BAHRAIN TRAVEL GUIDE
Beautiful Bahrain, said to be the Garden of Eden from Biblical times, is also known as the "Pearl of the Gulf". Part of an archipelago of 33 islands, it was strategically located on the ancient trade route between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Today it’s on the petroleum supertanker route from the oilfields of the Gulf to the rest of the world.
Though liberal by Gulf standards, Bahrain is still conservative by western yardsticks. Arabs and foreigners have an easy-going business relationship with this country. Manama, the capital, is very modern, almost western in the way it looks. At the same time, its historical treasures have been well preserved. Excellent museums, the glorious beaches of Al Jaza'ir and Az Zallaq, the option of water sports and mountain biking in the Jebel-Al Dukhan are certain to make your visit an enjoyable one.
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BAHRAIN QUICK FACTS
Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a sovereign state in the Persian Gulf. The island nation comprises a small archipelago made up of 40 natural islands and an additional 51 artificial islands, centred around Bahrain Island which makes up around 83 percent of the country's landmass.
Capital: Manama
Currency: Bahraini dinar (BHD)
Area: 710 km2
Population: 1,569 million (2018)
Language: Arabic, English, Persian (Farsi), Urdu
Religion: Islam 70%, Christianity and other 30%
Electricity: 220V/50Hz UK plug
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BAHRAIN
BAHRAIN PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
FESTIVALS IN BAHRAIN
BEST TIME TO VISIT BAHRAIN
The best time to visit Bahrain depends on your personal preferences and the activities you want to do while you are there. Here are a few things to consider:
- Climate: Bahrain has a hot, arid climate with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-90s Fahrenheit (25-35°C) throughout the year. The summer months (June to September) are the hottest, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). The winter months (December to March) are slightly cooler, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low-80s Fahrenheit (25-30°C). If you don't mind the heat, you can visit Bahrain at any time of year. However, if you prefer cooler weather, you may want to visit in the winter months.
- Festivals and events: Bahrain has a number of festivals and events throughout the year, which can be a great reason to visit. For example, the Bahrain Grand Prix is held in April, the Bahrain Summer Festival is held in July and August, and the Bahrain International Airshow is held in November. If you're interested in attending one of these events, you'll want to plan your trip accordingly.
- Crowds and prices: Bahrain is a popular destination, so you may find that hotel prices are higher and crowds are larger during peak tourist season (October to March). If you want to avoid the crowds and get the best deals on accommodation, you may want to visit during the off-season (April to September).
Overall, the best time to visit Bahrain depends on your personal preferences and the activities you want to do while you are there. You can visit at any time of year, but you may find that the climate is more comfortable and the prices are more reasonable if you visit during the winter months or during the off-season.
BAHRAIN WEATHER SYNOPSIS
Bahrain has an arid climate, with very hot summers and relatively mild winters. Mean air temperature fluctuates between 14°C and 41°C. There are two seasons; winter extends from November to April and summer lasts for the rest of the year. Average annual air temperatures have been steadily increasing over the period 1950-2010, while rainfall patterns over the same period are less clear.
BAHRAIN TOURIST SEASONS
Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists.
Peak Season
Shoulder Season
Off Peak Season
JANUARY
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COLD
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WET
FEBRUARY
HOT
COLD
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WET
MARCH
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COLD
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APRIL
HOT
COLD
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MAY
HOT
COLD
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WET
JUNE
HOT
COLD
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WET
JULY
HOT
COLD
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WET
AUGUST
HOT
COLD
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WET
SEPTEMBER
HOT
COLD
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WET
OCTOBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
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WET
NOVEMBER
HOT
COLD
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DECEMBER
HOT
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SPORT & ACTIVITIES
SNOW SPORT IN BAHRAIN
HIKING & CYCLING IN BAHRAIN
The best time for outdoor activities in Bahrain is during the slightly cooler months of October to April, as it does get uncomfortably hot during the months of May to September.
BEACH OPTIONS IN BAHRAIN
You can visit the beaches of Bahrain all year round, although it does get uncomfortably hot during the months of May to September. Be sure to check out Al Jazayer beach with its pristine sands in a secluded setting. The coast at Hidd and Arad is well suited for picnicking but not great for swimming. Marassi is Bahrain’s first managed public beach. Keep in mind that although Bahrain has become quite liberal, it is respectful towards the local culture to avoid wearing revealing swimwear.
SURFING IN BAHRAIN
KITESURF IN BAHRAIN
The kite surf season in Bahrain runs from November to February with a few windy days also during the summer months of June and July.The best place to kitesurf in Amwaj is on the north of the islands near Tala island where the wind generally comes from the north and northwest and is an onshore wind.
For more details on kite surfing in Bahrain expand this section!
HEALTH RISKS IN BAHRAIN
Be aware of possible health risks in
Bahrain
Yellow fever - The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no medicine to treat or cure an infection. To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated.
Zika Virus - Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.
Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.
BAHRAIN TRAVEL COSTS
The cost of traveling to Bahrain can vary depending on a number of factors, including your departure location, the time of year you visit, and your travel style. Here are a few things to consider that can affect the cost of your trip:
- Flights: The cost of flights to Bahrain can vary widely depending on where you are coming from and when you book your tickets. As a general rule, it is usually cheaper to book your flights well in advance, and to be flexible with your travel dates. Prices can also vary depending on the time of year you travel, with flights tending to be more expensive during peak tourist season (October to March).
- Accommodation: There are a range of options available, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. As a general rule, prices tend to be higher during peak tourist season (October to March) and lower during the off-season (April to September).
- Food and drink: Food and drink costs in Bahrain are generally similar to those in Western countries. You can find a range of dining options, from fast food to fine dining, and prices can vary widely depending on where you go.
- Activities: Bahrain has a number of attractions and activities that you can enjoy during your visit. Some of these, such as visiting the Bahrain National Museum or exploring the souks (markets) in Manama, are free or relatively inexpensive. Others, such as taking a desert safari or visiting a theme park, can be more expensive.
Overall, the cost of traveling to Bahrain will depend on your specific travel plans and preferences. To get a better idea of the costs involved, you may want to consider creating a budget and factoring in all of the expenses you expect to incur during your trip.
BAHRAIN TRAVEL TIPS
t is difficult to provide specific costs for traveling to Bahrain as there are many variables that can affect the price of your trip, including your departure location, the time of year you visit, and your travel style. However, here are some estimates of what you might expect to pay for various expenses during your trip:
- Flights: Flights to Bahrain can vary widely in price depending on where you are coming from and when you book. As a general rule, it is usually cheaper to book your flights well in advance, and to be flexible with your travel dates. Prices can also vary depending on the time of year you travel, with flights tending to be more expensive during peak tourist season (October to March). As a rough estimate, you might expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 for a round-trip flight to Bahrain, depending on these factors.
- Accommodation: Accommodation costs in Bahrain can vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose. There are a range of options available, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. As a general rule, prices tend to be higher during peak tourist season (October to March) and lower during the off-season (April to September). You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 per night for a hotel room, depending on the location and quality of the hotel.
- Food and drink: Food and drink costs in Bahrain are generally similar to those in Western countries. You can find a range of dining options, from fast food to fine dining, and prices can vary widely depending on where you go. As a rough estimate, you might expect to pay $10 to $30 per person for a meal at a moderate restaurant.
- Activities: Bahrain has a number of attractions and activities that you can enjoy during your visit. Some of these, such as visiting the Bahrain National Museum or exploring the souks (markets) in Manama, are free or relatively inexpensive. Others, such as taking a desert safari or visiting a theme park, can be more expensive. You should budget anywhere from $50 to $200 per day for activities and attractions, depending on your interests and the specific activities you choose.
Overall, the cost of traveling to Bahrain will depend on your specific travel plans and preferences. To get a better idea of the costs involved, you may want to consider creating a budget and factoring in all of the expenses you expect to incur during your trip.
SIGHTS & HIGHLIGHTS OF BAHRAIN
Bahrain is made up of several regions, each with its own unique attractions and features. Here is a brief overview of some of the main regions of Bahrain:
- Manama: Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain. It is home to a number of attractions, including the Bahrain National Museum, the Bab Al Bahrain (Gateway to Bahrain) souk, and the Bahrain Fort.
- Muharraq: Muharraq is the second largest city in Bahrain and is known for its historic houses and its traditional boat-building industry. It is also home to the Sheikh Isa bin Ali House Museum, which offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy merchant in the 19th century.
- Northern Governorate: The Northern Governorate is home to a number of attractions, including the Al Areen Wildlife Park, the Bahrain International Circuit (home of the Bahrain Grand Prix), and the Bahrain World Trade Center.
- Southern Governorate: The Southern Governorate is home to a number of beaches, including Al Jazayir Beach and Al Dar Island. It is also home to the Tree of Life, a 400-year-old tree that stands in the middle of the desert.
Overall, each region of Bahrain has its own highlights and attractions, and you can tailor your visit to your specific interests. Whether you want to explore the city, relax on the beach, or learn about the local culture and history, there is something for everyone in Bahrain.
There are many things to see and do in Bahrain, and the specific activities you choose will depend on your interests and the amount of time you have available. Here are a few suggestions for things to see and do during your visit:
- Visit the Bahrain National Museum: This museum is home to a collection of artifacts that tell the story of Bahrain's history and culture.
- Explore the souks (markets) in Manama: The souks in Manama are a great place to shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
- Visit the Bahrain Fort: This ancient fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's history.
- Take a desert safari: Bahrain has a large desert area, and you can take a tour to explore the dunes and learn more about the local culture.
- Visit the Al Areen Wildlife Park: This park is home to a wide range of animals, including flamingos, gazelles, and oryx.
- Go scuba diving: Bahrain has a number of dive sites that are home to a variety of marine life.
- Visit the Bahrain International Circuit: This circuit is home to the Bahrain Grand Prix, and you can take a tour to see behind the scenes of the race.
- Go to the beach: Bahrain has a number of beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
WHAT TO EAT IN BAHRAIN
Bahrain has a rich and diverse culinary culture, and there are many delicious dishes that you should try during your visit. Here are a few suggestions for things to eat in Bahrain:
- Machboos: This is a popular dish in Bahrain and the rest of the Gulf region. It consists of rice cooked with meat (usually chicken or lamb) and spices, and is often served with vegetables and a side of yogurt.
- Shawarma: Shawarma is a popular street food in Bahrain and is made with grilled meat (usually chicken or lamb) that is shaved off a spit and served in a pita bread or wrap with vegetables and sauces.
- Falafel: Falafel is a popular vegetarian dish made with ground chickpeas or fava beans that are shaped into balls or patties and fried. It is often served in a pita bread or wrap with vegetables and sauces.
- Kabsa: Kabsa is a popular rice dish that is made with meat (usually chicken or lamb) and a variety of spices, including cardamom, saffron, and cinnamon. It is often served with a side of vegetables.
- Luqaimat: Luqaimat are small, sweet dumplings that are fried and served with a honey syrup. They are a popular dessert in Bahrain.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes you can try in Bahrain. Whether you prefer meat, seafood, or vegetarian options, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Bahrain's culinary scene.
LGBTQ IN BAHRAIN
WHERE TO STAY IN BAHRAIN
There are many options for accommodation in Bahrain, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. The specific accommodation you choose will depend on your budget and preferences. Here are a few options to consider:
- Hotels: Bahrain has a range of hotels to choose from, including budget, mid-range, and luxury options. Prices can vary widely depending on the location and quality of the hotel, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 per night for a hotel room.
- Serviced apartments: Serviced apartments can be a good option if you are staying in Bahrain for an extended period of time and want more space and amenities than a hotel room. Prices can vary widely depending on the location and quality of the apartment, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 per night.
- Hostels: Bahrain has a number of hostels that offer shared dormitory-style rooms at budget prices. Prices for a bed in a shared dormitory room can start at around $10 per night.
- Vacation rentals: You can also consider renting a vacation home or apartment in Bahrain through websites like Airbnb or VRBO. Prices for vacation rentals can vary widely depending on the location and quality of the property, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 per night.
Overall, the cost of accommodation in Bahrain will depend on the type of accommodation you choose and the location and quality of the property. To get the best deal, you may want to consider booking your accommodation in advance and being flexible with your travel dates. You may also be able to find lower prices by traveling during the off-season (April to September).
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