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Aqaba
From Wikitravel
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Aqaba (العقبة al-ʿAqabah) Aqaba is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's only port city, located on the Gulf of Aqaba at the southernmost extremity of the kingdom.
[edit] Understand
Aqaba is Jordan's window on the Red Sea. Historically the same city as Eilat on the Israeli side of the border, plans for a shared international airport and other forms of cooperation have cooled down in the past few years during a period of political tension. Aqaba has seen a lot of development in the last few years. This has improved the infrastructure and facilities. Be prepared for road maps to be incorrect/out of date.
[edit] Get in
[edit] By boat
Ferries run regularly from Aqaba across to Nuweiba on Egypt's Sinai peninsula, bypassing Israel and the sometimes complicated border arrangements. Generally there is no visa fee for entering Jordan through Aqaba since it is a part of the free trade zone. The line to Nuweiba is operated by ABMaritime, see their website for the 'official' timetable and current prices.
There are two ferries that leave Aqaba for Nuweiba, Egypt. The first is the slow ferry (US$50, about 3 hours). Departure is generally in the evening (anywhere from 5pm to midnight). Expect delays. There is a company office in Aqaba town center that sells the ticket. Immigration procedures for Eqypt are initiated on the boat and completed by paying the US$15 visa fee on arrival at Nuweiba (and then finding the immigration counter to get your passport back). If at all possible, avoid putting your bags in the "cages" in the hold: try to take them with you. This way you can avoid the violent free-for-all when you arrive and try to collect your bags.
The second ferry is the fast catamaran (US$70, about 1 hour). Departure is generally at midday except on Saturday when it does not run.
[edit] By bus or car
The Desert Highway terminates in Aqaba. There are frequent buses to Amman and other points along the highway. Fare is currently 7 JD each way.
Amman to Aqaba is about 350km using the Desert Highway. It will take about 4 hours to travel this distance at a reasonable speed. Do remember that service/fuel stops are not very frequent on this road.
The Israeli border at Arava (for Eilat) is only a short hop away. The Saudi Arabian checkpoint is also visible on a clear day, but visitors without a visa can only look.
[edit] By air
Royal Jordanian operates 2 daily flights between Amman and Aqaba, one in the morning and one in the evening. Duration of the flight is approximately 1 hour and costs 20 JD + tax one-way (price updated 14 May 2008).
The King Hussein International Airport is located north of Aqaba, about a 20-minute drive.
[edit] By taxi
Minibus rental with driver from Petra costs 45 JD and it takes about 2 hours to get from Petra to Aqaba.
[edit] Get around
[edit] By taxi
Taxis are easily available in the city. A ride within town should cost no more than 2 JD. A ride outside town (to a beach near by or to any border crossings) costs around 5 JD. However, if your hotel calls you a taxi, you may end up paying double for it as they receive a kickback (this is especially true if you are staying on the South Beach).
While taxis are yellow all around Jordan, early 2008 Aqaba taxis have been painted green and blue: the logo colours of Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ).
When negotiating the price of a taxi, make sure to determine whether the final cost is the total or "per-person" price, as you may otherwise receive a surprise at the end of the ride.
[edit] By local buses
Local minibuses connect residential areas with downtown. The fare is 17 Piasters (170 Fils or 0.17 JD) regardless of the length of the journey. Passengers can get on and off at any point of the route. The central bus station is located in front of the Police station.
[edit][add listing] See
- Aqaba Fort. Originally dating to the 14'th century, although the present structure was built by the Mamluke sultan Qansawh el-Ghawri (1501-1516) and has been revised many times since then.
[edit][add listing] Do
- Scuba diving is the most popular sport.INT.ARAB DIVERS VILLAGE (hotel & diving club),AQABA-south beach , is a very professional operator with fairly new equipment and decent prices. Introductory dives, for those who've never gone before, can be arranged for 25 JD. A similar refresher dive, if you're certified but out of practice, is 30 JD http://www.aqaba-divevillage.com INT ARAB DIVERS VILLAGE]
tel:009623031808 fax0096232030560
[edit][add listing] Buy
[edit][add listing] Eat
One of the finest, if not the finest restaurant in town is The Royal Yacht Club. It is situated next to the water in an upscale neighbourhood. They serve exquisite fare (mostly seafood fresh from the sea) for prices that are reasonable by Western standards. Service is fast and courteous.
In the center of the city one can find very good hummus, Falafel and Showarma (lamb meat in pita bread) places in many local restaurants. Prices starts form 1.5 JD for a Showarma dish.
[edit][add listing] Drink
[edit][add listing] Sleep
[edit] Budget
- Dune Village, ☎ 00962 (0) 78 8378 914, [1]. Is located 12 km east of Aqaba's center, and offers singles\double\shared rooms with breakfast included. The places also offers scuba diving equipment and guided dives. The place organizes transportation for guests to/from airport and border crossings. 7.5-17 JD PP. edit
- Dweik Hotel (1) has small rooms, but bathrooms are in good condition. Some rooms have TV, with access to satellite channels, but you do have to get the front desk to tune the satellite for you. JD20/night.
- Nairoukh Hotel - Singles JD10 Doubles JD15 Triples JD20.
- Jordan Flower Hotel - Singles JD10, Doubles JD12, with bath JD14, triples JD16. (as of May 2009)
[edit] Mid-range
[edit] Splurge
- Radisson Blu Tala Bay, South Beach (Head South from Aqaba), ☎ +9623 209 0777, [2]. New luxury hotel south of Aqaba. Has very nice swimming pools, restaurants and beach. All the services to be expected at a 4/5* hotel. edit
[edit] Get out
Aqaba is relatively close to both Wadi Rum and Petra. Public buses go to both. Alternatively, there are a lot of tour companies around town who would happily arrange excursions, in particular to Wadi Rum. Petra will take 2.5 hours by car.
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