Spend 3 days in Bahrain
| VITAL INFORMATION | |
| Population | 709,000 |
| Languages spoken | Arabic, English, Hindi/Urdu |
| Currency | 1.00 Bahraini Dinar (BHD) = 2.66 USD |
| Average temperature | Summer: 95F; winter: 64.4F |
| High season | November to March |
A small island in the Persian Gulf that has been inhabited for several millennia, Bahrain, as a tourist destination, is as popular for its historical attractions as it is for its oil-fueled modern-day glitz. The kingdom is also one of the most liberal countries in the Gulf region, making it perfect for Western visitors who are unfamiliar with the customs, traditions and religion of the area. Cities in Bahrain exude an old-world charm that meets new-world convenience, with their hauntingly beautiful and poetic call to prayer emanating from the mosques five times a day over the cities’ luxurious mega malls and upscale resorts. During the high season -- late fall and early spring -- weather conditions are very pleasant (there’s rarely a cloud in the sky and the sunlight is dazzling), making Bahrain a great option for those in need of some serious R&R.
A taxi is the best way to get from the airport to your accommodations, as well as around the island. Bahrain doesn’t have much in the way of hostels, but take advantage of the numerous resorts on the island and treat yourself to the comfortable and sumptuous hotel experience that the region specializes in. Though it’s not centrally located, the Al Dana Novotel Resort in Manama, the nation’s capital, is one of the island’s cheaper options. Designed in a Moroccan style, the Al Dana is airy, spacious and has a lovely pool as well as high-quality, buffet-style breakfasts with fresh breads, fruits and hot-cooked selections. One of the best things about the hotel, however, is its small stretch of beach, offering gorgeous views of the Gulf’s sparkling turquoise waters. Public beaches are somewhat of a rarity in Bahrain, so if you want to laze about on one, a resort is the place to do it.
Keep reading to learn more about the island’s Arab heritage, its ancient sites of interest and some decidedly modern ways to entertain yourself. Ask your hotel’s front desk for a taxi and bring along this guide to prepare yourself for a whirlwind tour of the island’s delights.
Day 1: Shopping, eating and religion
Wake up at a leisurely pace and spend a few early morning hours working on your tan at your resort. Next up: a spot of shopping and some island exploring.Visit Seef Mall, near the center of Manama, through the Bab al Bahrain (Gate of Bahrain) for high-street clothing. It may sound strange to visit a mall in Bahrain, but many malls in the Middle East are very decadent, and Seef Mall is no exception with its arabesque design, glass domes, stained glass windows, and marble flooring (in other words, nothing like your local mall).
Seef also has a number of stores that carry UK brands that may not be available in the U.S., so it’s worth a visit if you want to pick up something no one else will be wearing back home, such as a dishdasha (traditional garments worn by the local males of the Persian Gulf). You can wear this fun and exotic souvenir around your house in hotter weather since they’re great for keeping you cool when the mercury rises.
If you’ve been hankering to get any kind of jewelry or cuff links, visit Damas, a well-known and trusted chain of jewelry stores in the region. You might want to pick up more than a couple items here since jewelry tends to be cheaper in the Middle East due to the reduced cost of labor.
If the weather permits, take a brief walk over to the bustling Manama souk to experience a more traditional Bahrain shopping scene. Grab some spices for tasty dinners back home, as well as pistachios, which are extremely tasty and inexpensive in this region. Haggling, of course, is encouraged. To see more gold in one place than you will ever see again in your life, don’t leave without taking a peek at the Gold souk.
You’ll likely be famished after all that shopping, so find a schawarma stand and fill up on tasty Arabic street food. The Westernized versions you get in other countries pale in comparison to the real deal, which features succulent, slow-roasted meat smothered in an amazing sauce and stuffed with pickles -- a mind-blowing combination that’s also ridiculously cheap.
Once you’re satisfied, take a taxi and move on to the Al-Fateh Mosque along the Al Fateh highway. Built in the early 1990s, this mosque is rather new, but it’s still impressive with its massive structure and ability to hold 7,000 worshippers at a time. Hop into a cab and make your way to the National Museum, which will really deepen your interest in and understanding of early life on the Bahrain island, since some of the artifacts you’ll see in the museum are 9,000 years old. For supper, chow down at The Fish Market, where you can take your pick from acres of varying kinds of seafood, cooked to your specifications. Do try the hamour, a delightful, tender white fish that’s native to the region, with a taste that’s somewhat like a meatier version of sole. Digest your delicious dinner
lounging around on the Corniche (near the water) with a flavored shisha (hookah).
Day 2: Archeology, history and nightlife
If you’ve come to Bahrain with friends, try to hook up a day of touring with a company, such as Bahrain Explored. You’ll be able to sail around the Bahrain waters in a dhow (traditional Arabic boat), or arrange a party for the evening under the desert sky in a Bedouin tent. If this type of day trip doesn’t appeal to you, then gear up for more lessons in ancient Bahrain history.Catch a cab and drive toward the airport to the Qal’at al-Bahrain, aka Arad fort, or Bahrain fort. Although it may appear to be a simple raised mound, this archaeological site dates back to 2300 B.C., and was located in the capital of the Dilmun civilization at the height of its trading prowess. Much of the site remains to be excavated, but a range of structures, from residential to commercial and military, have been revealed. Around the 16th century, the Turks built a fort here, which was later occupied by the Portuguese and is still present today. Get some hummus, pita bread and tabouleh for lunch at one of Bahrain's run-down beach cafes, since the setting here is quite pleasant for watching water-sports enthusiasts.
While you’re in the area, visit Al Muharraq, a small island just off Manama and less touched by modern Bahrain development. In the old town, visit Shaikh Isa bin Ali’s house, ruler of the nation until 1932, and get an idea of what royal life was like in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Apart from the intricate latticework and carved doors throughout the house, one of the most interesting features about it is its wind tower, which was used by locals to keep the house cool prior to air conditioning.
Next, visit Barbar Temple, just off Budaiya Highway. Don’t be put off by the fact that it’s a bit of a drive from Al Muharraq, since you’ll be able to see more of the Bahrain island this way and it really is possible to make your way around the entire country in a short time. The oldest of these three temples dates back to 3000 B.C., while the most recent was constructed around 2100 B.C. Worshipping of Sumerian god Enki and his wife Nankhur Sak is thought to have taken place here.
Head back to downtown Manama to wander the narrow streets of the souk in search of your evening meal. If you stick with Arabic or Indian food, it’s almost impossible to find bad food in Bahrain. For nightlife, check out BJs, Rock Bottom or Likwid, but ask the local expats where you can find the latest hot spots.
Day 3: Visit a 400 year old tree
There’s some hard partying to be had in Bahrain, so work off any hangover from the night before with a dip in the sea. Then begin day three in Bahrain with a drive out to Riffa Fort. Built in 1812, Riffa Fort overlooks the Hunanaiya and has a fantastic view. It was also the home of Bahrain's government until 1869. Also of interest at Riffa is a reconstructed version of a 1930s souk.Get ready for some more driving as you make your way toward Jebel Dukhan and the Tree of Life. A natural wonder, this large mesquite tree is 400 years old and stands alone in the Bahrain desert without any discernible source of water. Of course, myths surrounding the origins of this tree abound, and it’s good fun to hear them all. Herdsmen can often be seen driving camels through the area as well, so you might just come across them. If you do, don’t be shy to ask if you can ride the camels since you’ll usually be able to do so for a small fee or even for free. Lastly, go back toward Manama and make a stop at Khamis Mosque. Thought to be the first mosque in Bahrain, it’s also one of the oldest Islamic sites in the Gulf, as its foundation was laid as early as the 7th century.
Now that you’ve done your mandatory Bahrain history lesson, take to the waters on a Jet Ski and get a rush of adrenaline while basking in the desert sun. Don’t worry if you’ve never been on one before, since they’re easy to maneuver and Bahrain’s waters are quite shallow. Sports lovers should also give diving a go, since there is an abundance of great diving spots just off the Bahrain island, including miles of oyster beds for pearl diving. Best of all, if you wind up finding a pearl, you actually get to keep it.
tips for the trip
- Dress modestly. Although Bahrain is a very liberal and modern country, it is, nevertheless, an Islamic one. Despite the heat, men going topless is only acceptable at the swimming pool or the beach.
- If you travel to Bahrain with a female companion or meet a girl there, avoid public displays of affection, even while clubbing, as these could land you in trouble and are also considered to be quite rude. Holding hands, however, is fine. Also, photographing local Muslim women is not advisable, even inadvertently, without asking permission first, and many may not appreciate your impolite behavior.
- When taking an unofficial taxi, arrange your fare in advance, otherwise you could end up paying more than you expected. If you’re taking an official, metered taxi, make sure the meter is on.
- Smaller stores, attractions and malls may be closed from noon until around 4:00 p.m., so plan your day accordingly.
no rain in bahrain
It may be tiny, but you’ll find plenty to do in Bahrain. From world-class food to a surprising number of ancient sites, this miniscule island is rich in culture and drenched in history. To boot, Bahrain’s residents are very hospitable. This trip will definitely leave you wanting to see more of the Gulf, which is a fascinating and diverse region with many tantalizing cities just waiting to be explored.Resources:
www.virtualtourist.com
www.bsactravelclub.co.uk/
http://www.seef.net/8.html
http://www.novotel.com/novotel/fichehotel/gb/nov/3600/fiche_hotel.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
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