Hari Ng Larga: Bahrain Day Tour

The Kingdom of Bahrain is a small archipelago nation in the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. It is one of the open countries in the middle east that is a hub to most Arabs and Expats to enjoy more lenient laws when is comes to alcohol and pork. If your are residing in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain is just a 30-minute ride from Al-Khobar through the King Fahd Causeway Bridge. In the middle of the bridge is the immigration area which may take 20 minutes to over an hour depending on the number of people entering Bahrain. To go to Bahrain by land you can either do it by private car or by public bus. SAPTCO offers daily trips to Bahrain from Dammam or Al-Khobar (SR60 for one way trip and SR100 for two-way trip).

As Bahrain is mostly known for it's bars and pubs, there are also a lot of tourist attraction worth visiting. Here are some of them:

AL-FATEH MOSQUE

The largest mosque in Bahrain and also where the ISA Cultural Center is situated. Here non-muslims are allowed to enter the mosques except on Friday's. During Friday's you can only do photo ops outside the mosque. No entrance fees to visit the place.

Al-Fateh Mosque

Filipino, Ukrainian, Australian, & American

ISA Cultural Center & NAtional Library beside Al-Fateh Mosque

BAHRAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM

The center of art, culture, and history of Bahrain. The museum is open daily from 8AM-8PM with an entrance fee of BHD1 per person.

Wood Carving that symbolizes a snake

Sculptures in front of the Museum

Inside the Museum

Watch video clip from YouTube:

AL MUHARRAQ OLD HOUSES & SOUK

Al Muharraq is the former capital of Bahrain before it was replaced by Manama. Here the traditional Bahraini houses were restored and now serves as tourist attractions. The old houses are situated along narrow pathways and byways usually with murals in the walls. This area is also famous for its souks, sweets and coffee shops.

Murals in Al Muharraq Old Houses

Narrow pathways to the Old Houses

Murals in Al Muharraq Old Houses

Sweet Store

Free taste of Halwa & Tea

One of the Coffee Shops in the area - "Hose Of Coffee"

Suspended Decor made of Dried Sugar

House Of Coffee

Watch video clip from YouTube:

BAB AL BAHRAIN

Bab Al Bahrain is a historical square that serves as the entrance to the Manama Souk. There are also a lot restaurants serving local and international dishes in the area. Most tourists buy their souvenir items here.

Bab Al Bahrain

I Love Bahrain Picture Taking Site

Souvenir Shop

Bab Al Bahrain

Haji's Cafe, one of the oldest Cafe in the area

Watch video clip from YouTube:

BAHRAIN FORT

Also called Qala'at Al Bahrain, the fort is an archaeological site pre-dating ancient civilizations and is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site has no entrance fee and is open from 8:00AM to 6:00PM.

Bahrain Fort

Watch video clip from YouTube:

AL AREEN WILDLIFE PARK & RESERVE

One of the most visited attractions in Bahrain for both locals and tourists alike. The area is comprised of a wildlife park and a nature reserve that is home to a wide variety of fauna and flora that is protected for over 30 years since it was established. Entrance fee is BHD1.00 and is open from 9:00AM to 4:00PM.

Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve

CAMEL FARM

Bahrain is home to several camel farms and most of these farms allow tourists to interact and take pictures with camels. Entrance to these farms are free. You can ride a camel for a minimal fee (BHD 1-2), where a shepherd will guide you.

Camel Farm

Ukrainian, Filipino, Australian, French

FIRST OIL WELL

Located in Jebel Dukhan area where most of the oil refineries are also situated, the first oil well started producing oil in 1932. There's a museum beside it but is closed on Fridays. No entrance fees for this site and is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Oil Museum

First Oil Well

TREE OF LIFE

The Tree of Life is a single acacia tree in the middle of the desert. It is still a mystery how the tree survived without any source of water around. Some say that the roots grow very deep to gather water in an underground source.

Tree Of Life

Watch video clip from YouTube:

My time in Bahrain is just limited so I have just scratched the surface of the attractions in this place. Aside from the places that i have shown, there are a lot more attractions that Bahrain has to offer. Bahrain is well known for it's beaches and it's main attraction the Bahrain International Circuit. This gives me more reasons to go back to this place.

Here are some tips if you want to visit Bahrain:

Saudi Arabia residents are visa-free to visit Bahrain just show your Iqama and Passport in the immigration. For expats under Engineer visa, you will granted free access otherwise, immigration will ask you to pay SR 50 per entry.
From Saudi Arabia, you may opt to go to Bahrain by private car or by public bus. SAPTCO is the bus operator that have daily trips to Bahrain from Saudi Arabia. Visit their website here to view the schedules and online booking. When booking online, go to the SAPTCO VIP EXPRESS option.
Visiting Bahrain from Saudi Arabia via land transportation will be congested during Thursdays and Friday afternoons (3PM onwards), so i suggest to visit on earlier times and during week days.
Saudi Riyals is an accepted currency all throughout Bahrain. Conversion is 1BHD = 10SR.
Bahrain International Circuit is hosting yearly F1 racing events during April. It is best to visit during these months for a full F1 experience.
Despite being a Muslim country, Bahrain allows alcoholic drinks in bars and hotels. Price for a bottle of beer is BHD 2.50-3.50 on the average.

For more travel and food blogs, please visit: http://haringlarga.blogspot.com/p/home.html

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Bahrain Day Tour

No comments:

Post a Comment