A turquoise limestone sinkhole inside a municipal park, with a fence, toilets and a staircase down to the water for swimming. It is a standard stop on Wadi Shab and Wadi Al Arbeieen day trips. Modest swimwear is expected.
Bimmah Sinkhole, known locally as Hawiyat Najm, is a turquoise limestone sinkhole inside Hawiyat Najm Park at Bimmah, in the Muscat Governorate of Oman. It lies about 1.5 hours southeast of Muscat, a few kilometres before Tiwi, just off the Muscat to Sur highway (Route 17). The park is managed as a municipal site with a fence, toilets and a staircase leading down to the water, so swimming is straightforward and the activity is classed as easy, with no fitness or equipment barrier and suitable for children who can swim or wear a life jacket. Visitors usually allow one to two hours for a swim, and the sinkhole is a standard stop on Wadi Shab and Wadi Al Arbeieen day trips, which means that guided tours often include it. There is no dedicated operator, so the visit is self-guided, and swimming is at the visitor's own risk. Visitors should bring swimwear with a modest cover-up, as modest dress is expected at this public site, plus a towel, water shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Lifeguards and a formal safety briefing are not described for the site, so swimmers should stay within their ability, take care on the wet stairs and rocks, and follow any posted park rules about jumping. Emergency help depends on the park staff and nearby services on the coastal highway. The sinkhole is deep and the water can look inviting even when conditions on the access stairs are slippery. The best season is October to April, when the weather is mild; in summer, midday heat is intense, so arriving early or late in the day is more comfortable and is also usually quieter. The site is open to the public and the setting is calm, making it a convenient addition to a coastal road trip towards Sur.
| Duration | 1-2 hours |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | October-April; midday heat is intense in summer, so arrive early or late |
| Address | Hawiyat Najm Park, Bimmah, off the Muscat-Sur highway (Route 17), Oman |
Activity facts
- Where
- Hawiyat Najm Park, Bimmah, Muscat Governorate (about 1.5 hours southeast of Muscat, a few km before Tiwi)
Equipment
- Swimwear and modest cover-up
- Towel
- Water shoes
- Sunscreen and hat
Location
Hawiyat Najm Park, Bimmah, off the Muscat-Sur highway (Route 17), Oman
23.0361, 59.0719 View on map
Highlights
- Swim in a turquoise limestone sinkhole at Hawiyat Najm Park
- Staircase access to the water, with fencing and toilets on site
- Easy stop on the road to Wadi Shab and Tiwi
- Short visit of one to two hours
Tips for visiting
- Wear modest swimwear or bring a cover-up for the public park.
- Bring water shoes, as the stairs and rocks at the water's edge can be slippery.
- Arrive early or late in summer to avoid intense midday heat.
- Combine the stop with Wadi Shab or Wadi Al Arbeieen on the same day.
- Carry a towel, sunscreen and a hat, since shade near the water is limited.
When to visit
October to April is most comfortable; in summer arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid intense heat.
Accessibility
A staircase leads down to the water and the park has fencing and toilets, but the steps make wheelchair access to the swimming area difficult.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Bimmah Sinkhole?
It is inside Hawiyat Najm Park at Bimmah, about 1.5 hours southeast of Muscat and a few kilometres before Tiwi, off the Muscat-Sur highway.
Is it safe to swim there?
Swimming is common and a staircase leads to the water, but visitors swim at their own risk and should take care on wet steps.
How long should visitors plan for?
One to two hours is typical for a swim and a short stop.
Is a guide or booking needed?
No. The site is self-guided, though it is included in many guided Wadi Shab and Wadi Al Arbeieen day tours.