The Eid holidays falling around winter is one of the best things that happen to Dubai ever since discovery of the Camel! After eight months of the unrelenting Sun beating down on mortals, driving them inside the safe confines of air conditioned environments, finally it is time to breath the fresh air and get out in the open. It is time to reminisce the days when we slept on the terrace under the stars feeling the cool breeze in India. Finally with the kids now two and half years old, we could dare to make plans for a camping trip on the beach during the Eid holidays.
Our favourite spot – the beach near the Al Aqah Beach resort in Fujairah was closed down due to construction so we had to look for another beach and fortunately we found the Kalba beach – crystal clear waters (with a few small crabs but harmless) and not very crowded.
And now, I’ll let the pictures do the talking…
The drive to Fujairah is scenic with nice views of the mountains and this Weekend market on one of the stretches where you get everything that you need for camping but obviously, everything is expensive since this is the last resort of lazy bums. Proper shopping from carrefour is recommended and then you can only buy firewood and grills here.
As soon as we reached the beach, the kids wanted to run into the water.
Surprisingly, this time round, Yuvaan who is usually the risk taker was acting scared and Hayaa was acting the elder sister she is.
Yuvaan took some time getting used to the approaching waves.
Under the night sky. The night was a lot darker but a slow shutter speed and a tripod helped get this beautiful picture.
Campfires are fun, especially on a winter night.
But the most beautiful time is the early morning. Difficult to experience it though when you’ve downed a bottle of wine and danced to imaginary music for providing some entertainment to others the night before.
And as always, litter is becoming a problem everywhere. Look at all the plastic and garbage bags in the background. My brother then dutifully collected all of it at one place.
At times, danger looks so beautiful up close.
For the less adventurous, there was a Motel just 5 minutes away with a beautiful garden and a swimming pool.
And opposite the motel, there was this lovely restaurant.
The restaurant is on the edge of a natural mangrove formed from the sea. Beautiful views all over.
Me first ??
me: 😀
Wonderful pics.We often go to fujairah but never camped there.
Kids love to play in the water.Loved hayaa taking yuvaan into the water.
It is so sad people go to beaches to have fun and leave the litter there 😦
me: Yeah, this time we decided to go to Kalba, just next to Fujairah.
wonderful wonderful pics including the header 🙂 I love camping… we used to do it so often but since Ojas its stopped may be we shld start again
me: yeah camping is much fun. Glad we started with Hayaa and Yuvaan. They enjoyed a lot in the morning.
Me second 😛
Che .. lost it 😦
me: che che… 😛
Woo my Gaad! What a wonderful vacation that ws .. I wud love to do that 🙂
Awesome place .. all the pics r simply superb! Loved the night shot and BnW of Yuvaan 🙂
The family pic and that of the kids together … beautiful! Well, that says all of them r 😛
Glad u hd a gr8 time and thanks for sharing 🙂
me: thanku thanku 🙂
WOWIE… you guys enjoyed a lot!! 😀 😀 and look at the kids… sooooooooppppppppper cute! 😀 😀
me: I’m learning from you 🙂
the kids are so so cute!! 😀
Looks like you guys had a great time!! 🙂 🙂
me: Yeah, we did have a gr8 time 🙂
Good photographs again. And you’ve got yourself a tripod. Nice. D-60, right?
“The Eid holidays falling around winter is one of the best things that happen to Dubai ever since discovery of the Camel!” LOL!
Cheers,
Quirky Indian
me: Yup D-60 🙂 I guess, I can make you photogenic now 🙂
Man !!!!!!!!! someone is having fun !!!!!!! 😛 😛 😛 😛
the empty bottle pic is truly awesome.. but the best is yuvaan running away from the waves !!! wonderful pics and man I m
me: Thanku 😀
i kickstarted camping with salalah this year.. it was fun. and i have not seen Fujeirah yet, people around say its over rated, but i think otherwise seeing your pictures now.
the pictures are beau.ti.ful! the kids look great., the last pic is really pretty. i have been contemplating buying a good camera for some time now.. you have inspired me again!
PS-i am yet to check the movie list you sent.. will do so soon
me: We go to Fujeirah coz. the beaches are designated camp sites so there are other people camping as well. And this was just next to Fujeirah – Kalba. First time.
And the movies are very interesting. I’m having fun 🙂
Kalba and Khor Fakkan, two places I really wanted to visit before I left UAE, but missed out, and now your pics are just making me so so sad that i could not make it. Gorgeous pics Rakesh the D60 is really serving you well, and I am now just so sad I never made it to Kalba!
me: Oh C’mmon, you’ll be now enjoying on the amazing beaches down under… We’ll all be
Absolute Bliss…. marvelous….
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller
me: That’s a nice quote.
Lovely holiday ! 🙂 The kids look adorable… Yuvaan’s b&w pic is awesome!
..gorgeous pics… loved each one but the night shot with the tripod is amazing… even the litter looks photogenic so I am sure you’ll do justice to everyone 😉
me: Yeah, but wouldn’t I love to shoot skimpy models… 😉 he he… For now, I’m just shooting litter !
Lovely…just lovely!!! All 3 of u look so cozy in the tent…obvious the trip was a wonderful break :-).
A good camera like tht makes even litter look fetching 😮
me: 😀
Wow..
Awesome pics dude
I’ve added Kalba to my list of places to visit this season.
Btw, we visited this other place over the weekend…its on the UAE-Oman border..a place called Khasab…or also known as Musandam. google it and you’ll find all the details. located between the mountains and the sea…
the drive is breath-taking…all along the sea coast and through the mountains…
honestly, i’ve not seen a more beautiful place in UAE ever. And i’ve been here more than half my life.
I can share the route map and stuff…it is a must-visit!!!!!!
highly recommended for driving enthusiasts !!! 🙂
I somehow miss reading your posts… n that not so nice comment of urs reminded me to come here..
i say not so nice coz getting the news of 3 deaths consecutively, of ppl close to you isnt funny in any way, however much u try… but lets leave that for now..
me: Oops, I thought those were only thoughts, not events
this post is great.. I have never done camping yet but its on our list.. just that all our friends are having babies so no company 😛 maybe just the two of us will head out one fine day soon now..
I see around 4 tents in ur pic.. u went with family or friends?
is drinking fine/legal/allowed at the beach or you do it at your own risk?
there are many ppl to be seen in the background in the morning pic so looks like its quite happening…
i will let go of that comment after these lovely pics that made me feel better.. will mail u for any details i need when we plan our camping wkend.
me: Nope, it is completely at your own risk. Not legal
ahh what lovely pictures!! and you’ve such a good looking family!! why didn’t you tell me before? i could’ve taken you more seriously. haha joking!! on a serious note, may god bless y’all with all the happiness there is. muah muah to the little ones. :)))
Beautiful snaps,Rakesh! The kids look shoooo adorable! Loved reading this post 🙂
Hi! We are planning to go camping this weekend. I saw your pictures and it looks nice. please Can u give me more information about the place? how far is it from dubai? Do we need any permit for overnight camping? Thanks in advance.
Hi Rona, Kalba is around 2 hours drive. No permit is needed but alcohol is not allowed on the beach.
Remember that this is an isolated beach and there might not be anybody else so go only if you’re a slightly large group.
There’s a small motel nearby as well with a nice pool for creature comforts.
HI can you tell me where excatly is the place?? directions??
Is it safe??
Cheers
Kate
For Directions, I suggest you call up the Breeze Motel (shown in the picture above) at Kalba and ask them directions. They’ll be able to explain it quite clearly and may even have a location map. The beach is like 5 minutes from the Motel.
For Directions, I suggest you call up the Breeze Motel (shown in the picture above) at Kalba and ask them directions. They’ll be able to explain it quite clearly and may even have a location map. The beach is like 5 minutes from the Motel.
Hi Rakesh,
Nice Travelogue !! I was planning to go to kalba and came across your write up. I have pretty much got most of the info that I needed. One quick silly question though .. and this is for the not so adventerous in the group .. Are there any restroom facilities available nearby ? or if you guys had any alternatives !!
Hey Satyaki
Nope, there aren’t any restroom facilities on the beach but you could try using the motel by giving a tip. Or you could carry a portably toilet if you’re a big group and staying long.
This year, we went to Dibba where there is a public restroom but you need to carry your passport to visit Dibba.
Cheers
Hi Rakesh,
Lovely pics !!
Would really appreciate if you could help me out !! we are planning to go camping on new years eve.. just wanted to know if this place is safe and you can carry your own booze and if there is civilization around and we wudnt just be the people there ? could you please revert back to me on insiya_y@hotmail.com
Thanks
Insiya
Hi Rakesh. That was a lovely travelogue and fantastic shots. Very descriptive and loved reading it . I would appreciate if you could kindly brief me on the tips that I should be taking into account while camping highlighting briefly on the gear that I must be carrying. I am trying to book a room at the motel as well just in case of my kids get uncomfy during night and need a proper room. Its pretty cold these days. Kindly shoot a brief e-mail to vinny71@eim.ae.
Thanks so much and have a lovely year ahead.
Vinny.
Hi Rakesh, Thanks for the info…it looks really interesting….I am planning to go with a group on NY’s eve and was wondering if it will be too cold then. We are not regular campers but will go well prepared if its not going to be uncomfortably cold…also can we carry our own alcohol and consume on the beach, obviously without making a ruckus. Please mail me your response on n_masand@hotmail.com. Regards, Niraj
Insiya, Vineeth & Niraj
Please note that it is illegal to carry booze to the beach in Kalba.
Stay safe and have fun.
Rakesh.
Hi rakesh
Planning to camp at Kalba with 7-8 families. Need to know some details with regard to location and toilet facilities.
will call you if you can reply to this email.
Suresh
Hi Suresh,
Based on Mr. Rakesh’s advise, we’ve been there last year and I must say that it is worth giving it a try. The drive to kalba itself it great provided you are an automotive enthusiast. I couldnt find any toilet facilities at the camping site, (probably I missed it) but a better option is to have a room booked at the adjacent Beach Motel which I think would be great if you are travelling with family. it’s just a stone’s throw away from this camping area. evenings might be a bit crowded but at night it is almost deserted. we took a fully enclosed villa with compound walls around, 3 bedroom hall, barbq facilities, shuttle court, and kitchen with gas connection or AED. 800/- along with a common swimming pool and the facilities I must say were decent. the ladies stayed at the villa the the guys did the camping. You can opt for just room with less charges for you to freshn up if all among your group are OK with the idea of camping.
Thank you for your swift reply. Initially our group was little bit hesitant to camp with family, really your email boosts our morale to have this trip done. Please send me the contact details of that villa you stayed.
Hi Suresh,
Sorry… the name is Breeze Motel and not Beach Motel. the contact number is 092778877 and here is a link.
http://www.breezemotel.com/groundbelow.html
But please do not expect even 3 star facilities. But it is decent, nice and clean for couple of days stay. But the question is availabillity, even we tired for the villa but it was already booked. But you have the option of other rooms. But I wuld any day prefer the villa since it was totally enclosed and hence FUN unlimited.
Cheers.
Vineeth.