BY RUMPA MITRA
Misfat Al Abriyeen is probably one of the very few heritage villages that keeps winning as the best tourist destination in Oman without compromising tradition and lifestyle yet sustainably growing to provide a better life and future for the next generation.
With 300 years of history of human settlement and located 100 metres above sea level, Misfat al Abriyeen is an authentic “living” village carved from the mountain with most of the dwellings made from mud located at the foothills of the Al Hajar mountain in Al Hamra.
Named after the Al Abri tribe, Misfat, with its lush gardens and thriving agricultural community is currently seeing a massive sustainable development thanks to the consistent influx of both local and foreign tourists and the recognition of different relevant authorities to its potential as a tourist destination.
I visited Misfat 10 years ago and on that visit, I remembered the mud houses and the ancient village itself were in different forms of disarray. Tourism wise, there was no clear direction about progress and in fact, many of the original inhabitants had already moved away to nearby locations putting the whole village on the verge of dying and abandonment.
Visiting it recently, after a smooth ride in its paved road snaking through one of Al Hamra’s gorgeous mountains, I was surprised to see the village evolved perfecting the balance between the preservation of the traditional way of life but infusing it with enough modern comfort to attract visitors.
Sitting down with local and young entrepreneur Abdul Rahim Hamed Al Abri, I would come to understand that the development is something that everyone wanted with the villagers and authorities working hand in hand to bring progress that both protect and showcase the best of what the village can offer.
“The village committee is working hand in hand with the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Manpower and Ministry of Housing along with one of the leading private banks of Oman (Bank Muscat) to streamline tourism in this village,” said Abdul Rahim.
Also operating Rogan cafe, one of the two thriving coffee shops in the village, Abdul Rahim said that “the traditional mud houses turned into guest houses and modern-looking coffee shops are helping the village to attract local and international tourists.”
“The flow of visitors and effective tourism creates a positive impact on the villagers’ lives. These visits help provide direct or indirect income opportunities,” he added.
Abdul Rahim explained that many of the villagers are involved in traditional arts and crafts and honey-making businesses. The visits allow the villagers to showcase their small scale businesses. Some of the youth of the village also take the opportunity to become tour guides to visitors offering an intimate look into their traditional way of life.
Abdul Rahim is thankful that while the village is being infused with modern comfort, the villagers are still able to maintain their traditional way of life — one of the big points why it’s a destination most attractive to foreign visitors.
Asked whether the influx of tourists is disruptive to the villagers’ way of life, Abdul Rahim said that “the villagers had always been welcoming to everyone.”
He shared, “while there is a constant flow of visitors, the increase in tourism has not clashed with their daily lives.”
Abdul Rahim pointed out that if it not for the new lease on life and the aid of development, the village would eventually have been abandoned to rot.
“The village remains alive today because of the new opportunities made available by these developments. Before, people had been leaving as there were fewer opportunities. People were only reliant on agriculture. But with the sustainable tourism initiative, the villagers can continue living the place of their ancestors but at the same time, generating decent income that help them provide a good future for them and their families,” he said.
KEY FACTS TO REMEMBER:
LOCATION
Misfat Al Abriyeen is around 200 km from Muscat located in the Al Hamra region. From Al Hamra, it’s a smooth 30-minute drive scaling the mountain road that even a saloon car can easily navigate. There are no dedicated parking lots but cars can be parked on the side of the roads. On weekends, finding a parking spot can be a challenge.
THE STAY
Traditional guesthouses can be booked online or by calling. It is a must to make a reservation first as they get filled easy. An overnight stay ranges between 20-40 Omani Rials including meals. It is highly suggested to book accommodations with meals
COFFEE WITH A VIEW
Two of the new coffee shops right in the middle of the village had recently become popular. They offer an amazing view and Insgrammable -ambience. They also offer a good array of light snacks, bread and different types of coffee. There are other coffee shops too located by the village entrance but none of them offers a full-course meal. Some small shops sell pots, honey, wooden carvings and trinkets for souvenirs.
HIKING SPOTS
The village and the nearby mountains offer good hiking spots. The most popular one is W9C which starts from the village and will take you through narrow alleys reach leading to the falaj and then towards the heart of the farms. This trek is easy and well-marked which can be done with family and kids. W9 is another popular marked trail that can be done in 5-6 hrs time. If planning to do this, I suggest going with some experienced hikers or villagers who can serve as guides.
DOS AND DONTS
The villagers are very welcoming. Make sure to give them their privacy. Observe proper and modest dressing (no exposed ankles or shoulders). While it’s definitely okay to take photos of the village and nature, always ask for permission first if you’re going to take photos of the villagers. Don’t pluck fruits or crops without asking for permission.
MISCELLANEOUS
Situated on top of the mountain, Misfat can be cold in the winter (between November to February. It is a pocket-friendly destination without any entrance fee. Al Hamra, Wadi Tanuf and Bahla Fort are great options that can be explored on the way to the village.
