A Day in Hatta: Exploring the Hidden Oasis of Dubai
Hi, everyone! I’m so excited to share with you my latest adventure: a day trip to Hatta, the hidden oasis of Dubai. Hatta is a stunning destination that offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a place where you can enjoy nature, culture, and adventure in one amazing package. Let me tell you all about it!
How to Get to Hatta
Hatta is located about 130 kilometers east of Dubai, near the border with Oman. It takes about an hour and a half by car to get there, and the drive is scenic and smooth. You can either rent a car or book a tour with a reputable company. I opted for the latter, as I wanted to relax and enjoy the views without worrying about driving or parking.
What to Do in Hatta
There are so many things to do in Hatta, you’ll never get bored. Here are some of the highlights of my trip:
Hatta Dam
The first stop of our tour was the Hatta Dam, and it was absolutely breathtaking. The dam is a huge reservoir of turquoise water surrounded by rugged mountains. It’s like a scene from a fairy tale. The best part is that you can explore the dam by water, as there are various activities available for all levels of thrill-seekers. You can choose from kayaking, water biking, donut boating, tour boating, and more. All of them have a great price from 60 AED per unlimited ride.
I decided to try kayaking, as I love being close to the water. It was so much fun, and not at all difficult. The water was calm and clear, and I felt very safe and comfortable. I also enjoyed the views of the mountains and the wildlife, such as birds and fish. It was a very relaxing and refreshing experience.
We also hopped on a boat, which was another way to see the dam from a different perspective. The boat was spacious and comfortable, and the guide was very informative and friendly. He pointed out some interesting facts and stories about the dam and the area. We also got to see some of the other water activities, such as the donut boat, which looked like a lot of fun.
Cedar Trailer Hotel
After spending some time at the dam, we headed to our next destination: the Cedar Trailer Hotel. This is a unique accommodation option that offers luxury and tranquility in the heart of nature. The hotel consists of several trailers that are designed to look like cedar trees. They are equipped with all the amenities you need, such as a comfortable bed, a bathroom, a kitchenette, a TV, and a balcony. The hotel also has a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a lounge area.
I was really looking forward to staying at this hotel, as I had seen some amazing pictures and reviews online. However, when we arrived, we were told that there were no rooms available for us. Apparently, the hotel is very popular and gets booked out quickly. I was so disappointed, as I had been dreaming of sleeping in a cedar tree. I learned a valuable lesson: if you want to stay at this hotel, you need to book well in advance, like a month or two before your trip. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
Hiking Trails
Despite missing out on the hotel, we didn’t let that ruin our mood. We decided to make the most of our time in Hatta, and explore some of the hiking trails that the area has to offer. Hatta is a paradise for hikers, as there are many trails that suit different levels of fitness and experience. The trails are well-marked and maintained, and offer stunning views of the natural scenery.
We chose a trail that was moderate in difficulty and length, and set off on our adventure. We were amazed by the beauty and diversity of the landscape, as we walked through valleys, hills, farms, and villages. We saw some of the local flora and fauna, such as date palms, acacia trees, goats, and camels. We also met some of the friendly locals, who greeted us with smiles and waves. It was a wonderful way to immerse ourselves in the culture and nature of Hatta.
Hatta Heritage Village
The last stop of our tour was the Hatta Heritage Village, a place where you can step back in time and learn about the history and traditions of the region. The village is a restored and preserved site that showcases the architecture and lifestyle of the olden days. You can see the typical houses, mosques, and forts that were made of stone, mud, and palm fronds. You can also see some of the artifacts and tools that were used by the people, such as pottery, weapons, and jewelry.
The village is very charming and authentic, and gives you a sense of how life was like in Hatta before the modernization. The village also has a museum, a souvenir shop, and a café, where you can learn more, buy some gifts, and enjoy some refreshments. The village is free to enter and open daily from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm.
Conclusion
That’s it for my day trip to Hatta, the hidden oasis of Dubai. I had an amazing time, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience a different side of the UAE. Hatta is a place where you can enjoy nature, culture, and adventure in one amazing package. It’s a place where you can relax, recharge, and reconnect with yourself and your surroundings.
If you’re planning to visit Hatta, don’t forget to book your accommodation well in advance, especially if you want to stay at the Cedar Trailer Hotel. Also, make sure to bring some sunscreen, water, snacks, and comfortable shoes, as you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my adventure, and I hope it inspired you to visit Hatta yourself. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to follow me on my blog and social media for more travel tips and stories. Until next time, happy travels, beautiful souls!
