Visitors to Bahrain are literally spoilt for choice when it comes to sight seeing. In the capital Manama, and all over the country, there are numerous fascinating tourist attractions and leisure facilities, many unique to Bahrain and the Gulf region.
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A'ali Burial Mounds
Dating back around 2,000 BC, these burial mounds form the largest prehistoric cemetery in the world. The largest of those that remain, known as the Royal tombs, can be seen around A'ali Village.
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Barabr Temple
Excavated in the 1950's this temple contains three superimposed building phases dating back to the second and third millennia BC. The presence of a sacred well. Has led archeologists to believe that the temple was dedicated to worship of Enki, the God of Spring waters.
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Bait Shaikh Isa
The house of Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa , who ruled as Amir from 1869 to 1932, has been totally refurbished and includes a perfect example of the traditional wind tower which, before the advent of air-conditioning, was used to channel cooling breezes into living area.
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Bait Siyadi
This 19th century pearl merchant's house is another remarkable example of local
architecture and interior design. Lovingly restored and authentically refurbished, it incorporates stained glass windows, carved screens and ornate windows.
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AL Jasra House
The birth place of the present Amir, this house is constructed of typical local materials such as coral, gypsum, lime, and various parts of the palm tree. The house , courtyard and gardens were restored in 1986 and provide a perfect example of traditional Bahraini family living.
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Bahrain Fort
Commonly known as the Portuguese Fort which dates back to the 16th century, excavations indicate the presence of fortifications on this site since the third millennium BC. Of the existing fortifications, the oldest is
a 2,000 year old Hellenistic fort while there is also evidence of
an eleventh century Islamic fort.
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Riffa Fort
This 18th century fort is situated on a low escarpment, strategically overlooking the Riffa Valley. Used as a private residence until quite recently, it has been restored to its former glory and is now open to the public.
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Arad Fort
Built towards the end of the 15th century, this fort was captured by Portuguese around 1559 and then occupied by the
Omanis in 1602 who filled in the moat. Considerable renovation has been undertaken and for a trip back in time, visitors can now stroll along the ramparts with the sea breeze whispering over the battlements.
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Al Fateh Grand Mosque
The largest Mosque on the Island, capable of housing up to 7,000 worshippers, the Al Fateh Grand Mosque embodies the very essence of Islamic architecture. It also houses the Religious Institute of Islamic studies.
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Bahrain National Museums
This world-class, purpose-built museum was built in 1988 and houses a rich collection of Bahrain's ancient archeological
artifacts and examples of pre-industrial culture and lifestyle. In 1993, another hall was opened, focusing on the Island's environment.
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Bait Al Quran
This building houses a rare collection of Islamic manuscripts, prints and books. It combines the roles of mosque, library, museums and study
center
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Heritage Center
The old Law Court has been turned into museum which houses exhibits of pearl diving, fishing, falconry, weapons and art. It also contains a large photographic archive tracing the development of Bahrain throughout the ages.
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Oil Museum
Built on the site of the first oil well in the Middle East, this museum houses exhibits of old photographs, drilling equipment and a working model of an oil rig.
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Traditional Crafts
Visitors can see traditional craftsmen at work and purchase items at a number of different locations around the Island. These include pottery, basket-making, weaving, hand-made paper products, stained glass, textiles, woodwork, model dhows,
ironwork, rugs and wall hangings.
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Jebel Dukhan
Situated in the center of the island and known locally as the
Mountain of Smoke, this is the highest point of Bahrain at 137
meters. It is sometimes surrounded by a misty haze from which it gets
its name. The view at the top is well worth the effort of the climb.
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Tree of Life
This mature mesquite tree stands alone in the otherwise barren desert about two kilometers from Jebel
Dukhan. Its green foliage provides welcome shade and is a popular picnic spot, but its source of water still remains a mystery.
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Al Areen wildlife Park
Established 20 years ago and covering 8 square kilometers, this is a unique Gulf project for the preservation of endangered Arabian wild life. It houses various specimens of birds and animals in their natural surroundings and is home to more than 500 animals including the Oryx or Arabian Gazelle, now virtually extinct in the wild.
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King Fahad Causeway
Linking Bahrain with Saudi Arabia, this 25 kilometer bridge is one of the most expansive in the world and represents a major feat of modern engineering. Visitors can drive halfway across the causeway to the border crossing customs zone, where there is a tower-top restaurant providing refreshments and marvelous views.
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Dhow Trips
No visit to Bahrain is complete without venturing out onto the calm blue translucent waters of the Gulf. There are regular scheduled trips on authentic dhows, which take visitors to nearby island, with the chance of seeing dolphins in the
deep water channel. Some dhow trips incorporate special evening harbor cruises with fish suppers by candlelight.
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Dhows Builders
The traditional Arabian dhow is still made today by craftsmen using centuries-old techniques. Despite the advent of modern container ships, dhows still play their trade across the Gulf. The dhow builders can be seen at work on Muharraq
Islands.
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Parks and Gardens
Scattered throughout Bahrain are many amusement parks and gardens which are beautifully maintained. The main ones are Adhari Park, the Water Gardens, Andalus Garden and Salmaniya Garden. There are also pleasant gardens laid out along the Manama waterfront corniche.
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Arabian Horses
The region is famous for its thoroughbred Arabian horses. These striking creatures can be seen at special displays at
the Friday horse racing meetings and at the stables of HH The Crown Prince. Horse can also be hired from stables around the Island.
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Camel Farms
Racing camels are bred at farms around Bahrain where visitors are welcome, and Camels can also be seen grazing in the desert and alongside highways. Camel rides can be arranged for
visitors.
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Golf
The Bahrain Golf Club is open to non-members wishing to play during their visit to the Island. A new 18- hole golf course, designed to exacting international standards, is nearing completion. The US$20 million Bahrain International Golf will incorporate a dramatic wadi terrain on the first seven holes with the remaining holes laid out around and over four lakes.
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