As you drive up the Al-Baha mountain range, you will soon understand why the region is among the most striking tourist areas in the Arab world. The air you breathe couldn’t be fresher, the forests are dense, and valleys simply stunning. Throw in the variety of fresh fruits and flowers, and tons and tons of honey which the region is well-known for, and you have a perfect mix for that wonderful rustic holiday high up in the mountains.
Al-Baha’s sits plum between Makkah and the Asir region in southwestern Saudi Arabia, amidst the splendor of equally scenic cities of Taif, north; Bisha, east; Abha, south; and Al-Qunfuda, west, along the Red Sea.
The name Baha itself speaks much. Among its many meanings are ‘water aplenty’ and ‘expansive land’. And that’s exactly what you’d find in this scenic region. The green fields and vast cultivated areas are evidence of the abundance of water that makes Al-Baha a treat even for the fleeting tourist. The region has nurtured a prosperous agriculture community that thrives on rich produce of fruits and vegetables. The road to Al-Baha from Taif is a tunneled route with nearly 25 man-made tunnels adding to the splendid mountain driving experience. The route through the Dhi-Ain Village is a winding road up, which will take a couple of hours to negotiate. The adventurous can even go on a hiking expedition finding the way through a maze of rocks and foliage.
Some of the popular tourist places in Al-Baha are Raghdan Forest, Al-Mulad Valley Forest, Bida Valley, Marzouk Waterfalls, Al-Zurayq, Al-Shahba, Jadr, Beni Zubian, Al-Khira, Al-Qama and Al-Kasran, besides numerous parks and resorts. There are also scores of historical castles in Al-Baha, besides the 200-odd forts and watchtowers, some dating back to 300 years. The region was once a pilgrimage route and was popular among traders who sold anything from farm products to finished goods. Traditional fabrics and silver and leather goods are found to this day in the buzzing souks, a must for any tourist. Archeology lovers will find the painted rock at Bal-Harith near Al-Makhwah an awesome sight, well preserved as it used to be in its original colors. Several animal and human figures are featured in the rock, throwing back the period to several centuries. But to get a true feel of the region’s cultural roots, one has to wait for the annual Baha Summer Festival held every year around June. The festival lasts for more than a month with several literary and cultural attractions, including traditional products that reflect the local way of life. Equestrian events add to the festive spirit, with daily draws and prizes for children as well as adult participants in a variety of contests.
The Al-Baha Museum gives an insight into the region’s history, archaeology and culture. The museum introduces you to the important monuments and historical sites in the region, with a section specially relating the story right from the stone ages. Exhibits include stone implements, pottery pieces, paintings and inscriptions. The Al-Baha Heritage Hall at the museum comprises an array of clothing, jewelry, utensils and farm implements, while the Hall of Unification tells the story of the accession of the Al-Baha to the Saudi regime, and the participation of the region in the unification of the Kingdom – truly a treasure chest of knowledge for the history-loving tourist. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the warm hospitality of the local tribes, Ghamid and Zahran. If you come across them in Al-Baha, what will strike you at once is their welcoming nature. In the ancient times, sections of the province itself are reported to have been named as the Ghamid and the Zahran region. The Al-Baha province has several hotels and motels to suit every kind of tourist. Those who prefer to fly down, the region is well connected by Saudi Arabian Airlines flights to various cities of the Kingdom.

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