attractions: visitor information saudi arabia 2012
HABALAH
Known as the Hanging Village, Habalah in Asir clings perilously to the sheer cliff-face of a valley wall, some 40 kilometres from Abha. The villagers, although now evacuated, originally settled 300 years ago. They interacted with other communities from this isolated perch by way of a pulley system and rope ladders, which is where the name Habalah (rope) comes from.
Large iron buckets used to haul food and supplies up or down to the village, during its inhabitation until 1980. Bucket remains, among other objects, are just some of the relics that visitors can still see today. Parks and restaurants are close by, as well as a daily operated cable-car that offers breathtaking views of the village.
Part of full-day tour Two to 20
Best visited before the midday heat
Take the cable car as the climb can be exhausting
MOUNTAIN VILLAGES Spectacular vistas of the surrounding area provide reason enough to visit the Jebel Sawdah geological site near Abha, the highest point in Saudi Arabia, peaking at 2,910 metres. The Jebel al Taraf in Ohud Rofaidah and Jebel Al Helah, an extinct volcano near the village of Mohayl, are also worth a visit. Villagers living in the moun- tains before the emergence of motorised vehicles had little choice but to make do with mate- rials and supplies at hand. The height of the surrounding mountains and depth of the valleys meant it was extremely difficult for dwellers to bring in groceries and building materi- als. As a result, each village adopted its own technique for day-to-day living, making one markedly different from the next.
Part of full-day tour Two to 20
Best visited in the morning before midday heat
Take a tour guide and a camera
PERILOUS PERCH: TRADITIONAL STONE AND THATCH DWELLINGS OF ABHA
RIJJAL AL MA'A
One of the most impressive cultural attractions in Rijjal Al Ma'a (located about 45 kilome- ters from Abha) is the museum and visitor centre, which has been developed by the local community itself. The museum houses some 2,500 artefacts and more than 500 kilograms of historical silver craft.
Some 60 traditional stone- built dwellings and buildings in the style of Tihamah slopes make up the attraction. Tourists wishing to visit the area can tie Rijjal Al Ma'a into a day trip involving the nearby cable-cars and lunch or dinner at one of several restaurants in the vicinity.
Half-day tour Two to 20
Arrive for lunch and stay the afternoon Tie in with a tour of the mountain villages
19
KEY Ideal for Group size Timings Top tip
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