Yegenaga Travel & Tours Guide

Not like Mecca and Medina, the city of Jeddah is not known for its rich tourist areas and historical sites. Wealthiest cities in the Middle East and Western Asia, better known as the trade area and shopping centers. Shopping lovers can explore the various shopping areas that offer various products with various prices in the city located on the edge of this Red Sea.

One area that could be a paradise for shopper is Balad. Besides having a high-class shopping center offering the latest products from leading fashion brands from Milan and Paris, the old town of Jeddah is also packed with traditional traders and the open market that offer various fashion products and souvenirs with a relatively cheap price.

At night, this shopping center crowded by visitors. Density shopping center located in the Corniche area during the peak season is the pilgrimage because pilgrims usually took time to come to Jeddah to buy fruit hand.

Carpet, abaya (traditional Arab women dress in black-red), various brand perfume with unique packaging, prayer beads, prayer rugs, watches, various leather products, hood, Pasmina, until hena eye shadow and can be purchased at the shopping center every time prayer was closed a few today.

Most of the goods sold in this market is imported from other countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and of course China. Almost all products sold in the souvenir market Balad, including beads and calligraphy, are imported from China. Imported goods from China is the average wholesale and sold very cheap price. Unit price of stone beads of different colors one riyal and the unit price of various leather wallet is only between 10 to 15 riyal riyal.

In Balad, the selling price of each product varies according to the quality and negotiable. Some traders also speak to Indonesia despite the limited numbers so that visitors from Indonesia who could not speak Arabic can still make a bargain price.

In fact, when a group of people across Indonesia, with traders shouting aggressively price the goods to the Indonesian language. “Let’s just ten riyal, riyal ten!,” Said one street vendor in Balad when abayanya wares.

Of all the shop in Balad, Ali Cheap Shop is a shop that most pilgrims visited Indonesia. Despite the name Ali Cheap, but the price of goods sold in this store is relatively more expensive than the price of goods in other stores.

Simple abaya in another store sells 35 to 40 riyal riyal, Ali Cheap stores offered a price of 60 riyal.

Indonesian pilgrims average prefer to shop at this store because the transaction can be done with the Indonesian language. All the servants in this store of Indonesia, one shop owner speaks fluent Indonesian.

“And here all the stuff there, complete and varied,” said Fine, a congregation from Palembang.

In addition to Balad, cheap shopping center in the region also Haraj Al-Sawarikh, a long market stall that sells various new and used goods. K arpet, crystal lamps, glassware, cosmetics, electronic goods, fashion and souvenir products sold in this area. If they are good bargain and choose, visitors can get good stuff at cheap prices here.

While in Tahlia Street, in the middle of Jeddah City, visitors can shop at shopping centers and boutiques that sell products world-renowned fashion such as Prada, Gucci and Giorgio Armani. The price of hundreds to thousands of riyal per item.

“If you want to spend the salary within a matter of hours, go there,” said Sukri, an Indonesian citizen who had an annual living in Saudi Arabia.

And if you choose to purchase electronic products, Falestin Street place. On either side of this street lined shops that sell various brands phone, camera, recorder players and digital versions of music format MP3, MP4, and MP5, and the portable computer and its accessories.

The price is relatively cheaper than the price of electronic goods in the country. Difference in prices range from tens of thousands of dollars to one million.

There was no trouble at all immigration paperwork to Oman was impressed very smoothly and easily. Last week in December last year, I and a delegation from Undip who want to negotiate co-join the academic and research with the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in Muscat, Oman enough to communicate remotely with the university. Just-mail each other everything is fine.

Oman including a unique country because it has a low plateau and desert with shades plus the beach. That combination of beautiful scenery. We can enjoy the park at the edge of the beach Riyam with family or friends while enjoying kebabs and chicken tika, Omani coffee or McDonald’s or Pizza. There is a place of recreation for the public beach at Marina Airport near Rowdha Marine Science and Fisheries Center (Oman Fisheries Research Center).

As a desert country, Oman two seasons, the cold and heat. In December until April the air was very friendly, cool, with temperatures in the daytime average of 16 degrees Celsius, even at night the amplitude (temperature difference) is relatively sharp. But do not ask how hot start in May and until the end of November, in the daytime temperature reaches 50 degrees Celsius.

SQU campus so comfortable and shady. If you entered the area, we like do not believe that was in the desert country. He could be called a green campus full of plants that combine the type of sub-tropical plants and tropical. Likewise along the road in the city of Muscat. Once lush with gardens full of colorful flowers like spring in Europe. Yes, with capillary irrigation technology (springle) is always controlled and systematically created by the network that laid hidden beneath the ground surface deserts into forests and city parks so fantastic. How much does it cost for all investments? That is one form of commitment from the Sultan Qaboos, Oman leaders, so that his country had a prestige in the eyes of the world. Enormity of this policy is supported by its people.

It was mentioned that Oman is a desert country which also has a sea. Naturally, if the country’s royal has research centers do not surprise too, in strategic places we’ll find a picture or diorama big boat. This is something to do with the historical background of the country, characterized by maritime, either from its natural structure and community life. Leaders and community leaders of Oman until now still boasts the power of marine resources they have.

So, is the uniqueness of Oman kebaharian others. When compared with the Arab community in general who preferred the food menu of daily cattle meat (red meat), the Oman manifold prefer white meat such as chicken meat, turkey, and fish in particular. One can mention their menu is the pride of king fish steak, fish of similar large tengiri baked with butter and special sauce with lemon and almonds, equipped with fries. It was so delicious.

VISIT to Oman incomplete without a stop at the Nizwa Fort which stores a historical record of Omani society. The fort was included in Nizwa province that could be taken approximately 1.5 hours from the International Airport of Oman, Sultan Qaboos. The old building was that it was haunted when viewed from the outside. But after entering, we will get another impression. There is a unique attraction for visitors, especially from Southeast Asia. At the front of the fort there are old wells with rope and bucket bath, similar to the situation in our country in general. Color Pembedanya only relatively whitish soil gives the impression and other nuances.

Entered the castle through the small alleys, you will find that many traps (perhaps the image that we’ve seen in the film Indiana Jones adventure. The trap is usually a hidden staircase and would like ambrol when dipijak. In addition, there are many platforms in the fortress. pavilion, pavilion describing the life of Omani society and civilization, ranging from kitchen pavilion that contains all the tools and equipment, the shepherds, the food storage room (logistics such as dates), the pavilion to receive guests, and large event space to the resort, rooms oversized jewelry and clothing, the means for the Koran and worship as well as a vehicle for entertainment. It really arranged in the original.

Exciting, when up the stairs to the top of the castle, we will be able to enjoy views of the city and its expanse of Nizwa wahdi (flood shelter from the desert flash floods at any time to come), and palm forests, Galib panoramic desert region. Comfortable right, especially when the air was cool once. Because too enjoy the comfort that we do not remember until the appointed time 16:00 hours local time. That when the fort closed with wooden bar and a large padlock. We forget that prior to Dr Osman had come to take us warned about the discipline of time. We of course distraught trapped inside the fortress. Alhamdulillah, the castle guards appeared and opened the door smiling. And as free from anxiety, we are satisfied satisfied to walk into the traditional market and the largest fish market in Nizwa.

There are many interesting things in Oman that it was a pity if we miss. One of them is to go to a village on the outskirts of Muscat has Falaj. That’s a big water source like an oasis. There, we witnessed the greatness of God in terms of water source that never dry in the middle of the desert aridity.

Keep in mind, the source water into the pulse of community life there and managed by local communities (indigenous) from the past until now the down-down. Management system based on the community (community-based management) and running smoothly. Royal party only provide facilities and technology development only.

Said people there, when we drink water from Falaj, God willing, we will visit that place again. Hearing that, we are also interested to try it. The water was clear and refreshing drink. While drinking, we pray that we can go back to it one day.

Oman? Where the country in the Middle East Peninsula? Understandably, the country was not as popular as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, or much less Iraq. And it is only a small country of Oman on the Arabian Peninsula with 1700 km long coast. Its area is 309,500 km2 and a population of approximately 2.3 million (including the settlers around 500 thousand people).

Original inhabitants are Arabs lighter-skinned than the people of Saudi Arabia. During the week hanging out with them, especially those in urban areas, I got the impression that the people of Oman more than they mriyayeni I met in Mecca or Medina.

Yes, Oman is a small but rich thanks to oil and gas mining. In 2007, 79% of the total revenue derived from the two commodities (about 5565 million Omani riyal). Other commodities are outstanding perfume and frankincense (a kind of air freshener hundred) with the export destinations to more than 100 countries.  production was abundant. Even now, the country is exploring the fisheries and marine sector with modern port named Sultan Qaboos.

Port name was taken from the name of the leader of Oman, the Sultan Qaboos bin Said. He was a middle-aged man with extensive knowledge of highly respected and revered people. So do not be surprised if you come there, in addition to the port, almost all public facilities bear his name as a university, hospital, or mosque.

Oman landscape really beautiful views of the combination between high and low plains to the nuances of the desert. We can enjoy the park at the edge of the beach Riyam with family or colleagues while enjoying kebabs, Omani coffee or a hamburger or pizza. Fun to enjoy the beach for public recreation at the Marina Airport near Rowdha Marine Science and Fisheries Center (Oman Fisheries Research Center).

Muscat City is also fun. Do not imagine the city’s only full-desert and desert. Therefore, most major cities in the Arabian peninsula (let’s call Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, or Dubai) “metamorfosis” the city became deserts with cities in Europe or America, plus an order of stay in the city park. Muscat did not miss. Park city is very similar to the one in Kokenhorf, Netherlands. And it certainly does not cost a bit. When I asked about it to Ahmed, Public Relations Department of Fisheries of Oman, he chuckled as he answered curtly, “I bet a lot of riyal should be released for it.”

With the “new city” which was transformed from the desert like that, I really wondered how the drainage system and beautiful parks maintenance. It turned out that the desert soil extracted and replaced with good soil (made such a huge pot) with a permanent capillary tube, and planted beneath the ground. For garden maintenance, there officers whose numbers adjusted by the ratio of the flower garden area / trees along the streets of the city. Their orange uniforms and always ready with a broom and sweep the trash to the desert sand that every time the wind. Wow!

Usually, tourists in Muscat will have a question: have you to Suz (traditional markets) in which there Matrah the beach? There are offered in the form of-way as goods such as handicrafts, fragrances, typical Omani air (like a hundred who were burned), Pasmina, clothes, and gold and diamonds. Market is very unique and antique. If young people to borrow the term, the Middle East market really. At least if compared with the zinc market in Makkah who had to accommodate the taste of Indonesian pilgrims. In fact, the seller most immigrants from India, Bangladesh, Turkey, Morocco, or Pakistan.

Goods prices, well do not ask. Drain completely allowance. Moreover, Omani riyal is more expensive than the Saudi riyal, even with the U.S. dollar (100 U.S. dollars Omani riyal = 38). But not to worry, as long as we are good at bargaining, God willing, able goods prices “realistic”. A friend from Oman to give a little leak, ” to 30-50% of the seller set the price.”

Even so, I and Tri Winarni, a friend of the Faculty of Fisheries Undip, often inconvenience too. The reason is, every transaction, we have to convert into dollars Omani riyal first. “Well, the difference in just 0.5 riyal’ve Rp 17.500,” I joke.

Beyond that, actually, there is little doubt in our hearts as an invitation to meet the conference in Oman. The reason is, we women.  safe and Arab countries for tourist women?

Before leaving we took time to browse the website of “Lonely Planet Traveler”. There is mentioned that women are advised not to go alone. Oh no. In addition, there week end with a different time in most countries, ie on Thursday and Friday. Similarly, business hours will be closed after prayer Dzuhur until sunset. Eventually about eight hours from Jakarta by plane Etihad (a subsidiary of Emirates Airways) we arrived at Muscat. Then we know, fear before going too far. Oman is a modern Arab state, a good civilized, and less intimidating for a woman traveler.

Government of Oman also has a good policy against women. Simple proof, March 8 and then when I explained the working paper to coincide with World Women’s Day, especially Sultan Qaboos bin Said gave congratulations to the warning.

Likewise, when I visited the University of Sultan of Oman, who diligently attended too many women. Similarly, in many fields of work, and scientific forums, which is active most of the Eve. Yes, although important position is still held by men, from a quick observation, I feel that the participation and emancipation of women was good Oman.

Entering the City of Kairouan was immediately impressed on students that a town of about  nuanced mentioned, there are about 250 mosques scattered throughout the city of Kairouan. They also revealed, from after the evening prayer till isa time arrived, the students from Africa, Tunisia and other Arab countries to memorize the Quran at Masjid Al Uqba ibn Nafi. The distance between Tunis and Kairouan city about 150 miles through a very smooth way. Understandably, the country Tunisia infrastructure-including highways, intercity  the income from the business relies on tourism, was nicely maintained. As is known, about 5 million tourists visit Tunisia each year. City of Kairouan is one of the main objectives of the tourist attractions.

Kairouan until now in great demand from foreign tourists. However, a special tourist in the city is the cultural tourists or archaeologists. Most tourists visit Kairouan with tourist buses coming from the tourist town of Sousse or Hamamet City. The distance between Kairouan and Souse is only about 50 kilometers, while between Kairouan and Hamamet approximately 100 kilometers.

The tourists usually spend a day in the city of Kairouan to visit the historical places, especially Mosque Uqba ibn Nafi. Most of the tourists who are interested to visit Kairouan come from Europe and Japan who had read about the history of the city before. Kairouan is known is the combination of the City of Damascus and Marrakesh, Morocco. Read the rest of this entry »

On December 24, 2008 pk 01.25, my wife and I departed from Aeroporto Guarulhos (GRU) of São Paulo / Brazil Emirades plane with destination to Dubai. We set out from home the night of 23. This often becomes a trap because it often happens people leave home the night of 24. (finished 1 day late).

The journey takes between 14 to 15 hours. As Lukman writing that this is (if not mistaken) number 3 or 4 non-stop travel the longest. We joined a tour which includes the package is round-trip plane ticket, hotel during the next 10 days breakfast at the hotel Four Points Sheraton Hotel, airpot shuttle inter-hotel-airport and city tour 1. The rest of each day there are events and must pay optionil own.

As it is known that Dubai is part of the union of 7 emirates of Abu Dhabi (the richest), Dubai (no.2), Sharjah, Ayman, Um al qaiuan and Al fujayrah in 1971 and a year later joined Al khaymah also race.

Incidentally, I have a friend , who worked in Saudi Arabia and have often come to Brazil. We promised to meet in Dubai, by coincidence he was also off. He accompanied me for 2 days, because then he must go to work again. He also frequently to Dubai, because he said in Saudi Arabia there is no entertainment, so if the holiday go to Dubai. (In Saudi Arabia said there was no cinema, and a place for a drink, etc.). Earlier this my friend offered what we want to eat  Burj al Arab. (the 7 star hotel, which forms a rich display  boat), because if you want to reserve a seat far away. So he arrange for the three of us, at the top of the building (the most expensive).

In the building there are several other restaurants, among them one can see fish in the sea, through the glass. Sure enough, when we arrived, many people who want to eat above, but it was rejected, if no reservations. It was a beautiful building and very futuristic, but the food (buffet) not so good. Losing just eat buffets in Jakarta as Hyat hotels or Mariot (I prefer that the Hyat). After he returned, I was every day I go tour2 them. His name Arabian Adventure which is owned company that also flew Emirades is state owned. In the first 2 days with the show only half a day, but then continued to go in the morning and come home that night, because gone far, among others, to Abu Dhabi, Sharjjah, Fujairah and even to Oman as well (this is another country, so must bring passport.)

At first day2 where we separated from our tour of the streets themselves in and out of the mall (far away), and accidental misuse of a mall while we were eating lunch at the mall, I saw there a young couple who seem from Indonesia, also was dining near our table. So I asked what they were from Indonesia. And sure enough, a woman from Indonesia and the Malaysian girlfriend. A woman working as a hotel recepcionist misconstrued. So we got talking, and from it we can address some Indonesian food restaurant. So we get to eat at 3 restaurants (rest. Pearl, Singapore deli and Betawi).

In Dubai it was the original people are the minority (only 20% only), and the rest (80%) are immigrants to work from different countries (100 countries) with the largest Indian nation (30%). In Dubai we had a chance to meet many good people as a tourist, worker (guide and driver, etc.). al nation Brazil, Indonesia, Philippines, singapore, China, Thai, India, Pakistan, Croasia, russia, Marroko, Mozambique (this from her face white and black hair-and Portuguese-language-I think people brasil, but I was wrong), South Africa, american, canada, germany, Italy, Spain, Australia. This is what we got chatting, etc..

Although we are really in the desert, but everywhere we see a lot of green and diverse gardens of colorful flowers. Because the ground is placed a hollow rubber tube so that the water wetting the soil. We happened to come at a good season (winter, cold but at least 10 degrees C. The only positive), because if you get the summer over 50 degrees C.

In Abu Dhabi we visited a mosque which he said was the mosque that was built with the highest costs in the world and no. 2nd largest. Everything is covered in marble from Macedonia, which was sent to China had to be carved and painted, and just returned to Abu Dhabi.

Cristal lamps imported from Italy. It’s really beautiful and luxurious. That women should wear clothing in a black Islamic way, which lent freely. What money can do, wheter they do not have know-how. Low workers usually live far outside the city or country other parts of the EUA, for the expensive rent. Cheap gasoline only (260 dirhams per gallon = 4 liters), while diesel 1100 dirhams. (1 U.S. $ = 3.65 dirhams). All imported from outside.

In mana2 (in Dubai) we see the development. Now he says we are no longer in Dubai will see the Bedouin tribes who live at home and ride a camel huts, because the government  free house for them and if married to the money. if the child is born to money again. Meanwhile, foreign workers can only work permit longest 3 years. If you continue to work the same  could be extended. But if you move jobs to get out first, then ask for another work visa. A driver said that pakistan nation even though he was born in Dubai, he can not be a resident of Dubai.

The streets that often rust hour traffic, although the population of Dubai is only 1.2 million and wide path. (because many other parts of country living and working in Dubai.) We could imagine if the population reaches 5 million or more. There also are building a Metro, but only a small portion that will go in the ground. He said the hell with this current world crisis was already a change for example, hotels are fully booked no longer.

The language used mostly English, but all written in English and Arabic.
One night we brought the tour after a see museums, the place to sell gold and rempah2. A long street selling all the gold and the other wrote all the spices. He said the gold was cheaper, but with the number of tourist, it is not cheap anymore.

Spices were imported by ship and stacked located in the city streets until her days and no one waiting. Some plastic tarpaulin covered a little, but if the rain would because rarely rains, so they drift off course. Here it seems there is no theft, because otherwise we see people stopped his car and left up engine does not shut down. (boro2 locked). Also we see bikers, bike parking, put helm, a good leather jacket and purse on the bike, then he went storey building.

Differ slightly in Abu Dhabi, all have more regular because of their construction has been completed, because they started it first.

On another day we show called Safari. That is up SUF (rich big jeep) 4 whel drive = 4 x 4, fit 7 people into the desert sand with  and gunung2. Total 75 jeep all brands owned by Arabian adventure Toyota Land Cruiser V6-4500 vehicles and Chevorlet Tahoe cc V 8 – 5.400cc. He dang sand up and down, right side left side. Until there are some who throw anak2 including 1 girl we are from South Africa. But in addition to already available pocket to throw, too, they stop when we say.

The road was quite tight, because if you happen to stop a soft place to  road again, although previously been prepared by  tires. Our car had also  sand. another car to help but also mangkol.  out with the aid of human power, aka encouraged many people.

On another day the show to the Grand Canyon, which we went to a mountainous area of stone high and we got the jeep was in the valley = valley of her. Usually this street beside a river but there is only water when it rains again. The road is narrow and often winding  addition to meandering. If there is a car from the front to stop and just one street. This existence in Oman. That night we stopped by dilembah surrounded by mountains and performed belly dance over dinner. On this occasion we can ride a camel.

On the next day we went back to Oman (big bus), but the show almost the same (without the sand and rock), and we pay every tour. When going in Oman are warned not to take photos / the passport inspection. Everything’s fine, but the return time when going out, I happened to fall asleep, and woke my wife that passports will be checked. I woke up and saw a sign of welcome.