Have you been to ALULA? Hindi pa? Whyyy? Haha. If you’re living and working in Saudi Arabia, we’ll be surprised if you haven’t visited AlUla because it’s been one of the most popular tourism places of the Kingdom and yes, it is worth seeing. Kung hindi ka pa nakakapunta, hala sya. You should go. Don’t live under a rock. See it with your own eyes!
AlUla, the city that lies in the northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a place of exceptional natural beauty and deep history, a home to a wide range of flora, fauna and human communities for thousands of years. Centered around its famed oasis and framed by sandstone mountains, AlUla’s geography, environment and climate have enabled human communities to flourish here. During our first visit to AlUla in the first ever Winter At Tantora, we were smitten. It was truly the “place like no other”.
ALULA is famous for its most incredible natural rock formations. Remember the “fish rock”? There are other eye catching rock and geographical formations in the area that you must see (esp. when you’re leaving Saudi Arabia soon, baka mahirapan na kayo kumuha ng tourist visa kung kelan gusto nyo na bumisita).
1. ELEPHANT ROCK (JABAL-ALFIL)
Of course, who visited AlUla and did not visit Elephant Rock? This mammoth rock formation standing 52 meters high is the highlight of the region. It was shaped through water and wind erosion that was caused over million of years.You can visit the Elephant Rock during the day but it’s also a must-visit at night; installed warm lights makes it glow lifelike.
2. MUSHROOM ROCK
The most famous mushroom rock its located in Sharaan Nature Reserve, a place of soaring red-rock canyons, desert, and valleys carpeted with flowers. The Mushroom Rock is the result of the erosion of sedimentary layers over million of years. The remaining parts of these layers are exposed to the wind and the lower parts breaks down leaving its mushroom shape.
3. FISH ROCK
The rock form looks like a fish swimming in desert sands. Photographer Khaled AlEnazi was the first one who posted a photo of this rock formation that has since become an internet sensation.
4. FACE ROCK
This rock resembles the profile of a human head gazing over the desert landscape. Located among the monumental tombs of Hegra next to Japal AlAhmar, this rock formation looks best during sunrise and sunset as the sun illuminates the rocks from within. Quite the magical sight.
5. ARCH ROCK
Also known as the Rainbow Rock, this rock formation is one of the most recognizable in AlUla. The bridge-shaped structure resembles a rainbow flanked by two clouds. It also has multi-colored pieces of quartz embedded on the rock.
6. DANCING ROCKS
Located in the Raggasat Valley, these collection of rocks seem to be swaying in unison. The Dancing Rocks is 45 minutes away from the city center and a 4×4 vehicle with an experienced driver is recommended to visit this place.
7. GHARAMEEL ROCKS
The stone pillars of Gharameel are a sight to behold especially at night when stargazing is best. It is located an hour outside the city center and needs a 4×4 vehicle and experienced driver as going off-road is a necessary to reach the Gharameel desert.
8. VOLCANO ROCKS
Stark black volcanic rocks and inactive volcanoes that stand atop sandstones are scattered in the remote desert areas of AlUla. Hiking can be done here with expert guides. Khaybar, the neighboring oasis in the south of Al Ula is known for its White Volcano and Black Volcano.
9. LAVA DOMES AND FLOWS
The dramatic lava flows of the volcanic areas of Harrat Uwayrid and Harrat Khaybar have created formations best seen in a helicopter. The incredible formations of lava domes, tuff rings, and basaltic cones were the results of the volcano eruptions of long ago.
If you need a huge reason to go to AlUla, here you go. You have 9 huge reasons to visit AlUla pronto! Check out the experiences and events in AlUla here: https://www.experiencealula.com
