Qala't Bu Mahir: Gateway to Bahrain's Pearling Past
Explore Qala't Bu Mahir, the historic gateway to Bahrain's Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the past.
Qala't Bu Mahir, also known as Bu Maher Fort, is a historic fort in Muharraq, Bahrain, marking the beginning of the Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1840, it played a vital role in Bahrain's pearling industry. Today, visitors can explore the fort and learn about Bahrain's rich maritime history.
A brief summary to Qala't Bu Mahir
- 6JR7+GCH, Muharraq, BH
- +97317298777
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit on days other than Tuesdays, as Qala't Bu Mahir is closed on Tuesdays.
- Stop by the Bahrain National Museum before visiting to gain context about the area's history.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the fort and the Pearling Path involves walking on uneven surfaces.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Muharraq Coast Guard station, Qala't Bu Mahir is a short walk along the coast. Head south, following the coastline, and you'll see the fort in the distance. The walk takes about 5-10 minutes and offers scenic views of the sea. There are no costs associated with this route.
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Public Transport
From Muharraq city center, take a local bus towards the southern end of the island. Alight at the bus stop closest to the Muharraq Coast Guard. From there, it's a short 5-10 minute walk south along the coast to reach Qala't Bu Mahir. A single bus fare costs approximately 0.20 BHD.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From anywhere in Muharraq, a taxi or ride-share to Qala't Bu Mahir is a convenient option. Simply provide the destination name to the driver. The ride typically takes 5-10 minutes depending on the starting point and costs around 1-2 BHD. Note that the fort is not directly accessible by car, so you may need to walk the last few meters.
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Ferry
A popular way to reach Qala't Bu Mahir is by taking a boat from the Bahrain National Museum in Manama. The boat departs every 45 minutes and offers a scenic ride to the fort. A round-trip ticket costs 1 BHD. Upon arrival at the Qala't Bu Mahir jetty, a short walk over a pedestrian bridge leads to the fort entrance.
Discover more about Qala't Bu Mahir
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bumaher Castle
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Star Marine Services - Boat Trip / Sea Trip to Jarada Island
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The Green Corner
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Abdullah Al Zayed House for Bahraini Press Heritage
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Traditional Houses of Muharraq
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Muharraq Heritage valley
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Kurar House
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Al Muharraq historical downtown
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Discover Bahrain's pearling past in Al Muharraq's historical downtown, a UNESCO World Heritage site with traditional architecture and vibrant culture.
Al Ghouse Park
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Escape to Al Ghouse Park in Muharraq for a serene retreat amidst lush greenery, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Bahrain National Theater
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Busaad Art Gallery
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End of the Bahrain Pearling Path
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Siyadi Mosque
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Bahrain National Museum
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Unmissable attractions to see
Pearling Pathway Visitor Center 1- BuMaher Fort
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Bait Al Ghouse
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Muhraq beach
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Dar Al Muharraq
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قطعة حمد Qit'at Hamad K
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Muharraq sign
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بيت الجلاهمة - Al-Jalahma House
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بحر المحرق العام جنب قلعة بوماهر
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بحر المحرق العام جنب قلعة بوماهر
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Discover a serene coastal retreat at Bahr Al Muharraq Public Beach, blending relaxation with Bahrain's rich pearling history and cultural significance.
Al Sayadeen view point
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Fakhro House
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Murad Majlis ( Previously Sheikh Mohammed bin Saqer Al- Moawda Majlis - مجلس الشيخ محمد بن صقر المعاودة)
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Dhow Building yard
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منزل المرحوم علي أمرالله الأسدي The house of Ali Amrallah ALasadi
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Mohammed Bin Faris House for vocal Music
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Essential places to dine
Cafeteria Reem AlBawadi
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Trabzon Istanbul Restaurant مطعم طرابزون اسطنبول
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Al Isha restaurant ( Kerala Restaurant)
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Apna Dera Restaurant Muharraq Branch
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New Lahore Restaurant
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Grill & Thrill
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Qasr Alsadaf Restaurant
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Our Old House مطعم ومقهى بيتنا القديم
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Wafoy Restaurant
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Gulf Sea Restaurant
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Tanjah Restaurant
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Vivasayi Restaurant
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Kudukkachi Restaurant
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Ramla Grill Restaurant
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Tandoori Tawah Restaurant W.L.L
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Riza Hijabs bahrain
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Family Train Muharraq
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JAHRAMI COLD STORE
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Bukhnaq boutique
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Ghawar Boutique Muharraq
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Ajmal Perfume, Souq Muharraq
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سوق المحرق التجاري
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Teeb Al Karam Perfumes
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Souq Al Muharraq
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Baghdad Abayat
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Ahyan Fashion
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Al Haramain Perfumes - Muharraq
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الزعيم المعسلات واشياشAlzaeem Mosalat
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KISWAH BOUTIQUE MUHARRAQ
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Beard Club
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Shift 7
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Sports Bay Bahrain
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Cocoluna Lounge
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Havana Bar & Lounge
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Fiddlers Green Irish Pub
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Republiq Lounge Bahrain
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Spice club Restaurant
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The Harvesters
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POSH LOUNGE
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Beats Lounge
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