Wadi Bini Khalid (Part 2) – Mukal Cave and Water Pools

 

Al Kasfah Hot Spring, Al Rustaq

Al Kasfah Hot Spring is located in Al Rustaq which is about 170 kms from Muscat.  It would have been much easier to find if I knew that it was next to a mosque!

The water here reminded me of the Bimmah Sinkhole but on a much smaller scale.  The water was constantly bubbling which is hard to make out in a photo.  Here is a short video to give you a better idea:

They say the average temperature of this hot spring is 45-46 degrees Centigrade. (113-114.8 degrees Fahrenheit for you Americans out there! 😉 )  People believe that the water in this hot spring has healing properties due to its sulphur content.

Another video from a different angle:

They seem to love posting signs near this spring! Here are a few that seem to contradict one another: (No Bathing? Bathing ok but not with detergent? Just not during certain hours?)

This is one of the “bathing rooms” with a flowing falaj from the hot spring that might allow you to soak your feet but I don’t know about getting much more than that wet.

Here’s a look at the falaj as it flows down the street from the hot spring.  Notice the dragonfly?

Here are a few pictures of the area immediately around the hot spring:

If you’re looking for this hotspring, keep your eye out for this Rustaq Municipality map located right next to the spot.

If you read Arabic, these markings on the nearby mountain read: “Aiyn Al Kasfah”. (So the local Rustaq boys told me.)

Muscat Festival 2012 at Naseem Park

Kalboo Park 4 Years after Gonu – Unbelievable!

It’s a shame that this is how Kalboo Park looks today.  Why doesn’t Muscat Municipality clean this place up, especially the Corniche which would be so sweet to walk along?  Instead the best (waterfront) part of the park is blocked off with huge boards and nothing has been done to restore this once gorgeous seacoast park.  The park is often named as a major place for tourists to visit as reported in the Oman Observer during the last Eid: “The Muscat Municipality has taken all necessary measures to ensure maximum amusement to park visitors, many of whom are visitors from neighbouring GCC countries. The hub of activities could be seen in Kalboo Park, Riyam Park, Naseem Garden, Al Sahwa Park and even in a small park like Lake Garden.”  They should either remove Kalboo Park from that list or the words “taken all necessary measures “.

Plenty of Fun to be Had at Marah Land!

Whether you have little ones or not, Marah Land (Marah is Arabic for “Joy” or “Happiness“) is a great place for kids of all ages: from 1 to 100!

As you can see, prices for the amusement rides range from 300 baizas to 1.5 rials.

Marah Land is right next to Qurum Natural Park.  Entrance is 300 baizas and children under five are not charged for entrance.

My favorite: the Ferris wheel!  🙂

While I would not advise following their use of punctuation and capitalization, I would heed their advice on safety!  🙂

The Ferris wheel offers some amazing views of the Qurum area!

There’s nothing quite like seeing a technician close one of the rides down for 15 minutes to attend to modifications (repairs?) to build up confidence in getting on the rides, huh?!  🙂

 Popular with the kiddies: the Marah Land train!

Marah Land is open Saturday-Thursday 8am-1pm and 4pm-midnight and Fridays from 4pm-midnight. (Tel:24562215)