EUROPE
Greater Flamingos and sunrise at Asker coast, Bahrain

Greater Flamingos and sunrise at Asker coast, Bahrain (Dr Ajay Kumar Singh - stock.adobe.com)

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Ready to get out and explore the landscape? Here are some amazing things to do while in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Al Areen Wildlife Park

This nature reserve and zoo, located in Sakhir, is one of five other protected areas in the country and is the only designated protected area on land in the country. The park covers a total area of 7 sq. km. and was first established in 1976. Species native to Bahrain, both plants and animals, as well as species originating from Africa and south Asia are present in the zoological park. It houses rare and endangered species. The Bahraini Sand gazelle or Reem gazelle, Impala and Arabian Oryx (nearly extinct in the wild) are among the featured enclosures in this small wildlife reserve that cares for over 500 different species. For agricultural lovers, the park offers over 100,000 different species of plants and trees to enjoy.

Saharan oryx lying on the ground of Al Areen Wildlife Park in Bahrain

Saharan oryx lying on the ground of Al Areen Wildlife Park in Bahrain (satheeshcholakkal - stock.adobe.com)

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Dive Bahrain

The world’s largest underwater theme park is in the waters of Bahrain. Here you can SCUBA in an area of 100,000 square meters to explore a submerged Boeing 747, traditional home and other interesting items. It can be visited by using one of four registered dive centers.

A submerged rusted tugboat shipwreck in the eastern coast of Bahrain sea.

A submerged rusted tugboat shipwreck in the eastern coast of Bahrain sea. (Dr Ajay Kumar Singh - stock.adobe.com)

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Pearl Diving

Pearl diving is a part of Bahrain’s past and current heritage, and this is a hands-on way to experience a piece of local culture. This adventure gives you the chance to search for pearls underwater, either snorkeling or scuba diving (if you have your license). You’ll collect oysters in the hopes of finding some that contain that desirable mineral. Professional dive instructors will guide you according to your ability and teach you the process of gathering oysters and cracking them open to find pearls.

Perlenauster aus Bahrain

Opening a pearl oyster in Bahrain. (Uwe Merkel. Aguaviva - stock.adobe.com)

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Bahrain International Circuit

Even if you are not a motor racing fan and even when Formula One is not taking center stage at the Bahrain International Circuit, you are guaranteed a thrilling experience in the state-of-the-art circuit. Located 20 miles south of Manama, The Bahrain International Circuit is a motorsport venue that opened in 2004 and is hailed as one of the best and most advanced in the world, from its design to its safety measures. The circuit has many activities such as the Land Rover experience, the Jaguar experience and the Clio Cup experience in addition to open track days where you can take your own car and drive on the track. The venue also has the biggest Karting circuit in Bahrain where you can have your own Karting experience with your kids and friends. 

Formula One Grand Prix Bahrain International Circuit. Kingdom of Bahrain, Middle East

Formula One Grand Prix Bahrain International Circuit. Kingdom of Bahrain, Middle East (philipus - stock.adobe.com)

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Hawar Islands

A trip to Bahrain would not be complete without a visit to the Hawar Islands. Located 20 km south of Bahrain, the Hawar Islands are a renowned wildlife reserve of international significance. The islands are home to pristine beaches, indigenous fauna and flora and migratory birds. Take a sea voyage about 45 minutes from Al-Dur Jetty on Al Fateh and enjoy a weekend stay in the resort where you can see approximately 150 species of birds, desert species like the reem gazelle, Arabian oryx and Nubian ibex and marine species such as the endangered dugongs, green turtles and bottlenose dolphins.

A pair of Osprey perched on a nest at Hawar island of Bahrain

A pair of Osprey perched on a nest at Hawar island of Bahrain (Dr Ajay Kumar Singh - stock.adobe.com)

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Royal Camel Farm

This is a sanctuary for several hundred camels, where visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the camels, feeding and touching them. The farm is home to over 600 camels of all ages and sizes. The farm was created by the King of Bahrain, Sheik Mohammad, as a means of preserving camels in Bahrain. Before the introduction of cars to the country, camels were the primary means of transport for the people of Bahrain and they hold a deep-rooted cultural connection to them. This farm is open every day from sunrise to sunset, with free entry and free parking on-site as well as washroom facilities.

Young camel at the Royal Camel Farm in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Young camel at the Royal Camel Farm in the Kingdom of Bahrain. (stefangde - stock.adobe.com)

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Al Dar Island

Al Dar Island is a resort near Sitra that lies 12 km southeast of the capital Manama and is a ten-minute offshore trip from the dhow harbor in Sitra. It offers beautiful beaches and a variety of facilities, such as palm leaf huts, tents, or chalets, and a restaurant offering delicious dishes and refreshing drinks. The island also offers jet skiing, snorkeling and other water sports. Visitors to the island can also enjoy pearl dives and cruises to the stunning Jarada Island which affords one the opportunity to see up to 30 different types of coral, more than 200 species of fish, and the chance to watch the always delightful dolphins.

SITRA, BAHRAIN - DECEMBER 12: Tourist traveling on speed boat to Al Dar Island, December 12, 2018. Al Dar island is around 6 Nautical Miles in the east of Sitra coast, Bahrain

Al Dar island is around 6 Nautical Miles in the east of Sitra coast of Bahrain . (Dr Ajay Kumar Singh - stock.adobe.com)

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