The Easternmost Point of the Arabian Peninsula (that far ledge on the right), Ras al Jinz, Oman
For a comparison with Perhentian, here’s a completely different beach, devoid of trees and inhabitants. Only sea gulls, and green sea turtles inhabit this deserted coast at the eastern most point of Oman, at Ras al Jinz.
It’s a surreal experience, coming here to watch the turtles lay eggs. There are 2 turtle watching sessions daily, once at dawn, and another in the evening, coz the turtles will usually come only when it’s dark. The Turtle Reserve limits the number of visitors so you'll usually have to book in advance (we did it by email when we planned our trip a month or so before the trip). And when we were actually there, we had to wake up in time to reach the Reserve by friggin 4.30am! Depending on where you stay, this may mean waking up an hour earlier, or more. We stayed in Ras al Hadd (about 20 minutes drive away) so it ain’t that bad.
If you’re a turtle fan (not the TMNT variety), come watch! It’ll be worth it. We saw a mommy turtle burying its eggs after laying, and crawling back into the sea, saw a baby turtle clambering quickly towards the sea (hope it survives). But all this was in the dark before day break, so don’t have any good photos of it! (Anyone caught taking photos with flashes will have their cameras confiscated! One Indian tourist tried and guess what?)
After day break, you are free to roam about the deserted beach for as long as you like, which is what makes it so magical. Terengganu should learn a thing or two from Oman. The last I heard is that there’re no more turtles in Terengganu! What a shame, we Malaysians just friggin ate / harassed them to extinction!
The haunting beauty of isolation – just sound of waves crashing and sea gulls
Sunrise over Arabia, first sun you’ll see over the Arabian Peninsula
Anu at Ras al Jinz beach - completely deserted except for us and another family, the rest of the tour group wasn’t that adventurous. Reminds me of scenes in some horror movie. Those tracks on the beach are made by turtles.
Justin, surprisingly alert and enjoying every bit of it, despite having to wake up at 4am!
Posing with a dead turtle, RIP turtle
Justin having a field day, climbing in and out of turtle dug holes on the beach. (Not every hole has eggs, turtles dig many holes but lay eggs only in one to confuse predators like foxes). The sand is powdery soft, so clambering over the holes actually need some effort.
Trekking across moon land, the empty path from the beach to the Reserve Centre
Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Oman
Replica of a Bedouin Tent, at the Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve
Dhows (Arabic boats) by the roadside, by the cove at Ras al Hadd
The beach at Ras al Hadd, Oman – treeless for as far as the eye can see
Ras al Hadd Fort, Oman
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