In this trip, me and my parents went exploring the Hajar mountains. First stop is Jebel Akhdar. It is the highest point in Oman and is one of the go-to spots for locals and tourists alike, more especially during summer time for a quick escape from the scorching heat in the city. All you need is a 4x4 for the steep terrain.

For our second stop, we went looking for this "Grand Canyon of Oman,” as what my Dad referred it. I am not sure if it was Wadi Ghul he meant, but it seemed not. After driving on well-paved roads, occasionally seeing mountain goats, we drove to a series of winding, unpaved paths on very high elevation whilst being treated to rocky natural sights along the way. It was a real adventure just following wherever the road led us. And it directed us to this spectacular sight shown in the photos below. It surely is off the tourist map but it is one of the amazing mountain scenery in the area.

For our last itinerary, we stopped at Wadi Bani Habib to see beautiful ruins of an old abandoned village. It is quite surrounded by trees, especially pomegranates.

There is no better way to experience the sheer beauty of Oman's diverse landscape than through a road trip. Till next time! x

Forty-nine degrees Celsius in the middle of 2016. Around this time last year, we took a road trip in my short return to second motherland.

Not alone this time, I brought my friends (SFC household) with me. We traveled for five hours (plus the long and unexpected 3 hours in the border) to Oman, taking a time-out from the routine of work in UAE, utilizing the short holidays.

Albeit I used to live in Oman for several years - not consecutively - I haven't really gone to see most of the scenic spots it boasts. Though not so much of a wise choice to decide to do it in that time and climate, I'd still choose to go out and make the most out of the free days. Moreover, the joy acquired from exploring more attraction in a country that I seemed so familiar, was worth it. And it's with people most dear to me. ♡

Now, let's begin the short trip:

Shinas Gate. Oman's way of welcoming us. Though it's not really a tourist spot, it was a photo op nonetheless and an excuse to stretch out during the long ride. This structure is located near the Al Wajaja border of Oman and UAE.

Wadi Dayqah Dam. The water may look so blue and tempting but swimming isn't allowed. There is however, a good open space nearby for those who want to have a picnic.

If fearless Anna is Olaf's "worth melting for", I can say that these places are our "worth sweating for." That being said, I suppose travel isn't always comfortable but it gives out happiness such as being able to experience everyday things differently.

Hope you enjoyed this post! Here’s a video you may watch for more of our trip!