2 Best Sights in Oman

At the base of Jabal Akhdar, about 25 minutes from Nizwa, the ghost town of Birkat Al Mouz (which literally translates as "banana pool") is a beautiful place for a half-hour hike. The Al Falaj irrigation system still runs through the village streets, and there is a fun trick to try if you bring three colorful, small balls with you: Drop them in the same water channel and follow them. They will separate into different waterways a few meters down every time.

Tanuf, about 20 minutes outside of Nizwa, was a simple but functional village up until the 1950s when the ancient town was destroyed by British bombs on the orders of the former sultan during the Jabal Akhdar wars. The ruins that remain are eerily beautiful, and the wadi that feeds the Al Falaj system is a wonderful place for a quick hike. About 15 minutes down the wadi, you can find another small but inhabited village that is quite picturesque. Other than a small signboard with a brief history, there are no facilities at this sight.