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Flag plaza between Movenpick and Hilton resorts

Taba, in the eastern Sinai peninsula of Egypt, marks the location of the southern border crossing between Egypt and Israel, servicing travellers coming into Egypt and the Sinai via Eilat. The town has grown up around the border crossing and offers basic amenities for travellers - these will no doubt be greatly enhanced when a new Taba Heights development gathers pace. Taba is a relatively minor centre for Red Sea diving.

[edit] Get in

Visitors to Taba arrive either north from Israel, south from Egypt or by air to Taba International Airport. On leaving Israel, a departure tax of 94.50NIS (Jan 2009) is charged, although if you pay this in advance at Eilat's main post office, you will pay 4 NIS less. For entering Egypt, most nationalities can receive a free Sinai permit allowing 14 days within Sinai itself. You must have an advance visa if you wish to proceed out of the Sinai. Whether you have a visa or not, you'll be charged 75EGP (Sep 2009) as "Sinai tax".

When crossing the border, there are 150 meters between the Egyptian terminal and Israeli checkpoint. Touts may offer you the use of carts to carry your bags, but will charge (approx. 2EGP)for this service. There is no charge on the Israeli side for carts.

On the Egyptian side, long-distance taxis await at the traffic circle. These are usually shared taxis, and they have the reputation of ripping off tourists. Except the usual haggling, pretending to go take the bus (from the bus station, further down the road on the left side) usually gets them to agree to a sensible price (30EGP to Dahab and 20EGP to Nuweiba). On the Israeli side, local bus 15 connects to Eilat's Central Bus Station (6.5 NIS).

Bus schedule from Taba

Coming from Cairo there is a bus, usually leaving at 10 PM from the main bus station in Cairo. If you need help finding the bus station there is a tourist information stand in the main Cairo train station, they speak English and are generally helpful. Cost is around 70EGP one way. The bus has a colourful crowd of almost all men. The bus is generally a descent new-ish model, not unlike long haul buses in the states.(Avoid sitting near the toilet.) It is not advisable to discuss further travel plans, as in going to Israel, aloud or with other travelers as this may elicit unwanted attention. Notice that when the bus arrives at Taba, the bus conductor will demand an extra 5 EGP to take you to the border itself from the bus station. Avoid the rip-off and walk those 600m by foot. The station is on the left hand side of the main road- look out for the East Delta sign as it's simply a gravel patch in front of it. There may be buses parked there to make finding it easier

The buses to Cairo leave at 10:30AM, 12:30PM and 4:30PM and it costs 70EGP (Jan 2009). This bus ride will vary in time depending on how often check points decide to board the bus and inspect everyone's documentation. A good scenario is 5 and a half hours but budget for longer. Also it likely only stops once for a bathroom break!

[edit][add listing] See

[edit][add listing] Do

The main reason for Taba's existence is the casino at the Hilton. Tour operators organize excursions to more interesting places nearby, including Mount Sinai and even Petra (in Jordan).

• Castle Zaman, 25km Taba-Nuweiba Rd, Taba, Red Sea and Sinai, South Sinai, Egypt, ☎ 0020182140591, [1]. open 12PM. East of the Sinai Peninsula, overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba, this impressive monument commands a dramatic mountainous view of four countries. The exact site signifies a landmark on the ancient road connecting St. Catherine's Monastery with Jerusalem. Castle Zaman offers an exquisite and generous cuisine. Meat and seafood are roasted to perfection with an assortment of fresh vegetables, spices, dates and figs slowly prepared in earth pots. Preparation takes 1-3.5 hours, time gladly spent by the pool, exploring the underground treasure room, or sipping fresh coctails by the bar. (Not child friendly, WiFi available)  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Castle Zaman, 25 km Nuweiba - Taba Road (10 minutes from Taba Heights). Dramatic mountainous views of four countries. Specializes in food slowly roasted in earthen pots; the process takes 1-3 hours, which you can kill by the pool, exploring the underground treasure room, getting a massage, or sipping fresh cocktails by the bar. Not child friendly.

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

Beer Sweer, an area located just some 15 km south of Taba, on your way to Nuweiba, offers lots of small beach camps. All have a restaurant section, and bamboo straw huts, where the Stars shine though at night. The camps are directly on the beach, with possibility to simply sleep on the beach, beside the sea. Figure on US$20/day including food and drinks.

• Aquarium camp
• Good Life
• Al Tarek
• Diana Beach Camp
• Sabah Camp
• Baraka

[edit] Splurge

• Taba Hilton - completely unmissable at 11 storeys height, stands out like a sore thumb from the rest of the Taba landscape. Includes a diving centre. Expect Hilton prices.

It is worth noting however you can stay at the Hilton Taba from £20 GBP a night, £29 GBP including breakfast and dinner. This may still be a little steep for backpackers, but is much cheaper than the prices of a Hilton in Tel Aviv or Eliat. Good for if you are ill and need an en-suite, or just want a night of comfort!!

[edit] Cope

[edit] Currency

Both the Banque du Caire and Banque Misr have currency exchange booths within the Egyptian checkpoint (sometimes irregular opening hours, go along ASAP if you need to change money). Money and cheques can also be exchanged at the Taba Hilton Hotel.

[edit] Get out

• Dahab, Sinai's backpacker mecca
• Eilat, across the Israeli border to the north
• Ras Abu Galum, nature reserve north of Dahab