White Desert Adventure

On the 3rd day of Syawal, while our friends in Malaysia, Egypt and in many civilize places visiting their relatives and friends enjoying scrumptious Eid delicacies; 7 of us – Afiqah, Muhammad Aiman, Muhammad Asri, Muhammd Afiq, ‘Afi, Nana and I, at around 6:15 am started our journey to the past – to the center of Egypt a.k.a Pearl of Egypt – the White Desert. We reached the junction of the Desert-Cairo highway and 6th October-Bahariya road at around 08:10 hrs, which marked the first phase of our trip – the 210 km milestone. The harmonious appealing sound of the Eid Talbiah faded away from our ears as we moved deeper to the oasis.

The next phase was the 360 km desert crossing along the straight two ways road parallel with the railway track that links the Bahariya Iron Mine city to Cairo. About 60 km before Bawiti – the capital city of Bahariya Oasis, the winding road that maneuvered the Bahariya mountain ranges, swayed the journey. Along the trip we had two pit stops for gas before we reached the Bahariya checkpoint at around 10:45 hours and one would be able to see the Bawiti skyline from this spot.
Alhamdullillah salamah, we finally arrived at the Bawiti’s gate around 11:05 hrs. Muhammad Rosdi and his family who had arrived 25 minutes earlier guided us the way to the El Beshmo Lodge and introduced us the tour operator focal person named Tameer, a nice Bedouin speak fluent American accent English.
Albeit the hectic 5 hours but exciting journey, we were pleased by the warmth welcome of ElBeshmo lodge staff and their smooth checking-in process. After merely minutes waiting at their decent reception facility, the young tall Nasr ushered to our rooms – equipped with fans, nice spacey bathroom, shelves and the ceiling are made of palm leaves trunk.
The first program of our tight Day 1 itinerary was lunch. At around 13:15 hours we went by the 4-Wheel Drive Toyota Land Cruiser to the Rasheed Restaurant, which was about 10 minutes drive from the Lodge. This what made me amazed about the Japanese; just imagine in the heart of Egypt, the second developed member of the African continent, Toyota – one of their products are abundantly used as a reliable vehicle replacing the camel to survive the desert terrain and abstract environment.
Some of the buildings and housing area of the exotic Bawiti city.

After the lunch, we were drove to Museum of Mummies, Tomb of the Greek and Romans and the Bawiti city center. The temperature of the day was between 31 to 33 degrees centigrade and believed me, 4 of us – ‘Afi, M Afiq, M Asri and I were fasting! Whether it was brainless or fanatical idea, we just want to complete the second day of our Syawal Fasting and to feel the thrilled of fasting amid the desert milieu. This reminded me about the battle of Badr on the 17th of Ramadan 2 hijjri or 13th of March 624; in the middle of the battle, Rasullullah saw kept on praying to Allah swt, asking for His help and in of his supplication to Allah swt he asked: O Allah! Should this group (of Muslims) be defeated today, You will no longer be worshipped. In this battle, the Great Messenger of Allah Rabbul Jalil confronted 1000 strong enemies with his 313 underprivileged companions - cavalries equipped with very humble artilleries, won this important battle, but he reminded his companions, that the biggest war is yet to come, i.e. battling against our own desire. To my three boys – I saluted you for your determination and passion. Keep it up!

We went back to the lodge before continuing the third part of itinerary visiting Bahariya lake and some interesting desert spot for the sunset.

At 19:30 hours, we had a nice dinner at the ElBeshmo Restaurant.
Before we knocked off and called it a day, we had our pot-luck supper at the lodge open garden and ‘stories’ sharing. We brought along some of the Malaysian Eidul Fitri delicacies to create the Raya environment in the middle of the desert!

Lepak with our drivers in front of the lodge's reception. Imam, 'Afi, Sherif, Sayeed and I are just amazing Egyptian brothers. To me, they are just part of us - our family.

Day 2 : White Desert Here We come

Day 2 – this part of the itinerary I called it – the excitement of our lifetime desert experience. We started the day with a brief Bedouin breakfast – hard-boiled eggs, brown local bread or Ayish, cheese, cucumber, tomato, honey, fruits jam, and hot drinks. A typical Malaysian though, Nana brought the anchovies paste as an ‘appetizer’ boosted our appetite. We were promised to resume the day at 09:00 hrs, but instead we departed the ElBeshmo lodge at 09:25 hours! The eagerness and excitement could be felt from the energy and aura of the 18 of us – the Eid Travelers. And, that includes Zaffar, Yusmadi youngest son, the youngest Malaysian (One plus years old) ever survived in 3 days and 2 nights in the center of Egypt – the Bahariya Oasis and the White Desert. Believed me, he was an adventurous little Malaysian (yet to register his experience in the Malaysian Book of Records), behaved well and a ‘maintenance free’ type baby.

However, the disorganized tour guide put off the excitement. All the administrative matters, like permit applications, loading of tents, minor car services, etc. made and arranged in that particular morning at our expense.
Our first spot was the 10 meters sand dune. There were other tourists – Indian, British, and German arrived at the same time at this sand mountain. We took our 10 minutes stop to proudly hoist the Jalur Gemilang.

Next in the queue was a brief stop at Mountain Seuss (not too sure with the spelling – did not hear it properly from the guide) which was to me part of the Black Desert. The scene was a little bit scary and creepy but amazing, as if you are around a volcanic mountain range. The Black Desert is a region with large quantities of small black slate stones. The stones lie out across the orange-brown ground, so that it is not quite as black as many people may have expected.
After about one and half hour exploring the astounding black desert, the first part of our trip to the White Desert National park, we had a pit stop at the Oasis Cafeteria at the El Heiz Oasis, relatively a small oasis located 50 km south west of Bawiti.
During the on hour stop, we had the chance re-strategizing our trip plan and itinerary as well as re-motivating the kids. Alhamdullillah, there were a small decent prayer room for us to pray Dhuhur and ‘Asar together.

We resumed to our next destination about 47 km from the El Heiz Oasis, the Crystal Mountain, or Gabel El Izzaz. The road is well paved, though one must watch out for the occasional patches of sand drifts on the road. The Crystal Mountain is not really a mountain, rather a rock or ridge or hill. The name "mountain" or gabel is result of Arabic speakers using the word for mountain also for formations that are small. "Crystal" is a correct description though, and the splendid quartz crystals had fascinated us. Although you are not allowed to break the quartz crystals from the rocks, there are plenty of loose crystals spread around on the ground. It was really worth the time.
Getting to the oasis itself is not much of a problem, though it is a long drive and the authorities required you to have a tourist police officer along for the ride. However, there seemed little to be afraid of on the road, and the presence of the officer appeared merely a formality than anything else.
After the fascinating stop at the so-called Crystal Mountain, we made our way to Aqabat Mountain range, a small valley of unusually beautiful blended formation of rock and sand (you could find more photos in my next release of this humble blog) - the white cliffs, which is common to the White Desert meet the dunes and the yellow limestone. In addition, mountainsides here are steeper than elsewhere. Up from the lowest point in the valley, there is what must have been a riverbed, lifted up by nature to a position weirdly off any place where water could be brought forth. We spent around 15 minutes taking photos, stretching our legs while the kids enjoying the magnificent clean golden sand guarded by the pearl white chalk formation.

The Aqabat valley was the last spot in our itinerary before actually heading towards our final destination – the White Desert camping site – the natural boutique hotel.
The rock formations of the desert are quite dramatic and the landscape changes rapidly from one point to another. Thus, you should not miss out to examine, observe and most of all to capture those amazing and stunning rock formation, the bizarre desert structures, and its inhabitants in your memory.

Alhamdullilah salamah, we finally arrived at our camp site at around 18:10 hrs after some brief stop to catch the sunset 3 km from the site at one of the White Desert landmarks.
While the tour guides preparing the site – setting up tents, ‘dining hall’, unloading all the camp utensils, etc. We organized ourselves to perform our obligation to the Almighty Allah swt.

We had a very good Bedouin dinner – a roasted chicken, stewed potato with tomato, Egyptian rice akin tomato buttered Malaysian rice, salad, and again, the anchovies paste brought by Nana boosted our appetite.
After the dinner, or rather before we called it a day, Muhammad Rosdi, Yusmadi, and basically all of us had opportunities sharing jokes, quizzes, stories that reminded us on what to learn to enhance our performance.

'Boutique' accomodation at the White Desert

Life …….. is simple. Surrounded by the white rock structures, comforted by the soft golden sand, lighten up by millions of bright stars, and ceiling made of clear sky, this was the place that we spent the night – our first ever lifetime experience. Couple of time I was awakens by the whistling wind accompanied by very mild sand storm that scared us a little bit.
Back to basic to learn to appreciate what God has given us. The experience reminded me of many stories about the abstinence and humble life of the great Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) and his Companions radiallah hu ajmain. One of the stories that I remembered well, was when one day Saidina Umar ra heard a rumour that the Prophet (peace be upon him) had divorced his wives got afloat among the Companions. He thus, went to the Prophet saw (peace be upon him) house but was kind of denied entrance not until the third time. He greeted him with Assalammualaikum and inquired: “have you divorced your wives, O, Prophet of Allah?” Umar ra was relieved when the Prophet saw (peace be upon him) replied him “No”……… he says: I noticed that the contents of his room consisted of only three pieces of tanned skin and a handful of barely lying in the corner. I looked about, but failed to find anything else. I began to weep. Rasullullah saw (peace be upon him); “why are you weeping?” I replied: ‘O, Prophet of Allah! Why should I not weep? I can see the mat’s pattern imprinted on your body, and I am beholding all that you have got in this room. O, Prophet of Allah! Pray that Allah may grant ample provisions for us. The Persians and the Romans who have no true faith and who worship not Allah but their kings-Caesar and Chosroes – presently live in gardens with streams running in their midst, but the chosen Prophet and the accepted slave of Allah does live in such a dire poverty!” The Prophet saw (peace be upon him); ‘O, Umar! Are you still in doubt about this matter? Ease and comfort in the Hereafter are much better than what you have in this world. The unbelievers are enjoying their share of the good things in this very world, whereas we have all such things in store for us later. I implored him: ‘O, Prophet of Allah! Ask forgiveness for me. I was really in the wrong”

This valuable experience - back to basic to learn to appreciate what Allah swt has given us. Thus, to focus on what we have and not what is missing.

White Desert Experience : Nana's Chapter

She is not an angel though, but she is adorable, elegant, and magnificent, isn’t she? My one and only divine Nana.

After the 5 hours hectic drive along the desert highway, she was still able giving you her cute delightful smile that had cheered us up.
With her beloved handsome hubby on top the 50 meters sand dune in the middle of Egypt.

Proud to be Malaysian. She is a very supportive mom to her 5 kids, whom to her are friends.

Albeit her femininity, she is very adventures and easily adaptable to any environment.

You are superb wife, wonderful mom, and glorious people person. Luv you. May Allah swt always be with you with His Blessings, Grace and Mercy.

The Otomans' Experience

They named themselves, the Otomans. What actually behind that unique nifty name only God knows. Well, it is none of my business to find out what is it. And, if I do, I think I must give them the sole freedom to choose what is good and what are bad for their life. What ever it is, they are excellent kids – pleasant, obedient, and creative. May Allah swt give them His Mercy and Grace and be with them always for their bright future.
Halfway to the one of the highest peaks of the Black Desert range. Right on boys, you are halfway to your success.
Climbing the Mount Seuss near the black desert looking for the world peace and unity, in case any.
They have put their best effort and strength to push back the ‘Mushroom’ straight up, but failed.

Successfully discovered the past Greek-Roman tombs – Tomb Bannentoui and Tomb Zed Anun ef ankh. Successfully discovered the past Greek-Roman tombs – Tomb Bannentoui and Tomb Zed Anun ef ankh! Whether it was worthwhile or not, I believed, they had really learnt many things out of this thrilling desert experience. You may want to visit them at http://huh-otomans.blogspot.com

M Aiman Afiqah Chapter : White Desert Experience

The Magnificient Landmarks of the White Desert

In this release, you will be able to see, appreciate, and learn from the magnificent authentic desert landmarks, wind carved and splendidly shaped by the power of nature. The products of this meticulous and precise work, ultimately depicts the greatness of its creator, the Almighty Allah Rabbul Jalil. SubhanaAllah.. MashaAllah.
The ‘Chocolate filled Wafer’ of the Aqabat valley, is one of its kinds. The sandstone and the brownish sand create two tone and textures of the formation, which will surely amaze anyone who see it.
The White Desert ‘Cobra’ suddenly came out from the ‘hedge’ chasing us!? No worry, it is not poisonous.

A ‘Chicken’ anyone? No, it is only for all the White Desert campers. Too early for its egg?!

Awesome! The ‘UFO’ is well balanced with only one leaning support. No human being would be able to replicate the structure except by applying the high-end engineering and investment.

Despite no rain at all and dry weather, the ‘Mushrooms’ is abundantly available around the White Desert. Unfortunately this ‘species’ is not good for our diet though…just for your eyes only.

The lazy stubborn ‘Dog’ sniffed our cars as we passed him, in case we smuggled any of the White Desert properties.

One of the ‘Alien Space Craft’ landed and stranded at the White Desert since thousands years ago.

It was a ‘Giraffe’ wandering around the desert looking for food. No, it was a type of desert ‘Sheep’….?

This ‘Bedouin’ inexorably sighting the 4th Shawal crescent, perhaps to ascertain that he would start the 6 days Shawal fasting.

Other type of the ‘Mushroom’, one of the most prominent landmarks of the White Desert that one should visit.