Bahrain

Bahrain, a group of 33 islands, with an area of 707 square kilometres, is situated in the Arabian Gulf, off the east coast of Saudi Arabia. The state takes its name from the largest island Bahrain, and its capital is Manama. It is linked by causeways to Muharraq (international airport) and Sitra (industrial area and tank-farm). There are numerous other tiny islands, but they are mainly uninhabited and are best known for the variety of migrating birds which pass through in spring and autumn.

Bahrain is filled with numerous sites to visit. A tourist can choose from such locations like the A’ali Village, as well as the al-Areen Wildlife Sanctuary, where many endangered species can be viewed, including the Arabian Onyx. Other worthy itinerary fillers include al-Bander Resort, al-Dar Islands, Desert Camp, Jebel Dukhasn (Mountain of Smoke), as well as the Tree of Life.

The climate is hot in summer and mild in winter. From November to April is very pleasant, with temperatures from 15 to 24 degrees centigrade. Temperatures are coolest between December and March when northerly winds prevail. From July to September temperatures average 36 degrees centigrade with high humidity.

Things to see and do

* The Souq
* Al-Khamis Mosque
* Bahrain Fort
* Royal Tombs

General information

Cruise Season – Oct - April
Currency – Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
Language – Arabic and English
Land Area – 707 sq km’s
Population – 700,000
Electricity – 2 vertical square pins and one perpendicular below British style
Time – GMT/UTC plus three hours
International Country Telephone Code – +973

Port Location – In Bahrain, ships tie up at pierside at Mina Sulman [Mina Salman] and at Manama where the port is southeast of downtown.

Transport Links – One of the main ways to get around is by utilizing the bus service, which can take you throughout towns, such as Manama and Muharraq. Another way to get around the area is to hop on a taxi, which offer metered service. You can visit parts of central Manama and Muharraq on foot, or rent a car to get to farther-flung attractions.
For ventures outside of Bahrain, you can to travel to Iran by way of a passenger ferry. Gulf Air offers integrated flight services throughout the Middle East, Asia, Europe and USA.