Things to Do in Muscat

The biggest and most popular city of Oman is its capital city Muscat, which is also a major tourist attraction visited by people from all across the world. Positioned in northeast Oman, Muscat is well known for its unique sites, fun filled activities, friendly people, delectable cuisine and amazing scenery.


There are numerous places of historical and cultural interest in Muscat. Travellers can easily visit places like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Fish Market and Al Jalali Fort. The city boasts of two significant Hindu Temples namely a Shiva Temple and a Krishna Temple. Several churches such as the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Peter and the church of Saint Paul are located at a special compound in Ruwi. In Ghala, travellers can visit the beautiful Holy Spirit Church. There are also several mosques in Muscat which are Zawawi Mosque, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Ruwi Mosque.


Built out of 300,000 tonnes of pure Indian sandstone, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque took nearly six years and four months to complete. The square shaped prayer hall of the mosque has a dome that rise high as 50 metres above ground level. The main features of this unique and sacred building are its dome, main minaret and four flanking minarets. Yet another outstanding feature at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the prayer carpet which is also the biggest hand-woven carpet in the world.


Muscat is home to a large number of museums that include the National Museum of Oman, Omani French Museum, Natural History Museum, Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum, Omani Aquarium and Marine Science and Fisheries Centre and so much more.


Travellers can also visit the many lively nightclubs and tempting restaurants in Muscat. The twin forts of Al-Mirani and Al-Jalali are ideal for the young travellers. Al Alam Palace is also a fascinating place to explore. More than half a million visitors travel to Muscat purely due to its vast shopping facilities. For precious jewellery, antiques and clothes the best place to head to is Mutrah Souq market.


Visitors can plan their stay at a nearby Muscat luxury resort which is renowned for offering world class service. There are many Luxury accommodation in Muscat offering all the essential facilities to provide maximum comfort and convenience while being in this exceptional city. For instance, the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Sultanate of Oman offers lavish facilities ideal for individual or family stay.

Thing to do in Penang: Island of Sheer Diversity

Penang is one of Asia’s most loved and popular islands also known as the Pearl of the Orient. Breathtaking natural beauty, warm hospitality, exotic heritage and friendly people have become its main attractions.


The turtle-shaped island Penang covers a total land area of 292 square kilometres. Known in Malay as Pulau Pinang, Penang also includes Seberang Prai which is a strip of land on Peninsular Malaysia. The island was connected to the mainland in 1985 by a bridge which is at present one of the world’s longest bridges.


Penang is abounding with inexplicable temples and beautiful palm shrouded beaches. It is today a lively port, a heritage city and an important manufacturing base which makes it a fusion of the old and new. This stunning island destination is diverse in culture, food and environment and its capital Georgetown alone is a treat to watch. Travellers will find a Chinese temple, a church that is hundred years old, an Indian temple, a Muslim mosque all located close to each other.


The diversity of the people of Penang is best reflected through its delectable array of food which is available throughout the day. Travellers will also find many interesting traditional festivals taking place all through the year.


An interesting place to visit is the Acheen Street Mosque which is an important mosque for the Malay community. Associated with the Thaipusam festival that takes place on an annual basis is the Balathandayuthapani Temple in Penang. Travellers will also come across the oldest planted tree in Malaysia which is the Baobab Tree.


Yet another intriguing site to explore is the Bat Cave Temple which is a temple built in a cave which are inhabited by bats. Other impressive sites in Penang include Batu Ferringhi, Benggali Mosque, Bukit Dumbar, Bukit Jambul Complex, Cantonese Methodist Church, Cenotaph and so much more.


This extraordinary island and its unique wonders can be further explored by staying at a well appointed Penang hotel. There are numerous hotel accommodation in Penang that provide top class facilities for a pleasant and relaxing stay. For instance, Golden Sands Resort, Penang which is conveniently located close to the capital city is an ideal place for both business and leisure travellers.

Old Town Scottsdale, a nostalgic journey to the Old West

Scottsdale’s Old Town should be on the itinerary of every visitor to the town. Scottsdale has been called ‘The West’s Most Western Town’ and the Old Town provides a genuine flavor of life in the region in years past. Visitors will find themselves transported into a scene from the Wild West, with rustic buildings and wooden sidewalks. Each shop features a hitching post where riders may tie their mounts. A variety of typical establishments may be found here including specialty merchandise vendors, sellers of customary Western wear and many restaurants and diners. Many buildings of historical interest are to be found in the locality.


With a new orientation as a trendy and fashionable place to be, Old Town is now more attractive than ever. The renowned Fifth Avenue shops continue to attract a wide selection of patrons with a mesmerizing variety of specialty stores. Here you will find traditional shoes, clothing and galleries of Native American art, handicrafts and jewelry.


Over the years Scottsdale Old Town has acquired a reputation as the location of a vast number of fine art galleries. The works of famed as well as less well known artists may be found in these galleries, with a diverse selection of artistic styles on display. The streets which cater to artists are a delightful location for a leisurely stroll; a highlight is the Thursday evening ‘art walk’.


In recent years the Scottsdale Waterfront has becoming one of the fastest developing zones in the locale. Constructed on the sides of the Arizona Canal the Waterfront features art, shops and restaurants. A refreshing oasis on the desert landscape, the locality contains a waterfall and fountains of gushing water.


Numerous restaurants offering delectable cuisine are to be found on the Waterfront, including a wide variety of culinary styles. Choose from P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, a renowned establishment for typical Chinese food; Wildfish Seafood Grille, offering seafood and quality steaks of the first order; and Sauce, with its specialty thin crust pizza and superb selection of wines, as well as many others.


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