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. Though expensive by local standards
and far from Manama (a 45-minute drive from downtown), the Lost
Paradise of Dilmun is a great family excursion in Bahrain. Visitors
should note that the park is only open during the summer. Children
under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Address:
Building 1663, Road 6227, Block 1062 Hawrat Ingah,
Manama
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 Civilization, 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, however 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. There is also a visitors centre, with displays of
ancient life. Tourists can easily dedicate an entire afternoon to
the site, which also has a cafe. Be aware that bottles of water are
much cheaper at nearby shops, which do not charge tourist
prices.
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. Most shops are open from 9am to 1pm and
from 4pm to 9pm, and are closed during the day on Fridays. Touts
are known for their aggressiveness, and visitors should be prepared
to haggle for the best price.
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, Europcar, Hanco, Hertz, Oscar, Avis, Gulf, Sixt, Al
Kobaisi, 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.
Bahrain Grand Prix
Every year, the Bahrain International Circuit hosts its Grand
Prix event, a round of Formula One races that see the world's top
drivers race around a challenging track designed by Grand Prix
legend Hermann Tilke. The circuit features dramatic elevation
changes and three areas for overtaking.
Venue:
Bahrain International Circuit
![Excitement at the Bahrain Grand
Prix.]()
Excitement at the Bahrain Grand
Prix.
Habeed Hameed
Jewellery Arabia
This international exhibition of Middle Eastern jewellery and
watches occurs annually at the Bahrain International Exhibition
Centre. The Arabian passion for fine jewellery has inspired the
world's most dynamic jewellery market, with trade demand ranging
from simple gold designs to exclusive and customised pieces.
Venue:
Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC)
![An Arabian jeweller]()
An Arabian jeweller
Alan Light
![]()
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.
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 one
can purchase anything from beautiful Persian rugs to rare and
precious jewellery, all while sampling the local cuisine along the
way.
If one is to venture just slightly out of the city,
Bahrain's special history can be encountered in numerous old fort
buildings, dating back as far back as 3000 BC, and beautifully
restored and preserved for visitors to admire.
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 you prefer to stay on land but still feel the need
to cool down, you 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 like 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 beaches are all clean and well-kept with good
shower and ablution facilities, plus several decent restaurants and
shops. The island is also known for its beach parties and a
nightlife which, in Bahrain terms, is quite lively. Booking ahead
is essential, as only a few tickets to Al Dar are allocated per
day, and international visitors are required to present their
passports at the Port Office before embarking on the ferry to Al
Dar.
![Al Dar Islands]()
Al Dar Islands
miandadr
Hawar Islands
A one-hour boat ride from Manama are the Hawar Islands, 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 like 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 which 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
solvo
Bahrain water park HDR
Frans Zwart
Qal'at al-Bahrain
Peter Dowley
Bab Al Bahrain
Shubrat
Excitement at the Bahrain Grand
Prix.
Habeed Hameed
An Arabian jeweller
Alan Light
Al Dar Islands
miandadr
Hawar Islands
The Pug Father
The Tree of Life, near Jebel Al
Dukhan
solvo
