Normal taxis are painted orange and have a 'taxi'
sign on top. Fares are 800 fils for, the first
1.5km and then 100 fils for every additional kilometre.
Between 10 pm and 6am the start off fare increases
to 1.200 BD with a 150 fils per kilometre charge
there after. If you are travelling from the airport
there is an additional 1.000 BD charge. Most taxis
in the capital, Manama, have meters but you may
find drivers reluctant to use them, If they claim
the meter is out of order then they should not
be driving and we advise that you find another
taxi. This particularly applies on trips to and
from the airport or from up market hotels or shopping
centres. Any fare quoted in advance will probably
be double the metered fare, but bear in mind that
there is a BD1 surcharge from the airport.
Note: Taxis can be hired by
the hour and a charge of BD6 to BD7 per hour is
reasonable, particularly if you're going to ask
the driver to wait for you outside a tourist attraction
or shop. Also remember when catching a taxi if
you get it directly outside the hotel it will
be more expensive then if you where to flag it
down off the street.
Cars
Cars can be rented for about BD15 per day. Bahrain
is the only country in the Gulf where foreign
driving licences cannot be used to rent cars.
Bahraini law requires an International Driving
Licence which must be obtained prior to arrival
in Bahrain. Foreigners resident in other GCC countries,
however, can rent a car using the licence from
their county of residence. Bahraini law requires
drivers and people riding in the front seats of
cars to use seat belts. There is a fine of BD10
for violating this law.
Public Bus Transportation
As Bahrain is relatively small, it is not a difficult
place to get around. There is a good bus system
which links most of the towns on the island to
both Manama and Muharraq. The fare is normally
a flat 50 fils per trip.
Buses run from 5.30 or 6.30 in the morning until
about 9.30 in the evening. There is some variation
in both trip frequency and beginning and ending
of service times. These can be verified at the
terminals in either Manama and Muharraq.
The twin minarets of this ancient mosque are easily
identifiable as you drive along the Sh. Salman
Road. It's considered being one of the oldest
relics of Islam in the region, and the foundation
are believed to have been laid as early as 692
AD. An inscription found on the site, however,
suggests a foundation date sometimes during the
11th Century. It has since been rebuilt twice
in both 14th & 15th centuries, when the minarets
were constructed. The mosque has been partially
restored recently.
Museum of Pearl Diving
The 'Museum of Pearl Diving' building is regarded
as one of the most important and historic buildings
in Bahrain. Its importance derives from being
the first official center for the Bahrain Courts.
In addition, it is a vital witness to what Bahrain
has achieved through its long history in regard
to the application of civil law and regulations,
and the establishment of the principles of justice
on solid legal foundations.
The building was opened by the late H.H. Sh.
Hamad Bin Essa Al-Khalifa, then governor of Bahrain,
in the Hijra year 1356 (Islamic Calendar), October
18th, 1937.
The building at that time consisted of four Supreme
Courts, in addition to three Directorates: Sunni
Waqf (Religious Endowments of the Sunnis), Jaffaria
Waqf (Religious Endowments of the Shiites), and
Minors Estate (Properties of Underage). In addition,
there were rooms used as offices, and another
room for filing purposes.
In 1984, the building was transformed into the
Traditional Heritage Center. Its departments and
rooms were dedicated to the display of various
traditional aspects of Bahrain's heritage, except
the Supreme Courtroom, to which no significant
change has been made for 65 years. The Supreme
Courts at that time included; a Civil Court, an
Appellate Court, and a Criminal Court.
The current 'Museum of Pearl Diving' building
is under the authority of the Directorate of Archaeology
and Heritage, which is one of the major Directorates
of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Information.
The 'Museum of Pearl Diving' building is a source
of pride to Bahrain, for it contains the story
of Bahrain, its governors, and its people from
the past till the present.
A Quick Look at Bahrain Fort in Karrana (Video in English)
Take a tour of Bahrain Fort in Karrana, Bahrain - part of the World's Greatest Attractions travel video series by GeoBeats. Website: http://www.geobeats.com/
One of the longest continuous stories in human history can perhaps be traced through the Bahrain fort in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This archaeological site features a tell, a mound created by continuous, overlapping civilizations. Continuous occupation of this area is thought to have begun around 2300 BC and continued into the 16th century.
The different inhabitants of the area include the Portuguese, Persians, and ancient Dilmun civilization.
The Portuguese built the fort that gives the area its current name. Today, approximately 25 percent of the site has been excavated, and due to those findings, it was honored with a UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Shaikh Isa's House
Shaikh Isa's house, in the old town of Muharraq,
was once the home of the Amir`s great-grandfather,
Shaikh Isa Bin Ali Al Khalifa. It provides a fine
example of local architecture, complete with wind
tower, wall carving and lattice work, and its
representative of traditional 19th century life.
One of the early forms of "air conditions"
was the wind tower, a traditional landmark of
local architecture. This would act as a funnel,
catching the breeze and drawing it down it down
into the cavities below, as well as allowing the
release of hot air like a chimney.
Arad Fort
This 16th century fort of Arabic construction
is probably one of the first landmarks you will
see upon arrival to Bahrain due to its proximity
to the airport. It has undergone extensive restoration,
and is now illuminated at night, presenting a
magnificent sight. Little is known of the fort
history, and there is no firm evidence of the
precise date of construction, but comprehensive
excavations have been undertaken in order to discover
its past. N.B. Stout shoes should be worn if you
intend to pay a visit, in order that you can explore
(full-high heels are not suitable for climbing
about on the ramparts!)
Bait Al Qur'an
The House of the Qur'an was built to accommodate
a comprehensive and valuable collection of the
Holy Qur'an and manuscripts, a concept which is
unique in the Arabian Gulf. All visitors are welcome,
and the complex comprises a mosque, a library,
an auditorium, a school and museum consisting
of five exhibition halls.
Most of the institutes have segregated,
conveniently located and cost-effective accommodation
facilities. The accommodation fees vary from institute
to institute.
Note: Bus transportation is
usually available for student-housing residents
at no charge.
Private Rental Market
Many furnished and unfurnished apartments
are available throughout Bahrain. When you rent
a unit in a private building you will have to
sign a rental agreement or lease that specifies
your rights and responsibilities and those of
the property owner and his agent.
