Resorts World Cruises: Voyage across Arabian Gulf (Part 2)

This is Part 2 of my review of Resorts World Cruises' packages in the Arabian Gulf. Click Part 1 and Part 3 for the rest of the review.

I am here! Sir Bani Yas Island.

Welcome to Part 2 of my Resorts World Cruises review.

Sir Bani Yas Island is an 87sq km nature reserve located 170km from Abu Dhabi.

This island is a savannah and home to 30 species of land animals and 170 types of birds.

It was set up in the 1970s by the UAE founder and first president Sheikh Zayed Sultan Al Nahyan aimed at preserving regional biodiversity.

According to our guide, while most species here are native, some are brought from other countries.

Trek across wilderness

Fellow journalists and I were taken on a safari, winding across the landscape where we saw zebras, antelopes, ostriches and giraffes roaming freely.

Visitors are taken on a safari to check out free-roaming animals.

We also saw cheetahs, which were kept inside an enclosure, and Barbary sheep, which our guide described as “lazy animals.”

These sheep often rest in shaded areas to escape the heat and conserve energy.

They only exert themselves to forage or flee predators, so perhaps they aren’t lazy — just energy-efficient.

A flock of Barbary sheep sheltering under a tree.

One amusing moment was when our guide, who also drove the safari jeep, tried to chase an ostrich so we could get a photo.

He eventually stopped when it became clear the bird had wanted to be left alone.

Run, ostrich run!

A fellow journalist snapping a photo of the 'lazy' sheeps.

Diverse landscape

At the start of the safari, we passed by rivers dotted with pockets of mangrove trees, a fascinating sight amid the desert.

We also encountered isolated patches of greenery, where a handful of antelopes were grazing.

Antelopes spotted at a tract of greenery.

A Google search revealed that the island also hosts a 6th-century Christian monastery, the only pre-Islamic Christian site found in the UAE.

Unfortunately, I did not see this monument during my visit.

Shopping for memento

This gift shop is located at the island's entrance.

The safari began sometime in the afternoon and concluded around 4pm, after which we were free to explore the island’s entrance area.

We needed to return to the ship by 6.30pm for our journey back to Dubai.

At the entrance, two gift shops offered a variety of souvenirs.

I was particularly drawn to a Burj Khalifa model displayed in a glass case, as I collect novelty items from my travels.

After I introducing myself as a Malaysian, the shopkeeper agreed to sell me the model for AED120 — AED40 less than the original price.

In Part 3, I talk about my experience in Khasab and Muscat in Oman.

More photo of me!

I am reachable at +6017-628 9812 (WhatsApp) and faridfreddy92@gmail.com (email).

Comments

Bali: Journey into the mythical realm

This terraced rice field draws tourists eager to soak in the scenic landscape. DESPITE proximity to the Muslim-majority Java Island, Bali has largely preserved its Hindu-Buddha traditions. It is impossible to travel on this tourism hotspot without seeing pura (temple) dotting the roadsides. History and geography have shaped much of the island's identity. Unlike Java which fell under colonial rule much earlier, Bali had evaded Dutch control for a longer period. Its northern part, which overlooks a major trade route, is lined with mountains, making it unsuitable for building ports and therefore less attractive to traders. As a result, Bali had less exposure to external influences, allowing local culture to thrive. I recently went on a three-night holiday in Ubud, a town roughly 37km from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. Rich tradition Melukat is a Hindu Balinese ritual to purify oneself. Bali is nicknamed the “Island of a Thousand Temples” and few have become a tourist hotspot. ...

Resorts World Cruises: Voyage across Arabian Gulf (Part 3)

This is Part 3 of my review of Resorts World Cruises' packages in the Arabian Gulf. Click Part 1 and Part 2 for the rest of the review. Khasab fjords in Oman are dotted with craggy mountains and rocky islands. After the ship returned to Dubai from Sir Bani Yas Island, we set sail for Oman’s Khasab and Muscat the next day. As mentioned in Part 1, the trips to Sir Bani Yas and Oman are separate packages, but guests may combine them to enjoy an extended holiday. Up until this point, I hadn’t heard much about Oman, let alone Khasab, so this journey was especially exciting for me. Rich history, nature Khasab Castle was built in the 17th century to defend against maritime threats. Waking up in the morning and stepping out onto the balcony, I was greeted by a scenery that was both foreign and picturesque. The ship had docked at Khasab Port, and all around me were craggy, beige mountains — an impressive contrast to the glitzy Dubai metropolis. Though Khasab is one of Oman’s 11 governorat...

Resorts World Cruises: Voyage across Arabian Gulf (Part 1)

This is Part 1 of my review of Resorts World Cruises' packages in the Arabian Gulf. Click Part 2 and Part 3 for the rest of the review. Sailing across the Arabian Gulf, the Resorts World Cruises ship can accommodate up to 1,800 passengers. A FEW years ago, my mother and I saw a documentary about cruise ships. It quickly became our favourite TV show, drawing us in front of the screen once a week to satisfy our curiosity. To me, cruise ships seemed like a marvel — part resort and part shopping centre, floating out at sea. It's the type of holiday only the wealthy could afford, I often thought, wistfully hoping that one day I too, could go on such a trip. So imagine my delight when my editor texted me one afternoon asking if I would like to go on the Resorts World Cruises (RWC) maiden voyage across the Arabian Gulf. “Absolutely, I would love to go,” I replied within seconds, barely able to contain my excitement. The trip was special, because it combined two itineraries to create...

Leisurely leisure

Search This Blog