During my recent 2-week backpacking trip, I wanted to make the most of it. So, when I planned my route, I made sure to squeeze in at least one long layover before heading home.
After weighing a few options, I decided to end my trip in Oman.
I picked Oman because I’d never been to the Middle East, and this was my very first step into this fascinating region. It also meant I could proudly check off another part of my personal travel map:
🌏 Southeast Asia
🌍 Europe
🏔️ Central Asia
🏜️ Middle East
Oman ended up being the highlight of my entire trip. The country completely won me over with its calm beauty, friendly people, and rich culture (okay, maybe not the weather—that heat was on another level! 😅). But despite the blazing sun, that 21-hour stopover was nothing short of amazing!
✅ Flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Layover in Muscat, Oman)
I booked my ticket directly through the Oman Air website. It was the cheapest option I could get at that time if compared to any other third-party website. I had never flown with Oman Air before, so I was quite excited to experience it for the first time.
💸Ticket Price: RM1,097.86
✈️Airline: Oman Air
⌚Duration: 4h 55m from Istanbul to Muscat (layover) + 6h 50m from Muscat to Kuala Lumpur
This was the only flight of my entire trip that included a free 20kg checked baggage allowance, which felt like such a relief after weeks of carrying my backpack into the cabin and constantly worrying about the weight limit.
Oman Air served full meals on both flights, and I genuinely had a great experience with them. The flight also came with:
- In-flight entertainment
- A cozy blanket
- Earphones
✅ Visa and Entry to Oman
Malaysian passport holders are required to apply for a visa before entering Oman. The good news is that the process is super easy, thanks to Oman’s online eVisa system.
I applied for my visa through the Royal Oman Police eVisa website. The whole process took me around 5 minutes, and my visa was approved and emailed to me the next day. No embassy visits, no paperwork—just a few clicks and you’re done!
Here’s what the process looked like for me:
- Visa Type: Single-entry Tourist eVisa
- Validity: 10 days
- Visa Fee: 5 Omani Riyal (around RM60)
- Processing Time: Less than 24 hours
- Where to Apply: Royal Oman Police eVisa Portal
Overall, it was one of the easiest visa applications I’ve ever done. I’d read a few negative reviews online, but my experience was completely different—the process was smooth, quick, and hassle-free.
✅ Muscat International Airport (MCT)
The Muscat International Airport is modern, clean, and surprisingly easy to navigate. When I landed around 1 a.m., the terminal was calm with only a handful of travelers, so there wasn’t much of a queue at immigration. Everything went quickly and smoothly.
At the immigration counter, I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly and welcoming the officer was. He smiled, asked how I was doing, and even checked if it was my first time in Muscat— such a different experience compared to my previous trips. I had a little trouble placing my fingers correctly on the scanner, but he was patient and kindly guided me through it. Once everything was done, he looked up with a smile and said, “Welcome to Oman.” That simple gesture instantly made my first impression of the country even more special.
It was just as smooth when I returned to the airport for my flight home. I genuinely loved how clean and well-organized the airport was. From the architecture to the calm atmosphere, it gave off such a warm and elegant first (and last) impression of Oman.
✅ Airport Transfer
Since I arrived at midnight, I thought it would be a good idea to arrange an airport transfer for a hassle-free and safe experience. At first, I considered staying overnight at the airport and heading out in the morning to explore. But then I realized I’d probably be too tired to enjoy the day after a sleepless night—so I decided it was better to get a proper rest instead.
I booked my airport transfer through Agoda and mentioned my arrival time in advance. It was such a relief to see my driver already waiting for me as soon as I exited the arrival hall. From the moment we met, he gave me a great impression, which instantly made me feel comfortable and safe. He even accompanied me to the hotel check-in counter to make sure everything went smoothly before he left. It was such a kind gesture that truly made me feel cared for as a solo traveler.
✅ Currency to Use in Oman
The local currency is the Omani Rial. Since I was only in Oman for 21 hours, I decided not to exchange for local currency. Instead, I relied entirely on my Wise card, which worked perfectly everywhere I went. Oman is very card-friendly.
I also paid my driver in USD, and he was totally fine with that. It was super convenient because I didn’t have to deal with exchanging money or worrying about leftover rials I couldn’t use later.
If you’re planning a short transit like mine, I’d definitely recommend doing the same. As long as you have a reliable card like Wise, you’ll be able to pay easily throughout your stay. Just make sure to have a bit of cash in USD, just in case.
✅ Getting Around in Muscat, Oman
For my day trip in Muscat, I hired the same driver who picked me up at the airport. His name is Mohammed, and from the moment I met him, I knew I was in good hands. As a female solo traveler, I really need that.
Having him as my driver was a perfect choice. He knew Muscat inside out and took me to places that most travelers wouldn’t even know about. From hidden scenic spots to local areas not usually open to tourists, he made sure I got to see the best of what Muscat had to offer.
I fell in love with Oman from the very first stop he brought me to. The country completely amazed me—everything was so clean, calm, and beautifully organised, and it made me think,
“I could actually live here.”
If you ever plan to visit Oman, I truly recommend hiring Mohammed as your driver. He’s not just a guide—he’s someone who’ll make your experience in Oman extra special.
✅ Where I Stayed
📍Al Hail Waves Hotel Managed By Centara, Muscat, Oman
- Standard City View King
- Price: 90.54/night
I arrived around 2 a.m. and checked out at 9 a.m., so basically, I was there just to sleep—but it served its purpose perfectly. The hotel was clean, comfortable, and just what I needed for a quick stop to give me the rest I needed.
✅ Places I Visited
I decided to fully trust my driver, Mohammed, to take me to the best spots in the city. We started our day around 9 a.m. and wrapped up the day by heading back to the airport at 6 p.m.
Though my time was short, I made the most of every hour, visiting some of Muscat’s most beautiful and iconic spots. Each place had its own personality, showing me a new side of the city and making my layover feel surprisingly full and unforgettable.
📍 Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
First stop was the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of Muscat’s most famous landmarks, and wow, it was absolutely breathtaking! The mosque is elegant, peaceful, and full of stunning details everywhere you look. It’s enormous, and to my surprise, it even has its own library complete with computers—definitely not something I usually see in a mosque!
📍 Royal Opera House Muscat
Next, we visited the Royal Opera House Muscat, and I have to say, it was absolutely stunning!
Opened in 2011, it holds the title of being the first opera house in the Arabian Peninsula, brought to life under the vision of Sultan Qaboos, who was a passionate supporter of music and the arts. Today, it stands as Oman’s leading center for art and culture. Beyond its grand design, the Royal Opera House is a proud symbol of how Oman beautifully preserves its heritage while embracing creativity and innovation.
📍 Al Mirani Fort
We then headed to Al Mirani Fort, which stands proudly overlooking the sea. I learned from Mohammed that the fort had only recently been opened to the public, which made me feel extra lucky to visit at the right time.
Getting in wasn’t cheap, though. The entrance fee is on the pricey side, but I managed to get a 50% discount. I only paid around RM60.67, which means the full price is roughly RM120.
📍 Al Bustan Village (Mini Santorini)
One of my favorite stops was Al Bustan Village, also known as “Mini Santorini” among the locals. It’s right by the beach, with whitewashed buildings and pops of blue that totally give off that Mediterranean vibe. It instantly brought back memories of my trip to Santorini 9 years ago—only this time, it was calm, quiet, and wonderfully crowd-free.
📍 Al Alam Palace (The Sultan’s Palace)
The Al Alam Palace is one of Muscat’s most photographed spots, and it’s easy to see why. The palace exterior is bold and colorful, with gold and blue pillars that make it stand out against the surrounding mountains. You can’t enter the palace, but the open square in front of it is perfect for photos. It truly feels majestic in person!
📍 Mutrah Souq
We ended the day at Mutrah Souq, Muscat’s most famous market; the perfect place to pick up souvenirs. The narrow alleys were packed with colorful stalls selling everything from traditional Omani textiles and handmade crafts to jewelry, antiques, and unique keepsakes. It was a wonderful way to wrap up my short but memorable day in Oman.
✨ Between these famous sites, Mohammed also took me to a few hidden scenic spots along the way—winding roads around the mountains, quiet roadside viewpoints, and even exclusive areas (for wealthy locals). It was truly unforgettable. Those moments, away from the crowds, really made me appreciate a side of Oman that few travelers get to see.
✅Food and Halal Option
Finding halal food in Oman is super easy since it’s a Muslim country. I had the chance to enjoy lunch at Rozna Restaurant, one of Muscat’s most popular places for authentic Omani cuisine. The restaurant is designed to resemble a traditional Omani fort, complete with stone walls, wooden doors, and arches that transport you back in time. It’s spacious, beautifully decorated, and even has private dining rooms for those who prefer a more intimate experience.
For my meal, I ordered the Chicken Qabuli, a traditional Omani rice dish. I usually don’t enjoy Middle Eastern food much because I often find it a bit dry—but this dish completely changed my mind! It arrived warm and fragrant, and both the chicken and rice were perfectly moist. The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and it came with 3 different sauces, each adding its own twist to the taste. The portion was so generous it could easily feed two people—but of course, I finished it all myself! Haha!
To go with it, I ordered cinnamon red tea, and it was so good that I ended up ordering a second cup.
If you ever visit Muscat, I highly recommend Rozna.
✅ Overall Experience
For someone who has never been to the Middle East before, starting with Oman was truly the perfect choice. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about traveling alone in this region, but it turned out to be one of the safest and friendliest countries I’ve ever visited.
Throughout my short stay, I couldn’t stop saying,
“I wanna live here.”
The country is incredibly clean, peaceful, and stunningly beautiful. It honestly exceeded every expectation I had.
If you ever have a long layover in Muscat, I’d absolutely recommend leaving the airport and exploring the city. Even with just 21 hours, you can get a wonderful introduction to what Oman has to offer.
As for expenses, yes, Oman can feel a bit pricey since the currency (Omani Rial, OMR) is quite strong. I actually spent more money in less than 24 hours here than I did during 5 days in Georgia!
For solo travelers, especially women, I can confidently say Oman feels very safe. Crime rates are low, and locals are genuinely respectful and helpful. I left with nothing but good memories, and I know this won’t be my last visit. Oman has definitely stolen a piece of my heart. ❤️
And just like that, my 2-week backpacking trip came to an end. I landed in Kuala Lumpur the next morning after a 7-hour flight, carrying so many memories… both the amazing moments and the lessons I’ll always remember.
Read more about my 2-week backpacking trip here:
Almaty, Kazakhstan: My 4-Day Solo Travel Diary and Useful Tips For First-Timers
Tbilisi, Georgia: My 5-Day Solo Travel Diary and Useful Tips for First-Timers
Istanbul, Turkiye: My 3-Day Solo Travel Diary and Useful Tips for First-Timers
Can’t wait for the next trip!
Auri Duham ❤
Disclaimer:
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