Sur

Sur is a city in Central Coastal Oman, best known for its dhow shipyards.

Understand
Sur was founded in the 6th century CE as a trading port and has a long history of ship building, continuing to the present day. In addition to being an interesting destination in its own right, it makes a good base for day trips to Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi, and Ras al-Jinz turtle reserve established in 2008, all described in Central Coastal Oman.

Read

 * Tim Severin, The Sindbad Voyage. In 1980 Severin and a crew of Omanis – including several from Sur – sailed in a traditional dhow from Muscat to Guangzhou, China, in an effort to recreate the legendary voyages of Sindbad. The dhow was built in Sur by Omani and Indian shipwrights using completely traditional materials and techniques, described at length by the author.

Get in
There is no airport in Sur. Although one was in the works several years ago, the project has since been abandoned due to the expected increased frequency of cyclones.

Sur is a 2.5-hour drive south of Muscat, off of Highway 17. A taxi from the Rusayl Roundabout will cost about RO 25 (shared RO 5). Microbuses cost RO 3 and travel inland via Highway 23, passing Ibra.



Get around
There is no public transportation in Sur beside taxis, which charge 150 Bzs for any ride within Sur.

See




Eat
Sur has several decent restaurants but no five-star menus.



Nearby

 * Wadi Tiwi. A series of villages and hamlets about a 40 minute taxi ride from Sur (RO 5-6 from the center of Sur) direction Muscat. No restaurants, bring a lunch. There's a Thursday morning market where cheap Chinese made kitchen goods can be bought from Bengalis and Omanis. No restaurant, bring a lunch.
 * Wadi Shab. Right next to Wadi Tiwi, a long wadi, much more spectacular geography than Tiwi and great for a day trip. Bring swimming wear and sandals because the rocks at the bottom of the water are painful on bare feet.
 * Wadi Bani Khalid. Further from Sur than Tiwi and Shab, great spot, tons of tourists; no restaurants, bring a lunch.

Go next

 * Muscat 2:15 min drive
 * Ibra on the road from Nizwa to Sur around 2 hours by car
 * Ras al-Jinz turtle reserve, 50 minutes away by car.