Bahrain: Cultural Sites
Overview
The cultural sites of Bahrain are reasonably easy to navigate although could be categorised by location/area to improve on efficiency of visit times/public transport. I’ve included an excerpt of information under each site by subheading below but to plan your day to access sites that are close by each other, see the following list.
Essentials
Central Manama
Bahrain National Museum
Al Fateh Grand Mosque
Bab al Bahrain (The Gold Souq)
Manama Post Office
Qal’at al Bahrain (Bahrain Fort)
Old Bahrain
Arad Fort
Traditional homes of Muharraq
Drive further to see (all possible in one day)
Royal Camel Farm
Dilmun burial mounds
First oil well
Tree of life
Day trips
Bahrain National Museum
The National Museum showcases the history, architecture, trades, art, culture and family life of the early Dilmun empire to current day Bahrain. If it’s your first time in Bahrain, I’d highly recommend this as a first location stop to provide a basis and history to the other sites you will visit. The Hall of Dilmun exhibit focuses on artefacts and the history of the Dilmun civilization from 5000 BC to 400 BC. On display are Dilmunite stamp seals, pottery and graves that have been sourced from A’ali. It’s completely fascinating and worth a 3-4 hour visit, although if you are a history buff, you might be here all day. The National Theatre of (Bahrain National Amphitheatre) consists of a 1001-seat auditorium and a smaller 150-seat studio theatre that was opened in 2012.
Al Fateh Grand Mosque
This religious site has abounding old world charm with a view across to the bustling Juffair district. To visit, you must be modestly dressed. Women will be fitted with an abaya before entry and of course… shoes off. If you’re a keen photographer, there are many quirky vantage points and angles which make for interesting pictures. I spent time on an hour long tour here and found the guide to be very patient and tolerant of all group members, whilst attempting to answer curly questions to the best of her ability.
Bab Al Bahrain (The Gold Souq)
The entrance to the original souq (gold and textiles market) will have you in awe of its grandiosity and the dazzling items within will have you distracted at all times. Take an afternoon to wander around and get lost in the multitude of alleyways and find a truly unique gem to remember your visit.
Manama Post Office
This newly renovated museum marks the site of the original post office of Manama. Located adjacent Bab al Bahrain, it showcases the history of postal services in Bahrain throughout the decades, as well as an extensive stamp catalogue that archives stamps across multiple eras from Bahrain and across the world. There is a philatelic bureau counter where visitors can purchase new and collectable stamps, as well as a cafe with a terrace overlooking the gold souq.
Bahrain Fort (Qal’at al-Bahrain)
This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site is a photographers paradise and is steeped in history. Not only is the fort magnificent, it’s location provides a sweeping view of the city for a wonderful landscape capture. There are a few forts on offer on the island but this one was the piece de resistance for me.
Arad Fort
A near second to Bahrain Fort, Arad Fort is also well worth a visit. Situated near Muharraq, the old part of Bahrain, you will find new sweeping views across the bay to modern Manama, with the foreground filled with traditional boating apparatus and homes. Arad Fort is located near Seef Mall Muharraq which is also worth a visit: Bahrainis love their malls. You’ll find it quite surprising what glimpses into local life you will find by simply purchasing a Starbucks coffee and taking a seat…
Shaikh Isa bin Ali House
If you’re staying in a Manama-based hotel, you can Uber here (through all the tiny backstreets that seem to all reach dead ends). However, I do suggest traveling with a friend to these old traditional Bahraini homes in Muharraq, particularly if you are female. This is a conservative and old traditional part of town and whilst set up as a tourist attraction, tourism is not well developed in many parts of Bahrain and you may find yourself feeling quite conspicuous and otherwise alone. I know I wished I took a mate. I spent about two hours wandering around Shaikh Isa bin Ali (there are multiple traditional homes in the area but this one of the most famous) and mistakenly ordered an Uber back to my hotel while I was still inside.
I can’t describe the panic that ensued as I realised I had lost my way out. There are not clear sign posts (this is a common theme in Bahrain) and all of the sandstone bricked rooms/arches/steps appeared the same. I was completely overcome and relieved when a hidden subcontinental expatriate worker jumped out from one of the rooms to redirect me after I had obviously walked past him about 7 times! After passing the 7 or 8 local men drinking coffee on the floor on my way out, I reordered an Uber and then sat all too conspicuously waiting for 15 minutes for him to arrive, as the local school boys who had finished for the day, quizzically eyed me up and down.
The Royal Camel Farm
These comical creatures who abide at the farm created by King of Bahrain, Sheikh Mohammad, are in abundance (600+!) and ready and willing to have their photo taken. Before the advent of cars as a means of transport in Bahrain, camels were the primary vehicle. This farm serves as an avenue of preserving and protecting the native camel species of the Arabian peninsula, the dromedary. In times past, and for many still in the gulf region, camels represent power, wealth and fertility. The Royal Camel Farm is open 8am – 5pm daily and is free to enter. There is no reception area but camel keepers on the ground will show you the pens allocated to older and younger camels, the main pen, and accept a small fee for a (prearranged) camel ride around the small compound.
A’ali Dilmun burial mounds
I must say, the mounds were not particularly well sign posted but contextually, after a visit to the Bahrain National Museum which describes the history and aetiology of the mounds, this was a fascinating (albeit slightly understated) stop along the highway. It did involve dodging a few cars on the freeway as we crossed it only to be welcomed by the intimidating ‘keep out’ signs along the fence. Nevertheless, there was something intriguing about viewing these burial mounds from the fence perimeter, in a country that has yet to exploit itself by capitalising on tourism.
First oil well
The first oil well is an easy visit on the way to the Tree of Life and a poignant homage to this industry that this entire region relies upon. However, don’t expect the museum to be open. This is Bahrain after all! Who knows, the ‘on site’ worker might be 2 km away having a coffee under a tree.
This oil well was the first on the Arabian side of the Persian Gulf and was discovered and operated by Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO), established in 1929 in Canada by the Standard Oil Company of California. The well is situated below Jebel Dukhan. It first spurted oil in 1931 and at its peak in the 1970s, was producing 70,000 barrels of oil per day. It has since stabilised to around half of that amount. The discovery of oil coincided with the collapse of the world pearl trading industry.
Tree of life
With roots 50 metres deep, this tree is almost 10 metres high and 400 years old tree (Prosopis cineraria) and somehow grows alone in the middle of the Bahraini desert. It is the most instagrammed tree in the Middle East and lies 2 km from Jebel Dukhan, the highest point in Bahrain, and 40 km from Manama, the capital city. Its mystery lies in its abundance of green leaves despite no known water supply and no other trees surrounding it for miles. It’s become a bit of a running joke that you haven’t been to Bahrain if you haven’t had a selfie at the Tree of Life!
Al Dar Island
For an enjoyable day out, or an overnight stay, head to this reclaimed land island resort by way of a 10 minute boat ride from Sitra Fisherman’s Port, whereby upon arrival you can hire a beach hut or private chalet and spend the day swimming in the calm ocean water and take photos whilst swinging in the hammock in the water. Across the ocean horizon, you will see oil mining equipment at work to feel completely immersed in the Gulf life! For a complete spoil, you can prearrange a private chef for your double decker beach hut, invite a group and feast all day long. The perfect birthday outing! Al Dar is an easy day escape from Manama so don’t leave this off of your list for a day of relaxation!
Insider tip: take your own towels and a change of clothes in your bag, and fill up on drinks, before setting off. We were situated in Adliya and so for us we found ourselves at ‘The Shop’ (aka liquor store: for rum) and subsequently at Lulu Hypermarket at Juffair Mall where we stocked our bags with beach towels, suncream, snacks, coconut and pineapple juice….
Pearling
The Pearling Trail is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Sadly, the pearling trade collapsed after the discovery of oil and there are few divers left. The trading of cultured pearls in Bahrain is currently prohibited, in an homage to its illustrious history, providing you with utmost confidence that any pearls you buy are natural. For the nature enthusiasts, you can still be taken out on a pearl diving trip with an experienced instructor.
The pearling industry does not just involve diving however! One can equally find themselves at a certified pearl seller and purchase a natural pearl for themselves. A myriad of shapes and sizes are on offer and there is also the option to purchase the pearl whilst still connected to the shell. I happened to find myself in two such pearl shops near Bab Al Bahrain inside ‘Gold City’ and spent considerable time bargaining between the two whilst trying to work out which piece of jewellery I loved most. From the vendor I chose, I was also gifted a natural pearl in shell. MODA Mall is also well known for its high quality natural pearls.
If you’re a fan of Google maps, you will see that multiple ‘Pearling museums’ exist in Muharraq. Be very careful when venturing to these parts: they are not well developed and usually constitute little more than a handful of old style homes, with no descriptions of their relation to the pearling industry and very few (if any) available guides to be of assistance.
