Turquoise water
At the bottom.
Prof. Mortel — CC BY 2.0 · Prof. Mortel — CC BY 2.0 · Juozas Šalna — CC BY 2.0 · Trixatory — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wusel007 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Humeraali — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA — CC BY 2.0
A water-filled sinkhole in the limestone of eastern Muscat governorate, just off the Muscat-Sur highway a few kilometres before Tiwi, between the towns of Dibab and Bimmah and only about 600 metres from the sea. The hole is 50 by 70 metres wide and about 20 metres deep down to the water, which ranges from a few feet deep to over a hundred in its deepest part. It formed when the ground collapsed after the limestone beneath it dissolved. Locals once believed a meteorite made it, hence its Arabic name Hawiyat Najm, «the deep well of the falling star». The municipality has built a fenced park around it with toilets and a stairway down to the turquoise water. The park is open to visitors and free, per visitor guides. Many people swim in the clear salty water, so wear modest clothing and watch the slippery rocks. Mornings before the crowds are best, and it pairs easily with nearby Wadi Shab.
At the bottom.
Down to the water.
Behind the name.
Between Dibab and Bimmah, off the Muscat-Sur coastal road
The ground collapsed after the limestone beneath dissolved; locals once thought a meteorite made it, hence its name.