Enjoy the best of Bahrain

The Kingdom of Bahrain, which lies near the western shores of the Persian Gulf, offers a diverse mix of modern and traditional life, unique hospitality and sights and sounds of a fast-developing Middle Eastern country.

Famed for fabulous wealth of pearls under its blue waters, Bahrain is part of a unique story of pearling which for generations formed the backbone of the island’s economy before it was overtaken by riches from oil.

Take a boat trip to the Visitors Centre of the 174-year-old Bu Maher Fort from Muharraq and discover the pearling path of Bahrain. Here you will see a  three-dimensional display that guides viewers through the history of pearling and the humble begininngs of pearl divers and traders.

ARCHITECTURAL SURPRISES

The capital Manama is a mix of old and modern.

It is dotted with skyscrapers which give architectural surprises to newcomers.

In Manama, you can pamper yourself in a variety of luxury boutique hotels and resorts and enjoy a rejuvenating holiday.

Manama also provides plenty of opportunities for letting your hair down and indulging in one of its most decadent activities — culinary delights.

Bahrainis love their food and there is no shortage of choices. The fare ranges from Western, Arabian, Indian and Oriental.

Not to be missed is local food which is always worth trying. It largely consists of fish — Safi, Hamour, Chanad and Sobaity varieties — eaten mainly with rice.

I tried Ghoozi which is grilled lamb stuffed with boiled eggs, rice, onions and spices which was a treat and mahyawa fish sauce with Khubz naan.

Among Bahrain’s most popular attractions is the National Museum.

The island’s vibrant past, which goes back to over 40 centuries, is stored in the exhibition halls of this attractive building on the edge of the sea.

Visitors can view artefacts ucnovered in numerous archaeological digs, ancient manuscripts, traditional handicrafts, burial mounds and the Islamic and Tylos civilisations.

ANTIQUE WOOD

The stunning Al-Fateh Grand Mosque in Juffair, which is designed in marble and antique wood, is one of the largest in the world.

Covering 6,500 square metres and with a capacity of over 7,000 worshippers, it is worth a visit.

Bahrain is a perfect point to start exploring the ocean which attracts the attention of many holidaymakers and locals.

You can venture in to the perfect blue waters and explore fascinating ship wrecks and coral reefs.

You can also catch a windy day at sea and join kite-surfers seeking a thrill around Amwaj islands.

Water lovers can also visit Coral Bay on Al Fateh Corniche and splash around at the beach, enjoy water sports or merely relax in the swim-up bar pool.

For some therapeutic sessions, head off to the Janabiyah Wellness residential resort to boost your mind, body and spirit.

Weight-watchers can visit the bulge-busting resort of Pankooshi in Manama for detoxification sessions.

Those in search of ice will be attracted to the country’s only ice rink on Al Fateh Corniche.

If ice is not your idea of chilling out, head off to the nearby 18-lane bowling centre.

Plenty of family fun is on offer at the two world-class parks — Lost Paradise of Dilmun and temperature-controlled pool Wahooo!

They offer an exciting array of activities, slides and pools.

The 65-year-old historical building of Bab Al Bahrain is a popular cultural landmark which many visitors make a point to visit.

The arch, with Islamic architecture, is the entrance to the Manama Souq, a warren of narrow streets in the old city. It is  is popular with shoppers.

Manama boasts of some of the best malls in such a small country.

Among the best places worth a trawl are the Bahrain City Centre and Seef Mall which have an extensive array of shops with international brands, 20-screen cinema and restaurants.

The Gold City in Government Avenue is a shopping complex known for its selection of gold ornaments.

UNIQUE COLOUR

If you are looking for highly sought after natural pearls, head off to the Souq al Qaisairiya in Muharraq, where there is a choice of this jewel with its unique colour and lustre. They come with a certificate of authenticity.

Motor racing fans can easily get caught in the thrill of FIA’s Formula One, the world’s biggest motor sporting event.

The Bahrain Grand Prix is reputed to be among the best-organised events.

In the quiet season, visitors can take the wheel and test drive on the Formula One track or experience a thrilling ride in the passenger seat of a Hummer on the extreme all-wheel course.

Other places worth visiting are the Bahrain National Theatre, Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort and Qal’at Al-Bahrain fort.

As far as security is concerned, it is safe to walk around in Manama in the dark but it is always prudent to use your common sense when abroad.