The Hawaiyat Najm Sinkhole in Oman is a thing of beauty. It is known by many names, Hawaiyat Najm, Bimmah Sinkhole or Dabab Sinkhole. It is on the road between Dabab and Bimmah hence the last two names. There are two theories about its formation. One is the scientific one, that the limestone interacted with calcium carbonate and water and the outer layer of the earth collapsed forming the beautiful sinkhole. The locals believe that a falling star made the impact and the sinkhole came into existence! The name Hawaiyat Najm translates into English as ‘The Falling Star’. Irrespective of the theory you believe in, you will agree on its beauty.
The sinkhole is located within the Hawaiyat Najm Park. It is 113 km from Muscat. It was a hot day in May when we walked towards the Sinkhole. It is as stunning as it looks in the pictures! I expected this!
However, it was surprising that we had the entire Sinkhole to us! As we walked down the long flight of steps there was hardly anyone by the pool. Indu and I got into the stunningly pool. Both of us are keen on swimming. There were two other people sitting by the shore. I decided to wear a shorts and sleeveless t-shirt for this occasion though I did wear swim suites within the hotels in Oman.
The pool is about 20 meters deep so you do need to know swimming if you wish to swim away from the shore. There is no current in the pool, the water is placid. It is sea water, as the pool is close to the sea! On the hot day it felt divine to be in the amazing pool and swim lazily!
There are fish in the water! If you stand at the shallow end, they like to nibble on the feet, so the pool doubles up as a natural fish spa. However, I am not fond of that nibbling sensation. For me the solution was simple, I swam to the deep end.
After sometime a few more people came. But there were never more than 10 while we were there. I am sure in the high season it would be a different story! Indu and I were just not willing to get out of the pool! But there were others from our group waiting in the car for us! So after some coaxing we got out reluctantly.
I went to Oman expecting it to be beautiful, but I never thought it had nature on such a generous scale. I had my best Dolphin watching experience in the Gulf of Oman near Muscat, I swam in the stunning sinkhole and I saw mother laying turtle laying eggs and baby turtles tumbling to the sea! But that is a story for another day.
PS. I was invited to Oman by the Ministry of Tourism and the ground arrangements were made by Afaq Tours.
I would go by the Star theory than the scientific theory , considering the beauty 🙂
Me too, the star theory is my favorite! 😀
The sinkhole is indeed beautiful. It should flash the board of natural fish spa to attract more tourists 😀
I went in the hot season, the low season. Otherwise there is no chance of finding it empty!
Wonderful place. Beautiful pics.
Thank you Rupam!
WONDERFUL, it is great to know about this place lovely
http://chiragkikalam.in/
Thank you Chirag!
very inviting…
More so on a sweltering summer day!
Many of my friends specially Muslims from Jamia university , Delhi went to Oman for Job so I have a image of Oman like other gulf nations but it has beautiful & natural places to visit . Thank you for sharing Mridula ji
Yes Yogi, Oman is rich in nature though it has the desert landscape too!
Wow the sink hole looks beautiful and the scientific reason clearly makes sense, although the falling star theory is far more dreamy and appealing 🙂 good capture
I agree the scientific theory is accurate but no harm in letting the dreamy theory capture the imagination 😀 Thank you Veidehi!
Wow! I wish I could swim here. 😀
I hope you will someday!
I want to visit Oman just for this place, the souqs and Musandam. And I cant believe this place was so empty when you visited! Lucky trip I am guessing 😀 Glad to know Bimmah sink hole is actually as pretty as we see in ads and glorified pics ^_^
It is actually so pretty and summer I think explains the lack of people!
That’s beautiful. Loved the clear waters.
Thank you Niranjan!
The pool definitely looks very inviting. The clear water and the natural fish spa, what more could one ask for in such a beautiful location.
I am not a big fan of the fish spa though! 😀
Utterly gorgeous! That green! I would love to go see this place. You did get lucky having it all to yourself! 🙂
Yes indeed, even though the day was hot, the water was so refreshing!
This is a splendour of nature in the mostly barren nation of Oman. Whatever be the theory of the creation, a thing of beauty is a joy forever. The water is crystal clear and your crowd free experience is truly cherishable.
Thank you, it was indeed an amazing experience!