Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Jeddah @ Night

When the sun goes down, Jeddah shines.


Globe Round-about


The city is a treat whether you want to go out for a quiet coastal drive after dinner or for an evening night out.

Don't expect anything like "night life" but for a quiet time - Jeddah can offer a lot.


Jeddah has quite a few parks for families to unwind and enjoy a nice bbq enjoying a cool sea breeze.



Floating mosque - jeddah north corniche.


Jeddah Lanterns
If you find the night a little too warm, you may find it comforting to stroll in airconditioned souqs in a plethora of shopping malls strewn all over Jeddah. 

One of the best is the Red Sea Mall which has a fantastic arabic souq (market).

Al Khaleeli Bazaar - Red sea mall

Taif-Makkah:

If you are mountainous types a drive to Taif - about 3 hrs from Jeddah will reward you.

Taif is the closest hill station to Jeddah and the most popular getaway for locals.

The World famous Taif Rose comes from this place and is home to many rose gardens. 


The road to Taif...

There are many amusement parks in taif and it also houses a cable car.


Serene sunset at taif-al hada.


King Fahd gardens...Taif

Monday, June 20, 2011

Old city - Al Balad







The old city or Al Balad is situated south of the corniche (an endless road along the lovely Red Sea). 

This part of the city is mostly traditional family owned Souks (shops). 

You can expect to find anything you may think of (even some that you cannot!) and bargain as well. 

Mostly famous for fantastic Gold Souks, Perfumeries, Sheeshas (Hookah) and 

cheap electronic stuff PS3 and Xboxes are stocked by the roadside...

Some souks have a great variety of dates and because it is balad...feel free to bargain! 
   
With ancient coral houses all over, this old part takes you back in the '80s and is a charm of its own. 
  

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Red Sea Secrets

The Red sea hides one of the best corals reefs in the world. 

Also, being home to some beautiful tropical fish, the Red Sea is an amazing place for snorkelling and diving. 

The high salt concentration makes snorkelling an attractive "To do" because you can simply float away on the surface for hours without even a single paddle....

Best locations for snorkelling are based around Jeddah, with countless private beaches all along the coast, which offer best preserved corals along with the necessary safety measures in place. These places usually charge an entry fee to the beach (Typically SAR 50-100 / person). The Dive shop rentals are extra. 

If you are on a budget, there are some good snorkel locations too north of Abhur (North Jeddah). But dont expect to find any safety measures around. Having said that, the shallow depths and calmness of the Red Sea, pose no evident danger on a usual day. 

Dive Shops 
The largest and the most economical rentals are from Desert Sea Divers who usually charge SAR 30 per person per day for the snorkel gear.  
They also have a few outlets all over Jeddah offer PADI certified dive courses as well.


Jeddah sea corniche