Camping is one of the most significant leisure activities that you can engage in during the holiday season or weekends. It means spending one or few nights outdoors either alone or as a group with your family or friends.
Nowadays, people are busy with the hustle and bustle of their daily city lives. Through camping, people are brought back to to nature, where they can cast aside all their annoyance about work, life, relationship, money, loan, debt, and more. They can sleep under the stars, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the natural scenic views.
As a matter of fact, this recreational activity comes with so many health benefits such as relieving stress, depression and anxiety thus promoting optimal mental health. [mfn] https://pinoyupnorth.com/reasons-why-camping-is-good-for-your-health/ [/mfn]
Check out 16 Reasons Why Camping Is Good For Your Health
The Saraya Island, a project that never came into being
In 2005, the Saraya Island, located in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, was developed to build a range of five star hotels, lavish residences, and cultural and commercial venues that will boost tourism and offer an alternative cosmopolitan environment for residents. However, it was suspended and there were no updates on construction plans since 2009. Instead, the area has become a precious camping destination in Ras Al Khaimah.
The entrance to Saraya Island (25°53’08.6″N 56°00’57.7″E) is through a bridge at the north end of Al Rams town. Before the bridge you are going to see a warning sign not to approach the area as it’s military base camp. Do not be afraid, cross the bridge and turn left. You can drive all the way until the end of the island in order to find a perfect spot.
On the right side, you will have an open sea along with more than twenty sandy beaches separated by man-made stone spits. While on left, there is a long narrow bay overlooking villas and buildings on the mainland with beautiful chain of mountains in the background. There are simple playgrounds for football too.
Why It Can Be Your Favorite Camping Spot?
1. Permission To Camp Overnight
Considering some places in UAE where camping is banned, here, camping overnight is allowed. As a matter-of-fact, we have enjoyed camping there several times now. Just make sure to check out the headlines as there were times that camping was banned in some emirates. Also, do not ever make a fire pit directly on the ground, it is strictly prohibited and fines will surely be imposed when caught.
2. Sound Of The Ocean
Being able to wake up to the sound of the ocean is always a treat. It is also very clean and calm, suitable for swimming and other water activities such as paddle boarding.
3. Peaceful Surroundings
Once you have chosen your perfect camping zone, you will truly enjoy the tranquility of environment surrounding you. Although during the weekends and long holidays, it can get quite busy and noisy with people having fun on off-road vehicles.
In addition, nobody wants to be camped closed to bugs and flies, be disturbed by any animals, and threatened by other potential risks. So, scan for kinds of hazards and avoid camping in zones that make you unpleasant, no matter for what aspects.
4. Experience Adventure
An “adventure” is an exciting experience that is typically bold, sometimes risky and undertaking. Aside from enjoying pitching tents, in this place, you got to also encounter challenges. Since this is a secluded area, one of the difficulties you might come across are issues related to your vehicle.
Some of the area is vegetated by mangroves. Do not trust the ground that looks firm as some of the territory is wetland and easy to get stuck. Once (which was our first time), we got trapped on the sand with both sedan and SUV, fortunately, there are lots of Good Samaritans in the area who pulled us up from being stuck using their 4x4s and trucks.
Also, one of our car’s battery stopped and refused to start even after several tries of jump starting it. The car insurance declined to go inside the area as it is excluded on the “road assistance’ policy considering the place is totally off-road. Gladly, we ordered a brand new car battery from a nearby shop, since the battery already needs a replacement after all, and their mechanic delivered and fixed it without any hesitation.
All I can say is, a camping is never complete without any new circumstances. Every day comes along with an opportunity to learn.
5. Great Ground Surface
For campers, it’s crucial to pitch a tent with flat ground without sharp protrusions. This place has great surface making it easy for pitching up tents, helping you sleep soundly, and that doesn’t cause any problems in the middle of the night.
6. Secluded Camping
Unlike other camping sites in the UAE, this place offers seclusion. Though you may see several camps in large groups backpacking along the island, you would still get the privacy you would ever need. Although neighbors can be a good thing, you don’t always want another party to get too close to you. Making a little bit of privacy makes your camping experience all that much more enjoyable, and really highlights the excitement of getting out into the wilderness.
7. Accessibility To Sedan
Some people may say a four-wheel drive car is required to reach the inside of the island, but we found a way on how to do it using our Sedan. At first, we didn’t know the right way so, as expected, we got stuck on the deep sandy groove. Happily, a Good Samaritan helped and pulled us until we get into a safe place.
When driving a sedan, cross the bridge then turn left. You can reach the middle of the island by driving beside the narrow bay on the left side of the island. Do not attempt to drive on the sandy (right) part of the island where you see the smooth trenches of sand. It is also recommended to deflate your car tyres, yet we haven’t tried it with our sedan.
8. Indulge Into Wildlife
There are wonderful shelters of few animals inside the island such as camels, horses, goats and sheep. During the mornings, usually around 8 to 9, about 3-4 camels are set free by their shepherds. The camels walk calmly for a few kilometres back and forth their shelters, and in this duration, you will get the chance to be amazed on their real structure in such a short distance and of course, take selfies with them. Just always take note to indulge in wildlife responsibly.
9. All Campsites Have Drawbacks
As much as beautiful and peaceful this place is, some negligent human beings left an evidence of their pervasive trash laying down everywhere. It is really such a shame to destroy a lovely spot like this.
Therefore, if you are planning to visit here, take rubbish bags with you to collect some trash. Together, one by one, we can make a change and save this delightful place!
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I love the sound of the ocean when camping. It makes me relaxed.