Travel Postcard: 48 hours in Oman's Musandam peninsula

KHASAB, Oman (Reuters Life!) - Oman's northern enclave of Musandam, with its rocky fjords and colourful coral reefs, is a regular getaway for city dwellers from the Gulf and beyond. Reuters correspondents with local knowledge help you make the most of an area often dubbed the Norway of the Gulf.

THURSDAY

2 p.m. - Drive north from nearby Dubai in the United Arab Emirates through the Tibat crossing to Oman's Musandam Peninsula. Enjoy the 190 km journey that wends its way past the orange sand dunes of the UAE to the Omani town of Khasab. Notice how the scenery suddenly transforms into the imposing Hajar Mountain range as you reach Musandam, and the road winds its way along the foot of the cliffs that rise up from Gulf waters.

5 p.m. - Check into one of Khasab's few hotels -- the Golden Tulip with its sea-facing rooms is popular. Wander over to the port and look out over the sparkling waters of the Gulf and the bustle on shore.

6 p.m. - Head over to the local souq where Iranian and other traders ply their wares. It is open in the morning and evening, closing during the afternoons, the hottest part of the day.

8 p.m. - Have dinner and drinks on the terrace of the Golden Tulip (www.goldentulipkhasab.com), which overlooks the Gulf.

FRIDAY

9 a.m. - The best way to see Musandam's spectacular limestone fjords is from the sea itself. Spend the day taking a leisurely cruise on a dhow, a traditional Arab vessel made of wood, and enjoy the dramatic views. Dolphins frequent the waters and chances of spotting the elegant creatures are high. You can book boat trips with Khasab Travel and Tours (www.khasabtours.com), which has an office in the Golden Tulip, or Musandam Sea Adventure Tourism (www.musandam-sea-adventures.com).

11 a.m. - Disembark at Kumzar, an isolated village where inhabitants speak a unique dialect, Kumzari, which is close to Persian. This rather bleak village, which is accessible mainly by sea or helicopter, sits at the bottom of steep cliffs. Locals live mainly off fishing or goat herding. Watch women in colourful veils roast fish in clay pits filled with firewood.