These Alien-Like Pink Lakes Are Concealed Within the Omani Desert

The pink lakes of Oman are as surreal a phenomenon as they come. To find them, one must travel to the two contrasting landscapes of Al-Suwaih and Al-Jazir. With their unusual, rose-tinted hues, the pink lakes are an unassuming wonder in a country whose desert expanses and jagged coastlines dominate the eye. Their color is not a trick of light or imagination but a product of nature itself, turning ordinary saltwater into something otherworldly. 

Al-Suwaih, the first of the two pink lakes, lies in the northern stretch of Oman, close to the coast and far from the busy capital of Muscat. The landscape around Al-Suwaih is rugged, where mountains rise sharply against the horizon and the wind sweeps in from the Arabian Sea. The air smells of salt and earth. This pink lake can be found along a strip of arid land, with barely a tree in sight. The starkness of the surroundings only amplifies the lake’s unearthly glow, its waters pink, almost fuchsia, in the sunlight. The color results from a specific type of algae, Dunaliella salina, thriving in the high salinity of the lake. 

To get to Al-Suwaih, a journey through Oman’s coastal roads is necessary. Starting from Muscat, the drive takes about two hours, heading east along the scenic Batinah coastline. The route is straightforward but requires some patience as it takes you through small villages and winding roads, where camels may cross your path without warning. Public transportation options are limited, so renting a car or hiring a private driver is advisable. For a stronger sense of immersion in the quietude of this place, the Sama Wadi Shab Resort, about a 30-minute drive from the lake, may be the optimal stay. It’s a place to decompress after wandering through the strange and silent landscape surrounding the lake. 

The nearby village of Tiwi offers an unexpected treat in the form of local Omani seafood dishes. The Tiwi Beach Restaurant, unassuming in appearance, serves freshly grilled fish straight from the Arabian Sea. The flavors are simple but bold, reflecting the area’s deep connection with the ocean. 

Al-Jazir, on the other hand, offers a more secluded and wilder experience. Situated further south, Al Jazir's pink lake is a hidden gem, far removed from the well-trodden tourist paths. The region itself is quieter, with its small population of Bedouins and scattered fishing villages. The drive from Salalah, the nearest city, takes over four hours through barren landscapes where sand dunes stretch for miles, occasionally interrupted by the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea. 

Unlike Al-Suwaih, Al-Jazir’s pink lake is cradled between cliffs, giving it an enclosed, secretive atmosphere. The cliffs cast shadows over the lake during certain times of the day, making the pink color seem even more vibrant in contrast. The area feels untouched by time, with gentle winds whistling through rocks, and the lake itself, eerily still except for the occasional ripple caused by desert creatures. Getting here is an adventure in itself, requiring a sturdy vehicle and some knowledge of off-road driving. There are no tourist buses or marked routes, just the open road and the promise of discovery. 

For those willing to take the journey, camping near the lake is an experience like no other. Watching the sunset turn the water into a deeper, blood-like red is surreal. There are few places to stay nearby, so for more comfortable accommodations, visitors will have to head to Duqm, a port town roughly an hour away by car. The Duqm Crowne Plaza is one of the few modern hotels in the area, offering both comfort and access to the surrounding wilderness. Its minimalist design mirrors the stark beauty of the desert landscape. 

For a dining experience in Duqm, The Rock Garden Restaurant, nestled within the hotel, serves a fusion of Middle Eastern and international cuisine, with seafood again taking center stage. The simplicity of the dishes and the freshness of the ingredients echo the raw beauty of Oman’s pink lakes. 

Visiting both Al-Suwaih and Al-Jazir presents an opportunity to experience Oman’s natural diversity. Though the pink lakes might draw initial curiosity, the landscapes surrounding them are what truly captivate. From the steep cliffs of Al-Jazir to the salt-worn coastlines of Al-Suwaih, these places feel like fragments of another world. There's a sense of isolation, where time moves slowly and nature reigns supreme.