Exploring Aldur, Bahrain: A Local's Guide To Adventure

There are many things to do in Aldur, Bahrain, from sightseeing to snorkelling. You can take a bus to Aldur Jetty, which is close to the Al Dur Power and Water Station, and enjoy a range of water activities at Al Dar Islands. For those interested in history, there is the Bahrain National Museum, Beit Al Qur'an, and Qal'at al-Bahrain. The Tree of Life is also a must-visit, being one of the most historic places in Bahrain. For shopping, there is the Moda Mall, Seef Mall, and Bab el-Bahrain Souk. And if you're looking for a luxury tour, you can discover Bahrain in a one-of-a-kind private tour.

Visit Al Dur Jetty by taking the bus

If you're looking for a unique experience in Aldur, Bahrain, a visit to the Al Dur Jetty is a must. This scenic spot offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area and is easily accessible by bus. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plan your journey:

Getting to Al Dur Jetty by Bus:

• The closest bus stop to Al Dur Jetty is the Al Dur Terminus, which is just a 3-minute walk away. This bus stop is served by bus line 18.
• Depending on your starting point, you can take different bus routes to reach Al Dur Jetty. From locations such as Madinat Hamad, Dar Kulaib, Zallaq, and Riffa, you can expect travel times ranging from 54 minutes to 2 hours.
• It is recommended to use a transit app or check bus schedules online to plan your trip, as bus arrival times may vary.
• Keep in mind that the first bus to Al Dur Jetty is at 4:57 AM, and the last bus is at 11:13 PM.

Exploring Al Dur Jetty and Nearby Attractions:

• Once you arrive at Al Dur Jetty, take some time to admire the views and capture memorable photos.
• In the vicinity of Al Dur Jetty, you'll find several notable locations, including the Al Dur Power & Water Company, Al Dur planning Office, and the Marine Hatchery (Bahrain Mariculture Center).
• If you're interested in a longer walk or a short drive, you can explore nearby attractions such as منطقة الدور الصناعية, Operation Control Room, and Al Dur Power And Water Station.

Remember to bring appropriate clothing, especially if you're visiting during the hotter months, and stay hydrated while exploring the area. Enjoy your visit to Al Dur Jetty and the surrounding attractions!

Explore the Al-Fateh Grand Mosque

The Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, also known as the Al Fateh Mosque or the Great Mosque, is one of the largest mosques in the world. It is located in Manama, Bahrain's capital, and is part of an Islamic centre that includes a department for Qur'anic studies and an Islamic library. The mosque was built by the late Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa in 1987 and was named after Ahmed Al Fateh. Covering 6,500 square metres, it is the largest place of worship in Bahrain and can accommodate over 7,000 worshippers at a time.

The mosque is a stunning example of Arabian architecture, with intricate Kufic calligraphy throughout the building. The marble used in the floors is Italian, the chandelier is from Austria, and the doors are made of teak wood from India. The huge dome constructed on top of the mosque is made entirely of fibreglass and weighs over 60 tons, making it the world's largest fibreglass dome.

The library of the Ahmed Al-Fateh Islamic Centre houses around 7,000 books, some of which are over 100 years old. These include copies of the books of the teachings of Muhammad, the Global Arabic Encyclopedia, the Encyclopedia of Islamic Jurisprudence, and Al-Azhar journals printed more than a century ago.

The mosque welcomes visitors of all religions and is open from 9 am to 4 pm, with tours conducted in various languages, including English, French, Filipino, and Russian. Modest dress is required, and abayas and headscarves are provided free of charge. Entry is free.

Reviews from visitors highlight the beauty of the mosque's architecture and the informative tours provided by passionate and knowledgeable guides. Many also mention the friendly and helpful staff who provide assistance with the dress code and other needs.

The Al-Fateh Grand Mosque is a must-visit destination in Bahrain, offering a unique opportunity to learn about Islam, the country's history, and culture.

Check out the Bahrain National Museum

The Bahrain National Museum is a must-see when in Aldur, Bahrain. It is the largest and oldest public museum in the country, covering 27,800 square metres, and is considered one of the finest museums in the Gulf region. It is centrally located in Manama, on an artificial peninsula overlooking the island of Muharraq. The building itself is a work of art, designed by Danish architects Krohn and Hartvig Rasmussen, and featuring a white travertine marble facade.

The museum is made up of two connected buildings, with approximately 20,000 square metres of floor space. The main building houses the permanent exhibition area, temporary exhibition halls, an art gallery, a lecture hall, a gift shop and a café. The administrative building contains offices, research areas, laboratories, and storage areas.

The museum is home to a vast collection of ancient archaeological artefacts, covering around 5000 to 6000 years of Bahrain's history. It includes six permanent exhibitions, an educational hall, and various administrative and conservation facilities. The exhibition halls are accessed through a grand foyer, a large dramatic space that hosts the "Investing in Culture" exhibition.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Hall of Dilmun Graves, which focuses on the burial practices of the Dilmun civilisation. Another notable exhibit is the Durand Stone, a long black basalt sculpture from the Babylonian era. The Hall of Tylos and Islam covers the Hellenic-influenced history of Bahrain, while the Hall of Documents and Manuscripts features rare copies of the Quran from the 13th and 14th centuries. The Hall of Customs and Traditions showcases Bahrain's pre-oil lifestyle and traditions, and the Hall of Traditional Trades and Crafts features a recreation of a traditional Bahraini souq.

The Bahrain National Museum is a great place to immerse yourself in the country's rich history and culture, with informative and well-curated exhibits. It is a must-visit destination when exploring Aldur, Bahrain.

See the Tree of Life

The Tree of Life, or Shajarat-al-Hayat, is an iconic symbol of Bahrain. This 9.75-metre-tall (32 feet) Prosopis cineraria tree is over 400 years old and is the only major tree growing in the barren landscape of the Arabian Desert, around 40 kilometres outside of the capital city of Manama. It is a local tourist attraction, visited by approximately 65,000 people every year.

The tree is a mystery, standing alone in a dry and barren landscape with no known freshwater source nearby. It has deep roots, which may reach water, but some believe it extracts moisture from grains of sand, or even from the air or morning dew. Others claim it stands in what was once the Garden of Eden, and has a mystical source of water.

The Tree of Life has been studied by scientists from the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, but its survival remains uncertain. It has become a symbol of endurance, strength, and resilience, and is a powerful reminder of the ability of life to adapt and thrive in challenging environments.

The tree is described as majestic, with a full canopy of green leaves. It is wide and sprawling, with low-hanging branches that are supported by wooden braces. It is surrounded by a perimeter wall with plaques and a shaded information area.

To get to the Tree of Life, head east on the Zallaq Highway, which becomes the Al-Muaskar Highway. Turn right at the intersection where you see the Tree of Life sign, and then right again before the steep hill. Keep an eye out for more signs directing you to the tree, which should soon be visible in the distance. Take the dirt path at Well 371, and stay on the path to avoid getting stuck in soft sand.

The Tree of Life is a unique natural wonder, and a must-see when visiting Bahrain.

Visit the Bab el-Bahrain Souk

Bab Al Bahrain, meaning "Gateway of Bahrain", is a must-see historical building located in the Customs Square in the central business district of Manama. It marks the main entrance to the Manama Souq and was opened in 1949, designed by British adviser to the emir, Charles Belgrave. The square is considered the region's first formal public space.

The building has undergone several refurbishments, the most recent being in 2013, and now consists of a huge arch, with a road running underneath, and two side arches for pedestrians. Bab Al Bahrain is a great place to pick up souvenirs, with shops offering textiles, spices, incense, perfumes, handicrafts, and souvenirs, as well as more modern products from all over the world. There are also traditional coffee shops and the Naseef Cafe, the first ice cream shop in the country.

The Bab el-Bahrain Souk is a vibrant and busy place, with a relaxed and safe atmosphere. It is a great place to experience the local way of life, especially in the evening when the area comes to life. The sights, sounds, and scents of the Souk are unique and the bartering for goods is all part of the fun.

The building is located on Government Avenue, which contains many major banks and business establishments, and is situated adjacent to the King Faisal Highway, which leads to the causeway connecting Bahrain to Saudi Arabia. Bab al Bahrain is expected to serve as an interchange station for the Bahrain Metro, which should be fully operational by 2030.

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