JIZAN - THE TROPICAL PARADISE BY THE RED SEA

The tranquil mountain lake of Jazan Wadi Dam

Jizan is a tropical haven in Saudi Arabia, located in the Red Sea. Its topographical features tell a story of diverse regional varieties, encompassing the geographical environment, vegetation, tourism, economic activity, heritage, and culture. It exhibits tropical characteristics, whether on land, in the air, or at sea.

Sharing a border with Yemen to the south, facing African nations across the Red Sea to the west, and hosting expatriates from various nationalities, it is undoubtedly a place where cultures and traditions blend and coexist.

My journey to this city and province was driven by curiosity about the area's appearance and the lifestyle and culture of the people in this region of Saudi Arabia. My visit exceeded my expectations.

Unsurprisingly, this province is a favorite tourist destination in the kingdom, attracting visitors during weekends and holidays. You can enjoy thrilling packages in Jazan, ranging from nature adventures in the mountains to island getaways and cultural and historical tours.

The People

The author smiles with the coffee farm owner in Fayfa Mountain.

The community atmosphere, landscape, topography, backgrounds, culture, and daily activities of the place I grew up in are similar to this location.

The people are friendly and accommodating to visitors, ready to offer something to make the guests comfortable and welcome.

Traditionally, women in the city wear an abaya, burqa, or hijab. However, in the countryside, women opt for a casual dress that reaches the heels without an abaya, burqa, or hijab. They engage in farming, gardening, and herding sheep, goats, and cows.

Jazan is the border province of Saudi Arabia, adjacent to Yemen. Notably, the number of Yemenis in this area is higher than in other cities and provinces in Saudi Arabia.

A farm owner and local resident of Fayfa Mountain wearing the colorful traditional dress.

They wear traditional Yemeni attire on the mountainsides, including a headdress made from ornamental plants and the jambiya. Even the locals resemble Yemenis, which is understandable given the proximity to the border.

Climate & Atmosphere

The climate is tropical, characterized by sudden rain showers, moderate temperatures, and high humidity. During my two-day visit, as I explored the mountains and countryside, I frequently had to change clothes due to the constant sweating. The sky is often cloudy, so it's no surprise that rain falls unexpectedly.

Vegetation

Papaya farm in Jazan Province

The vegetation in and around the farmlands includes mangoes, guavas, bananas, corn, and other fruits found in tropical countries such as the Philippines and nations in the South and Southeast Asian regions. Additionally, there are plants native to the deserts of Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries, such as the date palm.

Places to visit in Jizan Province

1. Farasan Islands

A rented boat calmly waiting the excursionists at Abu Suraya Island, one of the islands to explore.

The clear, sky-blue waters of the sea, distinctive rock formations, and diverse wildlife captivate the senses. Farasan Island, a cluster of islands in the Red Sea west of Jazan City, is a center for island adventures and a breeding ground for wild ducks, other migratory birds, and crabs within its protected mangrove forest. Additionally, visitors can journey back in time by exploring the historical sites.

Read more here: FARASAN ISLAND, JAZAN, SAUDI ARABIA (underratedadventures.com)

2. Jabal Mags (Pronounced as Ma-gas) or Fort Mount Magas in English

Jabal Mags, ruins symbolized the resolve and resilience to the residents.

The castle, designed for vigilant observation, offers an all-seeing view of a guardian prepared to protect the land and its inhabitants. It is perched on a hill about 2000 meters above sea level, overlooking the town of Haqo, with nearby towns, hills, ridges, expansive farmlands, and parks.

Previously a refuge for villagers, shielding them from attackers, intruders, and looters, the area is historically known for its fertile land and plentiful food resources. Jazan's tropical climate rarely led to food shortages, allowing the people to grow their crops successfully and leading to bountiful harvests and thriving livestock farming.

Read more here: JABAL MAGS - AMAZING SIGHTS AND THE SIGNIFICANT HISTORY (underratedadventures.com)

3. Jabal Aswad (Black Mountain)

The calm and magnificent sight from the mountaintop of Jabal Aswoad.

Another must-visit kingdom in the sky for Jazan travelers. The winding road network offers thrilling views, from the ridges to the sloping shoulders, with the heights and depths of the ravines painted by the greenery of trees, grasses, and the vibrancy of wildflowers. The combination of these elements radiates a hypnotic energy that lifts the spirits even in the lowest moments; this is what I experienced as I began to take in the scenery around me.

At an elevation of approximately 2,400 meters above sea level, the breezy winds impart a chill to my body. During the day, the faint glimmers of lights from the villages below in the dim atmosphere create the illusion of standing in the sky.

Read more here: THE BLACK MOUNTAIN (JABAL ASOAD/ASWAD) (underratedadventures.com)

4. Jabal Al Qahar (Frustration Mountain)

Exhilarating gulley to look at on your way to Jabal Qahar Viewing Point.

The name is misleading; you'll never feel frustrated upon reaching the location. There's no need to exhaust yourself with trekking, hiking, or climbing. Stand or sit on a carpet and take in the surroundings.

Observe the vertical, flaky rock formations below the cliffs and ravines as you enjoy your tea, coffee, or any hot or cold beverage you've brought along. Listen to the birds as they sing, glide, and fly. Return to a time when life was simple, straightforward, and joyful, far from the chaotic hustle and bustle of the stifling city. Take a moment to retreat and seek out the missing pieces that connect the human soul to the essence of nature.

Read more here: JABAL AL QAHAR (THE MOUNTAIN OF FRUSTRATION) (underratedadventures.com)

5. Wadi Lajab

Dipping into the pool is one of the exciting part of the hiking at Wadi Lajab.

Prepare your car for a challenging mountain drive. Navigate the rocky water passage, trek along the stream within the canyon that is over 100 meters deep, scale the enormous boulders, dive into the water, and cover the hiking distance. Immerse yourself in the wilderness surrounded by hikers and enjoy the sounds of nature.

Take a dip in the natural pool and experience a journey back to when nature was the primary resource for people. The drive to this location is an adventure, energizing your adrenaline with stunning views of the mountain's shoulder and the elevated road. The road's curves and the winding ascents and descents, overlooking the lush green slopes and ridges, will lift your spirits and spark your imagination.

Read more here: WADI LAJAB (underratedadventures.com)

6. Jazan Lake

Positioned on the top steps of the ladder, I observe the environment, hearing the birds sing, wild ducks quack, and frogs croak, all while enjoying the cool, gentle breeze. Lay out the carpets on the grass, set up the grill, and start cooking outdoors as you admire the tranquil waters of the lake beneath the dark blue and green mountain ridges. Lake Jazan Dam offers a serene setting with a breathtaking landscape of mountains, trees, and water bodies, making it an ideal spot for a family picnic in harmony with nature.

Due to its tropical climate and natural surroundings, visiting here felt like returning to the Philippines, my homeland.

Read more here: LAKE JAZAN (underratedadventures.com)

More Images of Jizan Province:

Quick Facts

Province: Jizan

Capital City: Jazan

Source of Income: Industries, agriculture, and tourism

Distances From The Other Major Cities

• Abha: 207 km (2h & 42min by land travel)

• Dammam: 1,549 km (15h 39 min land travel; 2h 25min via air travel)

• Jeddah: 709 km (8 hours land travel; 1h 25min via air travel)

• Madina: 1,119km (12 hours land travel)

• Riyadh: 1,143km (12 hours land travel; 1h 50min air travel)

• Tabuk: 1,734km (18 hours land travel)

Guide: Mr. Fouad Kubaisi - Mainland Guide

Mobile: +966 55 168 7224

Guide: Mr. Adel Alawani - Farasan Island Guide

Mobile: +966 50 268 6473

Note:

This article only covers the places I visited during my initial trip to Jizan Province. There are many more attractions to explore and mention, but they are omitted here as I have not yet experienced them personally to provide firsthand accounts.

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On Abu Suraya Island, wild birds entertain people with their natural, unscripted charm. In the image, two wild ducks gracefully move before the author. Abu Suraya Island is among the stunning Farasan Islands in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

Please check here: https://youtu.be/svb0pMMAzlo