Bimmah Sinkhole, locally known as Hawiyat Najm (meaning “the deep well of the falling star”), is a stunning water-filled depression in the limestone of eastern Muscat Governorate, Oman. This natural geological marvel, surrounded by a well-maintained park, is famous for its dazzling turquoise waters and the local legend of its meteorite origin. It’s a popular spot for swimming, relaxation, and a refreshing escape from the desert heat.
Listen to an introduction about Bimmah Sinkhole
Name and Address
- Name: Bimmah Sinkhole (Arabic: هوية نجم, Hawiyat Najm)
- Address: Hawiyat Najm Park, Dibab Village, Wilayat Qurayyat, Muscat Governorate, Sultanate of Oman. It’s located very close to the Al Sharqiyah region, just off the highway to Sur, a few kilometers before Tiwi.
How to Get There
Bimmah Sinkhole is a popular day trip destination from Muscat and is relatively easy to reach.
- By Car/Taxi: Driving is the most practical way to reach the sinkhole. It’s an easy drive from Muscat (about 1.5 hours) along the main highway (Route 17 towards Sur). Taxis are available, or you can rent a car. No 4×4 is required as the road is paved all the way.
- Organized Tours: Many tour operators in Muscat offer day trips that combine a visit to Bimmah Sinkhole with nearby attractions like Wadi Shab.
- On-Site: The sinkhole is located within Hawiyat Najm Park, which has free parking, picnic areas, restrooms, and a playground. A concrete staircase leads down to the water. Visitors often bring water-friendly shoes as the edges can be rocky and slippery. The park is generally open from 8 AM to 8 PM daily, and there is no entrance fee.
Landscape and Architecture
Bimmah Sinkhole is a natural wonder, a striking geological formation that offers a unique visual and recreational experience.
- Water-Filled Depression: It is a large, circular depression in the earth, approximately 50 meters (164 ft) by 70 meters (230 ft) wide and around 20 meters (65 ft) deep. The water is a captivating mix of fresh and saltwater, giving it its distinctive turquoise hue, and is connected to the nearby sea through an underground channel.
- Limestone Formations: The sinkhole is formed by the collapse of the surface layer due to the dissolution of underlying limestone by groundwater over millennia. The surrounding rock formations create a dramatic backdrop.
- Hawiyat Najm Park: The local municipality has developed a well-maintained park around the sinkhole, featuring shaded gazebos, picnic tables, paved walking paths, and a playground, all designed to preserve the site and enhance visitor comfort.
- Swimming and Exploration: The clear, cool waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and even cliff diving from lower ledges (with caution). Small fish inhabit the sinkhole and are known to nibble at toes, offering a natural “fish pedicure.” There’s also a small cave to explore by swimming to the back of the sinkhole.
What Makes It Famous
- Stunning Turquoise Waters: The vibrant, clear turquoise water, contrasting with the surrounding beige limestone, makes it incredibly picturesque and a popular spot for photography.
- Local Legend of the “Falling Star”: The Arabic name Hawiyat Najm (Falling Star) comes from a local belief that the sinkhole was created by a meteorite impact, adding a mystical allure to its natural formation.
- Unique Swimming Experience: The opportunity to swim in a natural sinkhole, with its mix of fresh and saltwater and friendly fish, offers a distinctive and refreshing experience.
- Geological Marvel: It’s a remarkable example of a naturally occurring sinkhole formed by limestone erosion, showcasing the power of geological processes.
- Accessibility and Amenities: The presence of a well-maintained park with facilities makes it a comfortable and accessible natural attraction for families and travelers.
Differences from Some Other Natural Attractions
- Sinkhole Formation: Unlike traditional wadis (river valleys) or beaches, Bimmah Sinkhole is a unique geological formation resulting from a subterranean collapse, creating a distinct, contained water body.
- Combined Water Source: Its blend of freshwater from mountain runoff and saltwater from the nearby sea creates a unique brackish environment, different from pure freshwater pools or open ocean beaches.
- Managed Park Environment: While many natural attractions are left in their raw state, Bimmah Sinkhole is situated within a developed park, offering amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, and paved paths, which enhance visitor comfort and site preservation.
- “Hidden” Oasis Feel: Despite its accessibility, the sinkhole’s depression means it’s not visible until you are right upon it, creating a sense of discovery and an unexpected oasis in an otherwise arid landscape.
Bimmah Sinkhole Photos:
