Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park
On a swelteringly hot day, the perfect activity for both
children and adults in Bahrain is a trip to the Lost Paradise of
Dilmun. The biggest waterpark in the Middle East, The Lost Paradise
of Dilmun has a number of water rides and attractions catering for
all ages, ranging from lazy rivers to high-speed waterslides,
man-made waves to the interactive Dancing Fountain. The park was
designed to resemble Dilmun, an ancient kingdom in Bahrain that was
said to contain the Garden of Eden. Guests can also relax by the
pool in private cabanas. The park also has restaurants and souvenir
shops.
Bahrain water park HDR
Frans Zwart
Bahrain Fort
Located roughly two miles (4km) from Manama along the coast of
Bahrain, the archaeological site of Bahrain Fort (Qal'at
al-Bahrain) is one of the largest in the country and has been
listed as a World Heritage Site. As the capital of the ancient
Silmun Civilisation, this site represents Bahrain's role as a
centre for commerce and cultural exchange. Excavations have
revealed the ruins of six cities near the fort, dating as far back
as 3000 BC, though only 25 percent of the site has been uncovered.
Visitors can see the remains of several necropolises along with
city walls, and many copper and ivory artefacts and examples of
Barbar pottery.
Qal'at al-Bahrain
Peter Dowley
Manama Souk
To experience the true flavours, scents and colours of Manama, a
visit to the souks (local markets) are a must. Here, visitors can
experience and purchase everything this beautiful country has to
offer, from a variety of cloths in different colours and textures
to jewellery and local crafts. The best buys include exquisite
Persian rugs and natural pearls. The fresh fruit and vegetables,
herbs, spices, and nuts available here are also outstanding, though
less ideal as souvenirs. The souk is divided into several sections,
including the Fareeq el-Hammam and Fareeq el-Hatab, which are home
to several famous Matams.
Bab Al Bahrain
Shubrat
Manama experiences extreme climatic conditions, with summer
temperatures in July rising to 102°F (39°C) and winter temperatures
in January as low as 57°F (14°C). The most pleasant time to visit
Manama is in autumn (October and November) when warm temperatures
are tempered by a soft breeze. Manama has an arid climate with
little rainfall.
Bahrain International Airport
Location: The airport is about four miles (7km) north of the
capital, Manama, on Muharraq Island.
Time: GMT +3.
Getting to the city:
Many hotels operate courtesy buses for their guests to and from
the airport. Taxis operate at the airport.
Car Rental:
Budget, Hanco, Hertz, Sixt, Prima, Allied and other companies
operate from Bahrain Airport.
Airport Taxis:
There are taxis outside the terminal, but they tend to
overcharge foreigners. It is better to phone for a metered taxi
service. It is about a 15-minute drive to Manama.
Facilities:
Facilities include banks and currency exchange services,
restaurants, cafes and bars, gift shops, a post office,
communications centre, tourist information, and a prayer room. The
Bahrain Duty Free shopping complex is internationally acclaimed.
Disabled facilities are good.
Parking
Short and long-term parking facilities are available in front of
the terminal. The cashier counters are available at the exits and
they are open 24 hours. A free shuttle bus service operates between
the terminal and the long-term car parks.
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There is little in the way of public transport in
Manama, with most residents driving their own cars to get around.
While long-haul buses link the major cities in Bahrain, local
travel can be less organised and predictable for those visiting the
capital city.
Taxis are perhaps the most popular way for travellers
to get around Manama. There are plenty of cabs throughout the city,
so finding a vacant one should not be much of a problem. Visitors
should insist that the official meter is used, as it is extremely
common for drivers to try and rip tourists off with an exorbitant
fixed fee. If the driver is especially reluctant to use the meter,
it is often best to simply vacate the cab and find another. There
are surcharges for night-time fares (between 10pm and 6am), and
hotel or airport pickups. Uber is also an option.
Hiring a car is the only other practical way to get
around Manama, which is not considered pedestrian-friendly and has
few sidewalks. All roads in Bahrain quite literally lead to Manama,
so visitors who hire a car will also have considerable access to
the whole country. Those who plan to stay within the city, however,
will occasionally have to deal with periods of congested traffic,
especially during rush hour.
As the meeting place for locals and visitors and a fantastic way
to experience the true flavours, scents, and colours of Manama, a
visit to the souks (local markets) is a must. Here travellers can
purchase anything from beautiful Persian rugs to rare and precious
jewellery, all while sampling the local cuisine along the way.
If visitors venture just slightly out of the city, Bahrain's
special history can be encountered in numerous old, though
beautifully restored and preserved fort buildings that date back as
far back as 3000 BC.
And when the temperatures of the desert seem overwhelming, water
activities seem extra tempting. Luckily water sports are extremely
popular in Bahrain, with tourists and locals indulging in their
sport of choice all year round in the warm waters of the Persian
Gulf. Sailing and scuba diving are particularly popular.
If travellers prefer to stay on land but still feel the need to
cool down, they can visit the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark
with the family, allowing kids to tube and slide the day away,
while cooling off from the desert climate. Whether it is in the
water or in the desert, there is plenty to choose from for the
whole family.
Al Dar Island
Al Dar Island is Bahrain's best-kept secret. A Mediterranean
beach resort with sparkling blue seas, it offers activities such as
dolphin viewing, pearl collecting, fishing, scuba diving, boating,
and other water sports. Because Bahrain's beaches are notoriously
poor, Al Dar is a popular excursion for both locals and tourists in
Manama and all over the country. Though small, there are several
beaches on Al Dar to choose from, none of which are overcrowded due
to the strict limits regarding the number of visitors per day. The
island is also known for its beach parties and lively
nightlife.
![Al Dar Islands]()
Al Dar Islands
miandadr
Hawar Islands
One-hour from Manama by boat, the Hawar Islands are a cluster of
islands known for their spectacular scenery and wildlife. A UNESCO
World Heritage Site, the Hawar Islands are home to playful dolphins
and bright pink flocks of flamingos, and the islands' resorts offer
the chance to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings while
indulging in activities such as jet skiing, canoeing, cycling, and
paddle boats. With a small population of around 4,000 people,
tourism is the major industry. Although the islands are
geographically closer to Qatar, Hawar belongs to Bahrain and makes
a pleasant weekend excursion from Manama.
![Hawar Islands]()
Hawar Islands
The Pug Father
Jebel Al Dukhan and the Tree of Life
At 439 feet (134m) above sea level, the Jebel Al Dukhan hill is
the highest point in Bahrain. Translated from Arabic, Jebel Al
Dukhan means 'Mountain of Smoke', named for the haze that often
surrounds it on humid days. There are various undetermined caves in
the area for visitors to explore. Roughly a mile (2km) away, the
Tree of Life stands alone in the desert, its water source a
complete mystery. The mesquite tree is said to be around 400 years
old, and stands 32 feet (10m) high. There is nothing else nearby to
see or do. However, the mysterious tree is a popular sight for
tourists in Bahrain.
![The Tree of Life, near Jebel Al
Dukhan]()
The Tree of Life, near Jebel Al
Dukhan
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Bahrain water park HDR
Frans Zwart
Qal'at al-Bahrain
Peter Dowley
Bab Al Bahrain
Shubrat
Al Dar Islands
miandadr
Hawar Islands
The Pug Father
The Tree of Life, near Jebel Al
Dukhan
solvo
