When I write this blog, things has been change vastly. My friend is no longer live in Bahrain, at least until today. Due to the tensions and war that happened early March 2026 between US Israel and Iran. I was visiting early January – only 2 months difference. Bahrain is one of the gulf countries that got affected as it served US military base. My friend decided to flew back to Indonesia – and she and family now saved here in the country.
So I think it’s good to write one for remembrance.
If my friend not living in Bahrain, I dont think I would ever set my foot in this tiny country. So when I traveled to Oman, I decided to pay her a visit. She had been living here for a couple of years following her husband. My impression, it’s so small – like Singapore version of West Asia. And maybe half of it are man made – with all the islands, and towering buildings.
Passing through immigration in Bahrain was not a hassle at all, glad that I could do the VoA without getting questioned as usual. My friend picked me up at the airport and we went for Bahraini breakfast then we went to her home and spent time there for the whole afternoon catching up.
I told her that I’m just gonna follow wherever she takes me as I don’t really have itinerary. My only itinerary to catch up with her, but since she knew me enough, she really tried her best to showed me around, literally packed everything in one day. lol – But we finally settled with some possible options to do in one day.
So on day 2, we began the excursion, started with the ‘city life’ in Bahrain, breakfast at the Bahrain Bay, enjoying the skyscrapers around with a boat. Then a lunch in the Avenue, the longest mall in Bahrain.
Later in the afternoon, we headed to the south part of the country to visit the Tree of Life. People call it a miracle tree. Despite being in the middle of desert with no source of water around to be found, the tree has survived with a lush of green leaves for hundred of years. Hence it became one of the popular attraction in Bahrain.
Considered I was lucky, apparently in winter, there’s a cool hangout area set up nearby where local families like to spend their breezy afternoon. My friend had no idea about it either, she came here few times before (not in winter) and said that the place was usually dry and deserted. So, that was her first experience too. We had some Karak tea while enjoying a stunning sunset over the dessert. Loved it!
Before driving back to the city center of Manama, she rolled out an idea to stop by at the Karting circuit that often host an international championship. She was kinda insisted to tried and experienced the race ourselves, so we did! lol! So random I know, but I really appreciated that she tried hard to offer some unique experience for me. Though the race was not really a race cause we chose to drive slowly along the circuit. Literally slowly. Lol. But that was such an unexpected and FUN.
As we headed back to home, Ambar and husband persisted to made a stop first at the Souq Al Bab Bahrain. One of the must-visit in the country. Though it was such a pain in the ass to find a parking – because it was weekend, and apparently there’s some kind of ‘pop culture night market’ happening. Turns out it was worth it! I liked the vibe! I mean, when I visited Jordan and Oman I always go to the traditional souk at the old town area. But the souk in Bahrain built a little bit of modern and little bit of traditional too, so it was such a different scene for me.
The next day was my last day and I would flew back to Oman then back to my country on the evening time. I had a slow morning and midday chilling in my friend’s house, enjoying my friend’s cook that tasted like home.
On the way to the airport, they took me to another modern souk called Souq Al Baraha before having an early dinner at Marassi Galleria Mall. The souk felt quite different from the last one. It was almost like a semi-outdoor mall with a touch of traditional souk style. They have various handicraft stores, cafés, and clothing shops lining at the gangways. One thing I noticed was the strong scent of Oud lingering throughout the souk, coming from the many perfume stalls.
That really was a 3 days worth spending, catch up through life and sleep over like old times. I am so thankful for my friend and her husband for being such an amazing host and for taking me literally to every corner of Bahrain. They made sure I got to experience the country they call home.
I really hope you guys could return to your lovely home soon!!
