English site
 Deutsche Seite
 Page Français
 Pagina Italiana
 Página en Español		 Search your travel package after destination, tour, operator, hotel, restaurant or other travel services.
Listings are according to alphabetical order and destination.
Important travel tips and information you will find under each country link.
Please contact webmaster@yemen-explorers.com for listings in Middle East Travel Exchange directory.
   
bahrain Bahrain Main destinations Activities
Tours and operators Travel services Hotels Restaurants Rent a car Airlines Handicrafts and shops Institutes
Official name Emirate Bahrain  (absolute monarchy)
Head of State H.H. The Amir, Shaikh Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa
Geography Bahrain, an archipelago of 33 islands, is situated in the Arabian Gulf, off the east coast of Saudi Arabia. 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. Its name is derived from two Arabic words "thnain Bahr" meaning "two seas" and refers to the phenomenon of sweet water springs under the sea which mingle with the salty water. This phenomenon is believed to be responsible for the unusual luster of Bahrain's natural pearls. The central area is low lying and barren limestone rock covered with saline sand, which supports only hardiest desert vegetation. The highest point of Bahrain is the Jabel Dukhan, 134 meters above the sea level. The Arabian Gulf has an average depth of only 35 meters and most of it in the vicinity of Bahrain is much shallower than this.
Area 700 square km
Population 666.000 (1999)
Capital Manama, 140.401 inhabitants (1992)
Official language Arabic, English is spoken by many businessmen
Currency Dinar (BD) = 100 Fils
Exchange rate US$ 1= BD 0.375
Weights/ measures Metric system
Time GMT plus 3 hours
Legal system Independent legal and judicial system with a framework of commercial laws
Country code 973
Voltage 220/230 V, 50 Hz
Entrance/Visa Passport must be at least valid for 3 months, Visa ca. 5 BD at Manama airport, valid ticket must be shown
Customs/Duty free 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g tobacco, 1 perfume or Eau de Toilette
1 bottle of any alcoholic drinks and 6 bottles beer (only non-Muslims)
Health advice Vaccination against Hepatitis (endemic ). Gastric upsets are common. It is recommended to drink only purified water.
Climate 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. The annual average rainfall is approximately 77 millimeters.
Travel season November to April
Attractions Cosmo-political atmosphere with interesting night life, nice beaches, old forts, many ancient graves, local handicraft industry, leisure and eco-tourism can be combined with activities like diving, riding, golf, surfing and bird watching
Accommodation wide range of most important hotel brands, local guesthouses
Transportation 300 flights weekly connecting Bahrain International Airport with other parts of Bahrain. Modern yachts and dhows (traditional sailing boats) are connecting the smaller islands. Travel agencies sell tickets or arrange special cruises. All main cities are connected by roads, therefore collect taxis and busses are going daily to these cities. In the cities travelers may find collect taxis with white-orange plates to almost any place in Bahrain, the charge is 50 Fils (December 2001). All other taxis have yellow plates. Who wants to rent a private taxi should inform the driver about time (empty leg or waiting time). It is also for the locals usual to bargain the price in advance. The taxis of the big hotels have fixed rates based on time and distance. Furthermore tour companies are offering cars with experienced drivers.
Main destinations  
Manama Old market - especially Gold souk, old forts, Archeological Museum
Al-Muharraq Shaikh Isa's House (traditional landmark of local architecture)
Beaches and parks Al Jazair Strand, Shaiks Beach,  Al-Areen National Park
Activities  
Horse riding/ racing

There are a few stables to choose from, with mounts for all ages and abilities. Bahrain's love of all things equestrian is further revealed in its splendid racetrack, together with a grandstand those seats 10.000 spectators. Meetings are held every Friday from October to March. Car parking and programs are free; however, betting is strictly prohibited.
Diving History and ancient history would suggest that diving itself was probably born in and around the warm shallow waters of Bahrain. Recorded as far back as 5000 years ago, Pearl Diving has been Bahrain's heritage for millennia and, today, these same productive oyster beds (the largest of their kind in the world) continue to flourish, offering some very unique, rewarding and exciting recreational diving opportunities all year round. With water temperatures ranging from 34C in summer to 20C in winter, providing comfortable diving conditions year round, up to 30 species of coral and in excess of 200 species of fish can be found, in particular, on the northern offshore reefs of Bahrain. Here, divers, underwater photographers and snorkelers can discover a myriad of Indo Pacific species including clown fish, trigger fish, surgeon fish, turtles, rays, lion fish, grouper, snapper, crayfish and even whalesharks; while tuna, mackerel, trevally and barracuda cruise above. In addition to reef diving there are a number of wrecks around the island, including ships, planes, tugs and barges that have something special to offer the inveterate diver. Dugongs (sea cows) can also be seen feeding on the sea grass in the southern waters of Bahrain during the cooler winter months. Scuba and snorkeling education, equipment, experiences and excursions are available to an international standard through a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre located in Manama
Bird watching Bahrain is winter location during bird migration