Jordan ◦ Wadi Rum | World Natural and Cultural Heritage

Wadi Rum, registered by UNESCO as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage site in 2011, is located in the southern region of Jordan, bordering Saudi Arabia. The landscape of Wadi Rum has evolved over millions of years, making it renowned for its diverse desert landscapes. It is often referred to as the "Valley of the Moon."

◦ Desert Exploration

Wadi Rum is designated as a protected area by the Jordanian government, and entry is only permitted through approved camps or guided tours. While visitors can enter by purchasing tickets and driving on their own, it is advisable to participate in guided tours operated by the local Bedouin tribes to ensure safety. This is due to the lack of road signs in the desert and the limited functionality of Google Maps.

◦ The Bedouin

The Arabic word "Bedu" refers to people who live in the desert. Bedouin people primarily inhabit regions in Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, and the Sahara Desert in North Africa. They are nomadic, moving with the seasons. As tourism in Wadi Rum has gradually developed, the Bedouin people residing here have become hosts to the visitors.

◦ Three Main Experiences in Wadi Rum

01｜Jeep Tours to Explore Dunes and Canyons

The Jeep tours operated by the Bedouin people offer flexible itineraries, which can be tailored to your interests. The duration of the tours is typically arranged by the hour. If you wish to visit the iconic arch, consider planning a tour of at least 5 hours or more.

02｜Bedouin Cuisine

For dinner, the Bedouin people unearth chicken and sweet potatoes slow-cooked in the sand, reminiscent of Taiwan's "earth oven." The familiar flavors make this meal especially heartwarming.

03｜Stargazing under the Vast Sky

Wadi Rum, known for its captivating landscapes featured in movies like "The Martian," "Transformers," and "Dune," resembles the moon and Mars during the morning hours. At night, with minimal light pollution, it becomes one of the best places on Earth to fully experience the brilliance of the night sky.

◦ The Video of Wadi Rum

◦ How to Get from Petra to Wadi Rum

Most hotels in Petra offer shuttle services to Wadi Rum for around 10 JOD. It is advisable to make a reservation in advance. When you board the bus, someone will confirm your camp booking and arrange your drop-off point. Upon arrival in Wadi Rum, the camp will send a vehicle to pick you up.

◦ Recommendation: Jamal Rum Camp

I booked my entire journey through Petra Cabin Hostel, which included lunch, dinner, breakfast the following day, a 3-hour Jeep tour, and one night of accommodation for a total price of 50 JOD (07/2023). The tent had a comfortable double bed and a clean bathroom. What's even better is the warmth and hospitality of the staff at Jamal Rum Camp.