Wadi Rum: A Desert Beyond the Desert

Wadi Rum, located in southern Jordan about 60 kilometers from Aqaba, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 for its natural and cultural significance.

Upon entering, the first thing you’ll notice is the vast expanse of reddish-orange sand stretching endlessly. But instead of typical sand dunes, you’ll be greeted by towering sandstone mountains sculpted into natural pillars, walls, and arches. Many formations resemble architectural masterpieces that need no designer.

Interestingly, Wadi Rum has been home to the Bedouin tribes for centuries and continues to be so today. Visitors can stay at Bedouin Camps to experience traditional lifestyles, from sipping tea under tents to listening to stories around the campfire at night.

Its "Martian desert" appearance has made it a filming location for major movies like *The Martian* (2015) and *Dune* (2021), further emphasizing the feeling that this place is not of this world.

Exploring Wadi Rum is often done via 4x4 tours that take you to key spots like Lawrence’s Spring, a water source linked to T.E. Lawrence, or the Rock Bridge of Burdah, a natural arch popular among climbers. Alternatively, you can ride a camel, meandering through rocky terrain and valleys at a slower pace, reminiscent of ancient caravan routes.

As the sun sets behind the rocky horizon, the orange-red hues transform into deep purples, and the sky unveils one of the clearest views of a starry night anywhere in the world. This moment helps visitors understand that Wadi Rum is not just a desert—it’s "a moon you can walk on."

Post by Mr. Choon | Sep 12, 2025