As I mentioned here, I tried the Desert Safari last weekend. You can opt for a morning, evening (our choice) or overnight safari. After our visit to Atlantis (details in a separate post), we took a late lunch in Chowking (Jollibee dining was crossed out because we wanted more choices, especially that craving for kare-kare attacked). I intentionally ate moderately to prepare for the dune bashing.
One of my friends who is based in Dubai made the required booking, free pick is included in the package. The representative from Arabian Knight Tours picked us up at 430pm from Chowking-Deira (Dubai). He was driving a land cruiser and we thought we will be transferred to another vehicle for the dune bashing (phase 1 of safari). Until we noticed that we were already out of the civilization, errr, I mean I saw nothing but yellow-brown sand and he made an exciting turn to a seemingly camp. Then I felt the earth moved under my skin. Haha. We were so surprised the bashing kicked off like that. Exciting.
As we were welcomed by the earthquake-y drive, we were more surprised when he did cut it on the slope that we thought we would fall. Then the other 4×4 SUV came and parked like they were synched. I think that was past 5pm then. The driver was securing the wheels at this point:
We asked him, “Is that all?” You know how it feels when the excitement is abruptly cut off? Or in case anyone from our group was scared, he or she was probably relieved at that point. We were given almost 10 minutes to take photos. The sunshine is just enough that made the sand looks more beautiful. Did you just notice how wonderful the sand ripples are?
We went down and I noticed some took off their shoes to enjoy the sand. I was still calculating my steps the first time I came down, but eventually I found it delightful. It brought a childlike feel as I found my balance and strategy on walking on the sand. Of course, it was more tiring to go up.
I was reaching for the bottled water as we returned to the cruiser, then we were reminded that we shall not drink much. I must mention that our assigned driver is good aside from that he has established this air that we were in good hands with him from the moment he picked us up.
Then the dune bashing begun!
(Taken from the window. Our first fall happened here.)
How was it like? It’s generally scary. It’s being literally bashed, shaken, moved, drove from one slope to the other, you don’t know what’s going to happen next. If you’ve watched the movie Dubai, this is the activity that made John Lloyd vomit. The tourists normally close their eyes and have something to cover their head to lessen the fear. I was surprised big time to realize that I enjoyed it a lot. Remember my fear of heights/falling? I think it’s phasing to leave my system already. I even managed to take photos while the bashing was ongoing. I was trying to capture this slope but I didn’t catch the right angle, so I borrowed this one from the net:
Originally uploaded here
Scared or thrilled by that photo? My eyes were wide-ecstatic the whole (at least one hour) ride. I must admit that I was a little scared to try it, especially when I heard the feedback from those who tried it. But you never know, try it unless you’re the type whose prone to heart attack. It’s a terrific experience.
(Another snap from the window. Yes, we were thrown there!)
Maybe the amazement contributed to taking off my fears. Why would I close my eyes when the opportunity to witness/experience the heart of the dessert is there? And oh well, the chance to get bashed, too. See here how a land cruiser flies during dune bashing. 🙂
However, we had to stop for a few minutes because someone from our group had to vomit. The cruiser is actually equipped with plastic bags for (un)expected cases like this. But she preferred to splash her debris outside.
I took these photos during the few minutes stop over. I wonder what are those plants that thrive there.
The dune bashing is strategized to include a 30-minute stop over in the area which is near the sort of mountain. I don’t know how it’s called. Here are the other groups of tourists approaching for the stop over, too.
Again, some walked barefoot.
I was catching my breath to reach the top.
The fossil rock is interesting. My companions didn’t want to climb up to this point. They were still trying to recover from the quake. Another stranger is caught. I was waiting for him to leave but he was enjoying feeling the fossil rock. Heehee.
I drank a lot of water at this point. Nakakahingal.
From there, you’d see the vehicles that look so tiny like this one which seemed to tumble. We got a clear idea of what was happening to us. 🙂
White sand is beautiful. But this kind of sand is also beautiful that you will find delight just by staring at it.
I just realized why this part of the world was created with non-abundance of rain. Imagine the old days and until now, if it poured heavily. The flood will look like champorado and/or dinuguan.
The bashing will be done based on your preference. Here’s a normal one. But with regard to this aspect, I prefer a rough ride.
Don’t miss this one when you’re visiting UAE.
Next stop: Sunset camel ride
0 thoughts on “Dune bashing”
bw
looks like everybody was having fun 🙂 Now people would realize how important a 4×4 SUV is ! Works in snow as well as sand 😉
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kayni
BIG WOW talaga. It looks like you’re on Mars or a totally different world. I wish I could do this too. I must put this on my list…lol. Thank you so much for the photos. I feel like jumping into my computer screen.
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luna miranda
wow! this is definitely exciting! i agree, those sand ripples are absolutely beautiful. the landscape is amazing! did you also take off your shoes to walk barefoot? what an adventure…i enjoy your photos.
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dyanie
yay! naalala ko tuloy si lloydie sa movie nila! ang tapang mo jo! pinapanood ko palang yung video, natatakot na ko. i watched the shorter vid, grabe! the vehicle literally flew! lahat ba ganun gagawin? so sigawan kayo sa loob ng sasakyan? adrenaline rush talaga yan!
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Photo Cache
That is one ride I wanted to take. Ganda ganda nga ng ripples ano? Wow, that must have been one heck of an experience.
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kg
wow! it’s like a natural roller coaster! ang galing! and ang ganda ng sand dunes ha….even the color is very nice!
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mordsith
i want to try that in my lifetime. it sounds so fun! and walking barefoot on the sand, i just love that. 🙂
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Daphne
I remember our desert safari it was one tough ride, I was screaming like crazy every time the SUV ‘dove’ down the sand dunes. But yes it is so much fun. The best part is the buffet dinner under the stars. You tend to eat eat and eat some more after such a scary experience hehehe
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Rico
Wow! Naingit ako dun ah! Sobrang exciting! Just enough fear to bring excitement but not too much that I’ll soil myself right after. 🙂
The sands look so beautiful.
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glenda
ngyah! this looks scary! oh but like you, i think i will enjoy this – i may be afraid of heights but zigzaggy, rough and tumble ride? bring it on =)
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BlogusVox
We witnessed “dune bashing” here in the “Red Sand” but it’s a private party of “trill-seeking” teenagers, not a package tour . I wish we have something similar to yours.
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Asian Traveler
I have seen this dune bashing on TV. I really would like to try this if ever I’ll get the chance to visit the place.
Meanwhile, have you tried to ride on a kicir kicir? If not, read my article about Kicir-Kicir at Eropa. Have a nice day!
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ever
kay ganda talaga ng kalikasan.ibat ibat linya at hugis.amazing view!
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bursky
andami kong gustong sabihin tungkol sa post na to!!! teka lang… *inhale, exhale*
1. everything looked so beautiful!!! the sand, the texture, the colors… grabe!
2. the cars looked so guwapo in the pics and even in the video. grabeng promotion ng Toyota dito ha. 😛
3. the cars (ulit) looked majestic in the dunes. parang ballet or something, basta ang gandang tingnan. wondering pano kaya yung mga tao sa loob if it were rougher driving. 😀 sana may kumuha ng vid from the inside during the ride!
4. pwedeng ako mag-drive nung sasakyan pag andiyan? haha…
5. finally, inggit na naman ako! haha! i’m sure you had a blast. thanks for sharing this! *heart beating a bit faster* na-excite din ako eh! 😀
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kreez
Wow, those pictures are amazing! I should have given that desert safari a try! looks really fun and the dunes are lovely.
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Rach (Heart of Rachel)
It must have been an adventurous and unforgettable ride. I would love to try that someday.
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blue rose
wow! everything looked so beautiful. grabe. sobrang tapang mo jo. hindi ko kaya ang ganyan. sigurado, manginginig ako sa takot.
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dong ho
i didnt know that it was that dangerous but ill definitely want to try that. if given the chance to drive one.
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Jose
Hi, wits!
Ang ganda-ganda talaga nang nalikhang design ng sand ripples! Parang inukit na kahoy! Very impressive!
Tapang mo pala sa adventure!
Take care always, wits!
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fortuitous faery
wooohoo! not for the faint of heart and stomach pala ito! congrats on conquering your fear!
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Badet
That is one exciting adventure. Great photos by the way!
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PM
i would love to soak my feet on those sand!
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lady cess
gusto ko lahat yan! sa amazing race ko lang nakita yan, and yes, in john lloyd’s movie. hay, sana kami rin!
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Sleepless In KL
i must try this the next time i go to the middle east!
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amy
i was amazed with your realization on why there’s no heavy rain in there… kasi it would be like a flood of champorado or dinuguan!! hehehe, na irelate sa mo pa sa food yun??!!!
btw, everytime i read your posts, i cant help but to wish i would be able to experience kahit half lang of your escapades. thanks for sharing.
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bem
huwaw! ganda-ganda ng mga pics jo. hmmmn… kaya ko kaya? baka masuka-suka rin ako. pero parang ang sarap nga i-try!
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