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Bat Necropolis

Bat Tombs

Bat necropolis (مـقـابـر بـات) is a prehistoric site near Ibri in Al Dhahira region. The necropolis consists of several “beehive” tombs and domes that were part of the prehistoric settlement of Bat that dates back to the 3rd millennium B.C, meaning that they are over 4,000 years old! The necropolis at Bat is about 30 minutes drive from Ibri, and you may combine your visit there by exploring the other archaeological sites at Al Khutm and Al Ayn, in addition to checking out Wadi Dhum and Ibri Castle if you haven’t already.

Bat necropolis is not a single site but consists of several structures scattered around a large area. The necropolis along with the archaeological sites in Al Khutm and Al Ayn are one of the four sites from Oman inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, where the form the “most complete” collection of settlements and necropolisis” from that period in the whole world! Right in our back-yard, less than 300 kms away from Muscat.

Bat Tombs

There are several tombs still under renovation in the area but many of them are complete. There are signs from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage indicating that this is a protected area, but unfortunately it does not include any other information, not not even the name of the place. The area around the necropolis is fenced but you can walk close enough to take some pictures.

Bat Tombs

Bat Tombs Bat Tombs

You can find the google map coordinates of the beehives at Bat necropolis here:


View Bat Necropolis – OmanTripper in a larger map

Unfortunately, during our visit to Bat necropolis we struggled to find the location of the tombs and by the time we spotted the first structure it was close to sunset so we didn’t have time a lot of time to explore.

I suggest heading here early in the morning from Ibri allowing a couple of hours to fully explore the place especially if you plan on visiting the archaeological structure in Al Ayn. We also noticed similar beehive structures on the way to Wadi Dhum, we did not get to visit them but you can’t miss them if you are driving from Ibri to Wadi Dhum. You may also check the World Heritage Sites article on Bath, Al Khutm and Al Ayn for more information about these beehive structures.

Have you visited the tombs at Bat necropolis? What did you think of them?

10 replies on “Bat Necropolis”

Hi,
We are planning to explore Wadi Dham and the Beehive tombs. We are coming from Dubai Via Hatta/Sohar. Can any one please give us the directions to Wadi Dham or the co-ordinates so we can use the GPS.
thxns .

Hey Harold,

Hope you managed to visit the locations you wanted to, apologies for the late reply as I had issues with receiving comment notifications and only saw your comment today!

Best,
Ali

Hi. Thanks for the great information. I would like to further ask whether you know about any local guide/Driver who can take us there from Ibri Lulu.

Hi Arefin,

Unfortunately, I am not aware of any local guides in the regions, I am trying to build a network of contacts to help people in the future so if you manage to find someone that will be good to know 🙂 Just keep in mind that reaching Bat Necropolis probably doesn’t even need you to have a 4×4, it is not too far off Ibri (just that the street signs are confusing).

Best,
Ali

Dear Omanitripper. We have visited the Bat tombs and like you struggled to find them. The google map location is perfect, but it doesn’t suggest how to get close to the ruins. We have parked by the main road a walked about 500m from where we have seen the reconstructed tombs, however, they were behind a fence (the fence runs only partially around). We did not walk all the way to the tombs, but we have seen many ruined tombs on the hills around as well as many goat bones and broken bottles. Before Bat, we have visited Al-Ayn necropolis where we have struggled to get to it, even though it’s clearly visible from the road. I found Al-Ayn impressive mainly because of the tall mountain behind them. For anyone who wants to enjoy the tomb without traveling far from Muscat, I can recommend to visit National Museum next to Al Alam palace where one tomb is reconstructed.

Dear Vaclav,

Thank’s for sharing your experience and input. Indeed, on subsequent visits I found that Al Ayn toms are really quite something, and much nicer to visit then Bat Tombs. The backdrop of the tombs with Jabal Misht on the background just make it an amazing place to visit!

Best,
Ali

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