After the dune bashing, we were detoured to an area almost near to the camp hosting the dinner. We were welcomed by sight of excited camel riders and the four lovely camels themselves. I think they looked more wonderful that time because sunset was approaching.
I noticed that not everyone ventured onto trying the ride. But I was decided on this one. After all, I’ve never tried riding a horse yet (bohooo, after three visits to Baguio). I hesitated a little when I saw this particular wriggly camel. But I thought there must be the least mischievous among the four.
So I observed. These brothers whose profiles would qualify them to Slumdog Millionaire caught my attention. They cannot hide their excitement eh?
They rode the first camel and this is how they looked when they returned:
Hence, I did pick the same friendly camel. I remember I even talked to him, “Huwag kang malikot ha, mabait naman ako. Sana huwag akong mahulog.” As if the camel can understand me. And another if, as if he can understand Tagalog. 🙂
After which, he got up without informing me. Sobrang nagulat ako. I screamed. Haha. Then I overheard my companions who were taking photos, “Jo, pinagtatawanan ka nila oh, haha!” (eh, tinawanan rin nila ako di ba? heehee) I didn’t care. I’ll have my own time to giggle. Joke. 🙂 I remember an article about riding a camel, that you shouldn’t be too stiff because the camel would feel it. Since they are intelligent and sensitive (and quite emotional) creatures. Maybe I was too focused during the first few minutes and holding too tight. So I loosened up. An enjoyable ride followed.
The camels’ handlers/supervisors were nearby. Hence, that gave the riders reasonable comfort. I was in front (the four camels walked as if queued) and was just overhearing the camels’ noise (at the back) and the riders’ chanting and giggling of other tourists. I was surprised again when there was one turn that the second camel’s face touched me (as he was making his turn). Thankfully, I kept my balance despite my overreaction that he was going to bite me. Imagination ko lang yun. The ride was so enjoyable that I’m looking forward to the next. Perhaps, a running a camel that time? 🙂
The camel ride is only a stop over before proceeding to the bedouin camp. The tourists are given reasonable time to get a chance to ride (take turns and even a repeat ride).
Aside from the point that the camel is about to stand, the kneeling part is quite a challenge for the rider, too. But as observed, you just need to relax and move your weight backwards before the camel sits. Don’t be overwhelmed by the feeling that you’re falling off.
Hold the reins confidently. Like most intelligent animals, a camel can sense unease or nervousness. Take the reins in your hands without tugging or pulling at them so you feel in control of the animal. Even if a handler is doing most of the real work, the camel will feel your confidence and relaxed attitude. – How to ride a camel
It was delightful to see the different type of riders:
A couple after the camel knelt/ sat:
Mother and daughter (I think they rode more than once):
Father and daughter:
Encouraging his father to ride with him:
To make a father and son tandem:
Of course, I didn’t leave without taking a dedicated snapshot of the camel that made me scream. 🙂 I just noticed the crocheted piece on his mouth. I can probably make one. It turned out that he’s the most friendly among the four.
Next stop: Arabian dinner, sisha and more
witsandnuts 
0 thoughts on “Sunset camel ride”
ever
talagang nakikita ko na exciting lahat sa pagsakay sa camel…kailangan ma-try ko rin yan dito.
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livingstain
wow andaming camel. nasan ka sa pictures?
padaan lang po
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odette
great sunset pictures jo!
i would have screamed too i think, i’m your typical nerbiyosa girl. ^-^
the husband would love to see the desert too, and i think the camel ride is something i have to write on my must-dos. ^-^
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fortuitous faery
love the vignettes!
don’t bash the camels! hehe. i wanna experience that, too! 🙂
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dyanie
i was supposed to ask u panu kayo sasakay sa camel tapos i looked back again sa mga pics. kaya pala sila nakaupo haha. kala ko kasi yung parang sa horse na reach ka talaga sa kanila para ka makaakyat.
eh parang ako mapapa scream talaga sa pagsakay sa mga yan hehe 😉
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Photo Cache
how long was the ride? and how much? it does look like a fantabulous experience. parang once in a lifetime thing.
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kg
ang ganda ng pics! and the time of day seemed so perfect for the camel riding! 🙂
i wonder why they have that crocheted thing on their mouths. para kaya hindi mangagat? 🙂
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sheng
hahahaha, ang cute, i wanna try that, really, ang sarap ng feelng sumakay sa kalabaw, how much more kaya sa camel?
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upto6only
parang ang sarap sumakay sa camel. pero mukang nakakatakot. sa kabayo pa lang napapsigaw na ako dyan pa kaya hehehe
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Rico
I’ve yet to ride a horse too. But I’ve been on a carabao and a cow plenty of times when I was a kid.
That camel ride looks quite comfy.
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Daphne
Well I’m glad you found the camel ride fun. I didn’t like it. It was too jerky and his hump kept hitting against my lower back. Not my type of ride. hehehe
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sassy mom
ang ganda.. di ko pa na-try ang sumakay dito. However, I’d love to visit Dubai one of these days.
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mordsith
how long was the ride? btw, do camels bite? 🙂
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jeanny
wow…looks like ka enjoy mag camel riding. DO camel run ba, hehehe?
Happy Thurs Wits
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Amelia
that’s one of things that I wanted to do…in my bucket list…hahahah!
good that you have experienced that…thanks for sharing 🙂 nice pics!
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Wil
I thought bedouins are only in North Africa, but it sounds like they’re in UAE, too.
Sobrang mainit siguro jan. 😉
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BlogusVox
Aba, Ms.Jo, mukhang sulit na sulit ang week-end mo ah. : )
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dong ho
saya niyan! kawawa nga lang ang mga camel. hahaha…
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Sleepless In KL
good for you! you took the plunge…er..the ride 😉 one of my regrets is not riding a carabao when i had the chance to do so when i was still small hehe.
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kayni
big YES to camel ride…i’ll dream about if for now…lol. i love the sunset photos…so beautiful.
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AC
COOL…wanna try it someday…
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Stephie
That is so cool! I want to experience riding a camel too. Haha :p Natawa ako, kinausap mo ang camel… tagalog pa!
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Rach (Heart of Rachel)
Beautiful shots! The sunset is so breathtaking. It was be a great experience to ride a camel.
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haydom
4 yrs in Dubai yet riding a camel is still a dream to fulfill!
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Mrs. Mecomber
Great photos!
.-= Mrs. Mecomber´s last blog ..Photo Hunters: Foreign =-.
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Jec
I’m leaving for Dubai next week and this are all included in my itinerary. I’m glad I was able to read this. It could help me a lot. Now I’m more ready and excited to try dune bashing and riding a camel. Thanks very much!
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