These stunning pictures show the beautiful blue waters of natural pools in the Omani mountains which are devoid of the usual mass of tourists in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown.
The clear turquoise pools, formed by the rock formations in the area, are found outside the mountain village of Bat in the province of Liwa in the northern Omani governorate of Al Batinah.
These images obtained by Newsflash show the pool formations, considered one of the region’s most beautiful tourist destinations, as they are rarely seen without tourists.
The pools are popular because of their health-giving properties as well as warm temperature and a distinct blue colour from the spring waters that bubble up from below ground.
Natural built swimming pool hiding among the mountains in the village of Bat in Liwa, Oman 
Natural built swimming pool hiding among the mountains in the village of Bat in Liwa, Oman
The village of Bat is characterised by moderate temperatures most of the year and the water in the valley is constantly flowing.
Omani adventurer and traveller Riyadh Al-Hinai who took these pictures described the pools as warm with a faint smell of sulphur while birdsong and other sounds of nature fill the air.
Visitors who can get there now can enjoy the balmy waters while listing to birds chirping and waters trickling.
it is a far cry from the usual seems at the stunning location which Al-Hinai said can also be reached by four-wheel drive vehicle without the need for trekking.
He added that it is appropriate for young families too.
Although it is possible to travel to the country, new arrivals are expected to have valid health insurance and to pay for a coronavirus check to be presented or carried out on arrival.
Oman has reported 113,820 cases of confirmed COVID-19 within its borders. 1,203 people have died while 99,997 have reportedly recovered as of 27th October.
Natural built swimming pool hiding among the mountains in the village of Bat in Liwa, Oman 
Natural built swimming pool hiding among the mountains in the village of Bat in Liwa, Oman
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: Basant Essam, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
The Ananova page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.
