Bimmah Sink (Hwaiyat Najm Park)

An unusual natural swimming pool, Bimmah sinkhole provides an easily accessible diversion on the way to Sur from Muscat.  It is about 50 metres across and apparently no-one really knows how deep, although given the briny nature of the water, it presumably connects to the nearby sea.  If you swim across the pool, a handy rope allows you to haul yourself onto the rocky ledge, from where you can throw yourself into the bottomless depths.  You can also swim around the edge of the pool into a cave, or practice bouldering by trying to clamber up the sides of the sinkhole from the water.  For those who prefer to just get their feet wet, the fish in the pool are of the 'feet nibbling' variety, so you can have a natural pedicure while you watch others demonstrate their athleticism. 

It would definitely be a bit spooky to be there alone (the Arabic name for the site means 'House of Demons') but its proximity to the highway means that is unlikely.  This is one of the rare wild swims in Oman with changing facilities and toilets, and there is no charge.

Directions

Take the coast road from Muscat towards Sur and Hwaiyat Najm Park is signposted from the highway.  Turn off the highway and go under the road towards the coast, then take the left turn at the T-junction.  After a few hundred yards, you will see the entrance to the park (which is fenced off) – park just outside.  The sinkhole itself is a couple of minutes walk from the entrance along a flat, landscaped path, although there are steep steps down the water itself.

4WD?

Not needed

Time from Muscat

1.5 hours drive

Walking time

5 minutes (easy walk)