Magic on the Gulf: Oman’s Musandam Peninsula

At the very tip of northern Oman—so far north it nearly brushes the coast of Iran—Musandam feels like a place the modern world forgot. Surrounded on three sides by the teal-blue Strait of Hormuz, this rugged peninsula is a mosaic of jagged cliffs, turquoise fjords, and sleepy coastal villages. 

Getting there is a journey in itself. You can fly to Khasab (the main town) or take a road trip from the UAE, winding past border posts and sea-hugging roads until mountains suddenly rise, and the sea folds inward into hidden coves. 

Once you’re in, the best way to explore is by traditional dhow boat, gliding through the so-called “Fjords of Arabia.” It’s here that Musandam flexes its magic: bottle-nosed dolphins racing your boat, water so clear it mirrors the cliffs, and no sign of the tourist hustle. 

Adventure is everywhere if you’re looking. You can dive into snorkelling spots with coral reefs, hike up the rocky Hajjar mountains, or kayak your way into caves and coves unreachable by foot. But Musandam doesn’t demand you do much. You could just as easily stretch out on the deck of a dhow, sip Omani coffee, and stare into the endless blue—watching time float by like driftwood.

Khasab itself is charming in its understatement—small shops selling frankincense and rose water, fishermen bringing in their morning catch, and forts made of stone. And if you’re craving a deeper cultural whisper, you can visit Kumzar, one of Oman’s most isolated villages, reachable only by boat. The people here speak a language found nowhere else on earth—and the cliffs that shelter them feel just as rare.

Wherever in Musandam you end up, you won’t find any glossy resorts, crowds, or curated chaos. Just raw, breathtaking nature—the kind that reminds you that sometimes, the best-kept secrets are the ones that don’t try to be found.