Putting the Middle East firmly on the F1 map, Bahrain is one of the smaller but more determined of the Gulf States. Once considered an island paradise and the home of the gods, Bahrain is an archipelago in the Middle East consisting of 33 islands.
Although terrorist threats have stripped off its mythical reputation, locals and visitors still find Bahrain a welcome respite from its staunch Islamic neighbors. Long stretches of beach and friendly locals contribute to Bahrain’s warm, welcoming appeal. But despite its Western ties and evolving culture, what draws visitors to Bahrain is its antiquity – the centuries-old Tree of Life, the world’s largest ancient necropolis, and a wealth of archaic buildings that attest to its rich and fascinating history.
Where to Go
Highlights
- Tree of Life: Bahrain’s signature tourism icon, this large mesquite tree has mysteriously thrived on desert ground for hundreds of years. It currently serves as the resting place for locals traveling through the desert.
- Bait Al-Qur’an (House of the Qur’an): housed in an attractive modern building, this museum displays a collection of Holy Qur’ans and rare manuscripts, as well as ancient calligraphy and Islamic art.
- A’Ali Burial Mounds: giving Bahrain an excuse to open up to tourism, this is perhaps the world’s largest prehistoric cemetery, a site which features thousands of burial mounds dating from 3000 BC to 600 AD.
- Barbar Temples: no relation to Ali Barbar and his forty thieves, these three temples were supposedly built for the god Enki and his wife. Bizarrely, they are built on top of each other, with the bottom one built over a sacred well.
- al-Areen Wildlife Sanctuary: with its desert beauty, the Sanctuary is home to several endangered species, including the nimble-legged Arabian onyx. A great place for those ‘dune photos’.
When to Go
Whenever you choose to visit you are going to bake! Bahrain is mostly arid, with very hot and humid summers and relatively mild winters. Sandstorms are common in the summer. Temperatures can reach 45 ºC from April to November, but are mitigated by occasional northerly winds. The best time to visit is October to March; November and April are hot, but bearable.
Things to Do
- Water sports: With its warm Gulf waters, Bahrain’s coastal location makes it a great place for fishing, swimming, snorkeling, waterskiing, and scuba diving. You can rent boats for yachting and parasailing as well.
- Camel rides: of course yes! Camels are not just for deserts you know – you can actually tour the city on a camel’s back.
- Shopping: get your bargaining turban on, the souks (markets) are a shopper’s haven, selling everything from clothes and linens to interesting local foods. Check out the gold souk southeast of the market area for a great night time view.
- Beaches: Al Jazair has everything you need for a relaxing day at the beach – miles of coastline, picnic areas, beach huts, and pretty pavilions. The coral reefs make a great underwater scene, though revealing bikinis might not go down too well.
Getting There
Bahrain has one international airport, located just outside Manama. There are no train services; local land travel is provided by a regular bus service connecting Dahran and central Manama. You can drive to Saudi Arabia via paved causeways. Gas is cheap, taxis are widely available, but drivers tend to overcharge foreigners. You’ll need skill to to negotiate with the driver and insist on a metered fare.
Health & Safety
Growing a big bushy ‘Mujahedin’ beard will help you blend in, but Bahrain is one of the less troubled Arabian nations. Tap water is considered safe in Bahrain, and most hotels have their own filtration systems. Bottled water is also widely available. Make sure your meat and poultry dishes are well-cooked and served hot.
The only significant health risk is Hepatitis B, which is endemic in the region. Hospitals are well-equipped, and emergency medical service is offered for a small fee. Terrorist threat is high, and there have been indiscriminate attacks on Western nationals. Take extra care in public places and at night, and if possible, leave your valuables (credit cards, passports) in secure places.