Why Oman Deserves a Place on Malaysians’ Travel Radar in 2026

Malaysian travellers may be familiar with the Middle East, but Oman still feels refreshingly underexplored. Instead of skyscrapers and fast-paced city breaks, expect golden deserts, turquoise wadis, rugged mountains, historic forts, traditional souqs and dramatic coastlines.

And travellers are starting to take notice. Lonely Planet has named Oman one of its Best in Travel 2027 destinations, recognising it as “Best for Arabian hospitality”, highlighting both its spectacular landscapes and the warmth of its people.

For Malaysians, that combination is especially appealing: Oman feels culturally familiar and Muslim-friendly, yet visually very different from home. With global recognition now shining a brighter spotlight on the destination, 2026 could be an ideal time to discover Oman before it becomes an even more obvious Middle East holiday choice.

1. Oman Offers a Different Side of the Middle East

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Oman’s appeal lies in its landscapes, heritage and slower rhythm. A single day could take you from a centuries-old fort to a mountain viewpoint before ending in a souq filled with frankincense, handicrafts and local flavours.

With beaches, deserts, wadis, mountains and historic towns all within the same country, travellers can easily build a holiday around nature, culture and soft adventure. It is especially suited to couples, families and travellers who prefer exploring at a more relaxed pace.

2. Muscat As a Gentle Introduction to Oman

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For first-time visitors, Muscat is the natural place to begin. As Oman’s capital, Muscat combines low-rise architecture, mountain backdrops and coastal scenery with some of the country’s best-known cultural landmarks.

Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, stroll along Mutrah Corniche, browse frankincense and handicrafts at Mutrah Souq, or catch a performance at the Royal Opera House Muscat.

Muscat is compact enough to explore without rushing, making it a comfortable introduction before heading into Oman’s mountains, desert and countryside.

3. The Landscapes Are Made for Adventure

For many first-time visitors, Oman’s natural landscapes may be the biggest surprise.

At Wadi Shab, hike between limestone cliffs before cooling off in clear natural pools. Wadi Bani Khalid offers another scenic escape surrounded by rocky mountains and greenery.

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For cooler mountain air, head to Jabal Shams, Oman’s highest peak, or Jabal Akhdar, known for terraced farms and mountain villages. Then switch mountains for desert at A’Sharqiyah Sands, where travellers can camp, ride camels, try dune drives or simply watch the sunset over the dunes.

For Malaysians used to tropical landscapes, Oman offers a strikingly different kind of nature escape.

4. It Is Great for Families Who Want More Than a City Holiday

Oman works well for families because there is plenty to do without every experience needing to be high-adrenaline.

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Families can explore forts and souqs, enjoy beaches, take scenic drives, visit mountain villages and try gentle outdoor adventures. At Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, guided excursions also offer the chance to observe nesting green turtles while learning about conservation.

With culture, wildlife, nature and adventure all within one trip, Oman gives families plenty of variety without making the itinerary feel overwhelming.

5. The Heritage Feels Alive, Not Museum-Like

In Oman, history feels woven into everyday life, from old forts and souqs to traditional villages and mudbrick architecture.

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At Nizwa Fort, travellers can explore one of the country’s best-known examples of traditional defensive architecture before stepping into nearby Nizwa Souq. Bahla Fort, Oman’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers another glimpse into the country’s past, while Jabreen Fort stands out for its decorated interiors and role as a centre of administration and learning.

Traditional villages such as Misfah Al Abriyeen, with its stone houses and narrow pathways, add another layer to the experience. Together, these places make Oman’s heritage feel lived-in, immersive and closely connected to its communities.

6. Oman’s Food and Souqs Add Warmth to the Journey

Food is another reason Oman feels immediately welcoming.

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Omani cuisine is hearty, fragrant and closely tied to hospitality. One of the country’s signature dishes is shuwa, traditionally made by marinating meat and slow-cooking it underground for an extended period. Majboos, meanwhile, brings together spiced rice with chicken or lamb. Coffee and dates are also closely associated with Omani hospitality.

You may also encounter grilled seafood along the coast, sweet Omani halwa, and plenty of aromatic spices throughout the journey.

Then there are the souqs.

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Markets such as Mutrah Souq and those around Nizwa are good places to browse for frankincense, perfumes, textiles, silverware, pottery and handicrafts. Traditional crafts remain an important part of Oman’s cultural identity, ranging from palm-leaf weaving and pottery to silverwork and textiles.

7. Oman Is Easy for Malaysians to Explore

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One of Oman’s biggest advantages is how much variety can fit into a single trip.

For Muslim Malaysian travellers, the country’s Islamic culture and familiar social rhythms can make travelling feel comfortable, while the scenery offers a completely different change of pace.

A single itinerary can combine Muscat, Nizwa, the Al Hajar Mountains, A’Sharqiyah Sands, Wadi Bani Khalid or Wadi Shab, and the coast. That means travellers can experience cities, mountains, desert, heritage and nature without having to cross multiple borders.

For families, couples and adventure seekers, it makes Oman an easy destination to shape around different interests.

8. Why Malaysians Should Consider Oman in 2026

For Malaysians looking beyond the usual holiday routes, Oman offers the right balance of comfort and discovery.

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It feels culturally approachable, yet its deserts, mountains, wadis and coastlines offer scenery that feels completely different. More importantly, Oman still retains a sense of discovery, making it especially appealing for travellers who want a slower and less crowded way to experience the Middle East.

Whether you are planning a family trip, couple’s escape, scenic road trip or outdoor adventure, 2026 is a good time to experience Oman while it still feels refreshingly under-the-radar.

Oman may not yet be the first place Malaysians think of for a Middle East holiday, but that is exactly part of its charm.

With dramatic landscapes, living heritage, warm hospitality and growing international recognition, including its place in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027, Oman is increasingly stepping into the spotlight.

For travellers looking for somewhere different in 2026, Oman is a destination worth planning a full holiday around.