Thursday 18 / April / 2024
The beach at Ras Al Markaz, near Duqm, is picturesque and an undisturbed beauty. Though the area has been identified as an important place for oil exploration in recent years, it has not affected the unique beauty of the beach’s deserted white sands. It is difficult, almost impossible, to find Ras Al Markaz in the many guidebooks available on Oman.
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It’s a hidden paradise for many explorers of nature in Oman. Ras Al Markaz has great cliffs with sedimentary rocks, which has its unique coloured layers, and a calm sandy beach down the cliffs and it is a great spot for angling, swimming, and snorkelling. It is also a great place for camping as the 40-metre cliff casts a beautiful shadow over the beach area. Take a pair of binoculars with you if you are visiting this place in winter, as migratory birds are abundant this season.
During stormy weather there will be huge waves. The patches of mud flats on the beach make a 4X4 essential to access the beach. Also beware of flash floods during rainy season. Prepare for some adventure when taking the 500-km trip down to Ras Al Markaz from Muscat, but that is part of its attraction.
How to get there
From Muscat, take the expressway, and then take Route 15, Route 23, Route 27 and Route 32. When you reach Duqm, drive in the direction of Hayma. After 17km, head straight for Al Jazar. The turning for Ras Al Markaz is 49km from the petrol station. Take the dirt road and continue for 14km to reach the beach.—[email protected]
GPS location 19°11’30.6”N 57°45’31.0”E
