trigger fish, surgeon fish, turtles, rays, lion fish, grouper, snapper, crayfish and even whalesharks; while tuna, mackerel, trevally and barracuda cruise above. Dugongs (sea cows) can be seen feeding on the sea grass in southern Bahrain during cooler months.
The sea bottom composition in Bahrain is primarily sand, with extensive rock formations. There is an average underwater visibility of 5 metres (15 feet) inshore and up to 25 metres (80 feet) on the more distant offshore reefs. Diving is generally from boats.
FIFI WRECK: located 5 miles off the east coast of Bahrain, Fifi is a small tugboat wreck swarming with marine life. This location is especially popular for night dives.
CAISSON WRECK: 20 miles off the coast of Bahrain, this concrete and steel structure is home to a myriad of fish species, that live above and within its framework.
ABU THALMA: 45 miles northeast of Bahrain, this coral-coated pinnacle offers excellent drift diving and some of the most prolific marine life in the Gulf. Rays, moray eels, crayfish, trigger fish, clown fish, turtles, and sturgeon fish inhabit the reef while mackerel, cobia, tuna and barracuda cruise above.
FASHT NAJWAH: 50 nautical miles north of Bahrain, Najwah is endowed with
the most Indo-Pacific fish species typically found in the Red Sea, Maldives and Great Barrier Reef. Fed by a cool upwelling from the surrounding depths, Najwah is an excellent dive location for advanced divers and photographers. During the season, Najwah is an excellent location from which to see whalesharks.
TRAVEL
Gulf Air is Bahrain’s national carrier, with regular flights to London and other major mainland European and Middle Eastern destinations. It is rare to get cheap flights to Bahrain, however, once in Bahrain there are often special deals to other destinations in the Middle East, particularly Oman and the United Arab Emirates. There is an airport departure fee of BD3.
It is possible to travel to Saudi Arabia by bus or car across the incredible King Fahd Causeway. For those driving, there is a toll of BD2 per vehicle.
Buses leave Manama daily to destinations within Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic and United Arab Emirates.
There are infrequent ferry links between Bahrain and Iran and Iraq.
Visa
Visitors from EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, Norway, Switzerland and the USA may obtain visa’s on arrival for tourist stays of up to two weeks. This costs approximately USD$13.00.
Weather
Bahrain can get very hot and humid from June to September. During winter (December to February), the average temperature is 18C with 77% humidity. During summer (June to August), temperatures average 35C with 59% humidity. During summer, dust storms and hot winds often make life unbearable. Perhaps the best time to visit is from November to March; the weather is pleasant, with warm days and cool nights; temperatures vary between 14C and 24C.
Water temperatures range from 34 °C in summer and 20 °C in winter. Wetsuits only need to be worn from November to April; if you’re game, boardshorts, bikini’s and usual swimming costumes can be worn the rest of the time.
Worldwise
Although Bahrain is an island, don’t expect to do much swimming – as the waters are so shallow, you can walk out for half a kilometre and still only be knee-deep in water! Hotel pools are a better option to cool off. Although a liberal country when compared with its neighbours, women should still observe local customs and not wear revealing clothing.
|
BSAC TRAVEL CLUB BOOKSHOP SELECTION
in association with amazon.co.uk
|
|
 |
|
