– Introduction to Bahrain | Planning your Bahrain holidays

Bahrain is a small Middle Eastern island in the Persian Gulf, located just off Saudi Arabia. It’s much more liberal than the other countries in the region and is often used as a getaway for expats residing in Saudi Arabia for weekend breaks. Here are some things you need to know before planning your Bahrain holidays. 

Even though small in size, it has one of the best golf courses in the region, is a host to one of the Formula 1 races on the calendar, and has a lively night life. TribFest which is a full day music festival composed of tribute bands happens here twice a year. 

There is a very humid climate and the summers can be quite uncomfortable during the day. During the rest of the year it is very bearable. 

 

– What can you expect from Bahrain?

Lively night life and a very relaxed social scene. Lots of brunches on Fridays in the many hotels around Manama which are well worth a visit. Expect to see a lot of expats during weekends especially coming from Saudi Arabia.  

 

– How we got to Bahrain

We have been to Bahrain through two routes. The first was through the international airport in Manama. The airport was quiet and we got through the immigration section quickly. Our bags were waiting for us when we came out which is always a bonus.

As we hold GCC residency the visa cost BD5 for a single entry through the airport.

The second time was through the King Fahd Causeway. This is a busy crossover point with 6 different booths to stop at if coming over with your car, however it does allow you more freedom in Bahrain due to having your own car, and also if you have the Saudi residency you pay no fee for entry to Bahrain. You will need to pay a toll of SAR25, and insurance for Bahrain of SAR20.

For full visa information please click here;
https://www.evisa.gov.bh/

 

– Map of Bahrain & places we were

 

Places we visited ;

• Manama – Bahrain Museum, Juffair District
• Zallaq – Gravity Bahrain Indoor Skydiving and the International F1 track
• Saar – Bahrain Rugby Club for TribFest

 

– Where to Stay

Bahrain has many hotels and self catering apartments to choose from. These can range from cheap to expensive. The best area we thought best to stay in was in Juffair, as this is close to everything and is in the vicinity of some good bars and restaurants.

For where we stayed in Bahrain please see our post in the Accommodation section titled “Staying in the Gulf Hotel, Bahrain”.

 

– Car Hire

Car hire is available in Bahrain and the driving standard is better than the other areas in the region. Bahrainis are much more relaxed behind the wheel and follow the rules of the road a lot better. You may however find that some drivers with Saudi licence plates will be more aggressive.

Take extreme caution when taking taxis! Not for security, but because they are renowned for trying to rip people off. The first thing you will need to do is check is the meter available. If it is then check is it working. They will always try to tell you ‘meter is broken’. If they do then get out and try to get another cab. Its amazing how quickly they will fix the meter then. 

 

– Activities and Sights

The following items are some of the things that are recommended to see and do in Bahrain;

• Experience the feeling of skydiving at Gravity Indoor Skydiving
• Take in a Formula race at the Bahrain International Circuit
• Go diving for pearls in the Persian Gulf
• Enjoy a full day festival at TribFest
• See the ancient burial mounds at Dilmun
• Take a tour of the Grand Mosque
• Visit the old fort at Qal’at al-Bahrain
• Learn about the history in Bahrain National Museum
• Have a Friday brunch in Manama

For things we did in Bahrain please see our posts;
TribFest, Bahrain
Learning to Fly with Gravity Indoor Skydiving Bahrain

 

– Food and Drink

Bahrain, like the other GCC countries, has a wide variety of foods and restaurants to try. Most of the famous brands in the world are here so you will never get stuck not knowing what to eat or where to go.

A brunch is a must if here for a Friday in one of the many hotels, where you pay a certain price and have unlimited food and drink for approximately four hours. If you want alcohol to be included it is a little extra and make sure to tell them you want the alcoholic brunch. 

For places to have an alcoholic drink there is no shortage in Bahrain. It has lively pubs and bars everywhere and the majority of the hotels have their own bars. But make sure when booking to check first as some hotels are ‘family only’ and this is their way of saying they do not have a bar or alcohol on the premises. 

 

– Additional Information

Plugs and electricity: The common plug used is the British plug. 

Vaccines: For all travelers it is recommended to have your Hep A, Hep B, Typhoid, and Rabies vaccines still in date before traveling. 

COVID: For information on any restrictions or other information please click here.

Currency: The currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BD). For current conversion rates check http://www.xe.com/ before you go. If coming from some of the other GCC countries the rate is basically 1:10, so 1BD will equal 10 of the other currency. This can lead to people paying a lot more than they bargain for usually as what seems cheap at 10BD will actually be a rip off. ATM machines are widely available in Bahrain. 

Language: The main language of the country is Arabic. A lot of people will speak some or a lot of English so there should be no difficulties with language here.

Climate: In the summers the humidity can be extremely stifling and suffocating. During the night times it gets more bearable but can still feel very warm and humid. The temperatures in the other months of the year are much more bearable and enjoyable. 

Security: Bahrain has had issues in the past with demonstrations, but these have now passed and there is quite a large police presence especially in the area where the Pearl Roundabout once stood which was the centre of all the demonstrations. We have never felt uncomfortable in Bahrain and especially in Manama you feel as if you are not even in the gulf. However, this can lead to a false sense of security, so do not do anything you shouldn’t and you will not get into trouble.