Jordan is one of the most amazing places I have visited, and among the many places to visit in Jordan for Malaysians, I recommend Petra as the number one place in Jordan.
You may be asking why I am writing this, and the reasons are that most general Malaysians usually travel for under a week, leaving only a few places to fully explore.
Jordan is a beautiful place, and it is best to spend at least a week to see all the beautiful places; if you have read other reviews on Jordan, they usually target the whole world in one post.
You may be asking why I am writing this, and the reasons are that most general Malaysians usually travel for under a week, leaving only a few places to fully explore.
Jordan is a beautiful place, and it is best to spend at least a week to see all the beautiful places; if you have read other reviews on Jordan, they usually target the whole world in one post.
Best Places to Visit in Jordan
Well, I am from Malaysia, and my target readers are back to the Malaysians who plan to visit Jordan for their holidays, studies or even for business.
I have read many articles on Jordan, and everyone wants to have the top ten things to do in Jordan or the top ten places to visit in Jordan. Still, again, sometimes these are not suitable for elderly or family travellers, especially from Malaysia or Southeast Asia.
I have read many articles on Jordan, and everyone wants to have the top ten things to do in Jordan or the top ten places to visit in Jordan. Still, again, sometimes these are not suitable for elderly or family travellers, especially from Malaysia or Southeast Asia.
Anyway, my visit to Jordan was in 2015, when I had the opportunity to explore almost all of the main tourist spots here as I was under the Jordan Tourism Board on the VisitJordan tourism campaign.
I visited Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and, of course, the Dead Sea, but in his article, I will highlight a few of these places and why.
I visited Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and, of course, the Dead Sea, but in his article, I will highlight a few of these places and why.
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| Amman City in Jordan, in a panoramic photo (click to see full size). |
1. Amman, Jordan
The capital of Jordan is Amman, and all visitors will be arriving here. Like any other city, many hotels are available, but you should know Amman is unlike Asian cities, which are bustling with shops, malls and traffic jams.
Most visitors would spend a night here before moving to the next destination, but for those staying in Amman, one of the must-visit places is Rainbow Street, the leading lifestyle area of Amman.
Most visitors would spend a night here before moving to the next destination, but for those staying in Amman, one of the must-visit places is Rainbow Street, the leading lifestyle area of Amman.
Here, you will find cafes, coffee shops, boutiques, souvenir shops, and restaurants along Rainbow Street and the surrounding areas.
Generally, you can come here and walk around to explore the place. If you visit Rainbow Street on a Friday, check out Souk Jara near the King Hussein Mosque. This souk is like a flea market with exciting crafts and local items.
Generally, you can come here and walk around to explore the place. If you visit Rainbow Street on a Friday, check out Souk Jara near the King Hussein Mosque. This souk is like a flea market with exciting crafts and local items.
Other things to do in Amman would be to visit a local spice market, a Turkish bath, the Jordan Museum, and the local perfume shops. One of the main attractions in Amman is also the Amman Citadel, which is located downtown.
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| Amman Citadel in Jordan. |
2. Amman Citadel
The Amman Citadel lies smack centre of the city of Jordan and is located on the highest hill in Amman.
This historic spot has been around from the Bronze and Iron Ages, as well as the Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad periods where the rich history and structures still stand here. Among them is the famous Temple of Hercules, a Byzantine church and the Umayyad Palace.
This historic spot has been around from the Bronze and Iron Ages, as well as the Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad periods where the rich history and structures still stand here. Among them is the famous Temple of Hercules, a Byzantine church and the Umayyad Palace.
While here, visit the Jordan Archaeological Museum, home to a collection of artefacts from the Citadel and other Jordanian historic sites. At the highest point, you can get a fantastic view of Amman with the giant Jordanian flag flying in the distance.
There is a lot of walking involved here; therefore, it is recommended to come prepared, and you can hire an English-speaking tour guide at JD15 per hour.
Alternatively, there are signs for each historical spot in English as well. To get from the town centre, take a taxi, which will cost around JD1-2.
The entrance ticket price for the Amman Citadel is JD2 per person. Prepare to spend around two to three hours here, and the best time to go is after lunch when the tour buses have left. Bring your water bottle and snacks too.
Alternatively, there are signs for each historical spot in English as well. To get from the town centre, take a taxi, which will cost around JD1-2.
The entrance ticket price for the Amman Citadel is JD2 per person. Prepare to spend around two to three hours here, and the best time to go is after lunch when the tour buses have left. Bring your water bottle and snacks too.
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| Jerash Ruins in Amman. |
3. Jerash Ruins
Located about one hour's drive north of Amman, the Jerash Ruins are the best Greek and Roman ruins out of Italy or Greece.
This place is filled with ancient history dating back to the Bronze Age right to the Ottoman period, and to see the entire Jerash, you would need half a day, and there is a lot of walking involved.
However, for photography and historical knowledge, this is the place to explore, and it is best done with a local guide.
This place is filled with ancient history dating back to the Bronze Age right to the Ottoman period, and to see the entire Jerash, you would need half a day, and there is a lot of walking involved.
However, for photography and historical knowledge, this is the place to explore, and it is best done with a local guide.
The place needs to be wheelchair-friendly, and proper walking shoes are required. For elderly visitors, you must be in good health to explore Jerash.
There is a main mini souk at the entrance with souvenir shops and cafes, and once you head into Jerash, there is no food or drinks, so you must bring water and some snacks.
The first structure you will encounter is the Arch of Hadrian. After walking through, you will find massive historical structures like The Temple of Artemis, a Hippodrome, temples, churches and loads of Roman and Greek pillars.
There is a main mini souk at the entrance with souvenir shops and cafes, and once you head into Jerash, there is no food or drinks, so you must bring water and some snacks.
The first structure you will encounter is the Arch of Hadrian. After walking through, you will find massive historical structures like The Temple of Artemis, a Hippodrome, temples, churches and loads of Roman and Greek pillars.
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| Petra's impressive Monastery. |
4. Petra
This and the ultimate must-visit place in Jordan is Petra, also known as one of the New Wonders of the World.
Petra is also the most visited place in Jordan, where this ancient site was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The town just outside Petra is Wadi Musa, where all the hotels, cafes and restaurants are located.
Among the notable spots in Petra is the Siq, the main beautiful gorge that leads you into the Treasury, a massive temple carved out of a mountain.
Further in, there are the Royal Tombs, Hadrian Gate, Cardo Maximus, and the Monastery, another structure like the Treasury.
Petra is also the most visited place in Jordan, where this ancient site was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The town just outside Petra is Wadi Musa, where all the hotels, cafes and restaurants are located.
Among the notable spots in Petra is the Siq, the main beautiful gorge that leads you into the Treasury, a massive temple carved out of a mountain.
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| The Treasury Building in Petra, Jordan. |
For Malaysians visiting Jordan, this would be the highlight of your visit, and you would be staying at Wadi Musa. There are hotels ranging from basic to luxury for your choosing.
For me, I stayed at Movenpick Resort in Petra, which is the closest hotel to the entrance of Petra, so it is easier for those wanting immediate access.
At the entrance, the Petra Visitors Center is an excellent place to start, as it provides all the information needed.
For me, I stayed at Movenpick Resort in Petra, which is the closest hotel to the entrance of Petra, so it is easier for those wanting immediate access.
At the entrance, the Petra Visitors Center is an excellent place to start, as it provides all the information needed.
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| Walking inside the beautiful Petra gorge, heading to the Treasury. |
There is a lot of walking here, but for those wanting quick access, the local Bedouin people provide transportation using donkeys, camels and even horse carriages for a fee.
We are looking at prices of JD$5 to JD$30 per person, depending on the area, too. In total, I walked 16 kilometres from morning to evening in Petra, so you can imagine the distance there. For elderly travellers, take your time and use the transportation services if required.
If you would like to see more photos of Petra, I did a series of Petra Jordan Photos, which shows unedited photos taken from a Note 5 smartphone. This would give you a better visual image of Petra and its offer.
The Journey from Amman to Petra
From Amman to Petra, it takes about three hours to drive south. Petra is on the way to Aqaba, the resort city of Jordan.
In those three hours, you will see much desert scenery; therefore, you can get some sleep on the way there. Make sure you get a comfortable van or car, too.
Along the way, you can make rest stops at various restaurants cum souvenir shops, and this would be your toilet break or prayer stop.
In those three hours, you will see much desert scenery; therefore, you can get some sleep on the way there. Make sure you get a comfortable van or car, too.
Along the way, you can make rest stops at various restaurants cum souvenir shops, and this would be your toilet break or prayer stop.
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| View of the Dead Sea in Jordan from one of the resorts here. |
5. Dead Sea
The second most popular destination in Jordan is the Dead Sea, located about one hour southwest of Jordan.
The Dead Sea is also the lowest point on earth, with an estimated 429 meters below sea level, while the length is 50 kilometres long and 15 kilometres at its widest point.
This is also one of the saltiest lakes on earth, where the saltwater here tastes 10 times saltier than normal seawater.
The Dead Sea is also the lowest point on earth, with an estimated 429 meters below sea level, while the length is 50 kilometres long and 15 kilometres at its widest point.
This is also one of the saltiest lakes on earth, where the saltwater here tastes 10 times saltier than normal seawater.
People from all over the world come here to experience natural wellness and health therapies due to the unique mineral content of the Dead Seawater.
Also, the word dead simply means no life can live in it due to the high salinity. With tons of tourists, you will find many hotels and resorts located along the Dead Sea.
Also, the word dead simply means no life can live in it due to the high salinity. With tons of tourists, you will find many hotels and resorts located along the Dead Sea.
Many international chains have their resorts here, like Hilton, Crowne Plaza Jordan, Movenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea, Jordan Valley Marriott Resort and Spa, Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea and many others.
There is even a small shopping mall here called Semarah Mall, and there are a couple of restaurants, cafes, a small supermarket and some retail stores here.
As for my trip, I stayed at the Movenpick Dead Sea and Spa Resort, which is truly a fantastic place, especially if you are travelling with a family.
There is even a small shopping mall here called Semarah Mall, and there are a couple of restaurants, cafes, a small supermarket and some retail stores here.
As for my trip, I stayed at the Movenpick Dead Sea and Spa Resort, which is truly a fantastic place, especially if you are travelling with a family.
Floating on the Dead Sea
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| A visitor floating in the Dead Sea. |
One thing you must be cautious about is the Dead Sea water getting into your eyes and mouth, as it will sting painfully.
The wellness process here is simple; at most resorts, they have a mud pail where you can cover yourself with mud and then slowly get into the water, soak yourself slowly and then float and keep your head up.
If the water gets into your eyes, you should immediately get back to the land and wash it out with tap water. It is wise to carry a large mineral water bottle, but most resorts here have staff on standby with pails of water.
You can imagine the number of people experiencing this as I did. Well, I had to try it to write about here, and I also did drink some of the Dead Sea water; it is the saltiest thing I have ever tasted.
You can imagine the number of people experiencing this as I did. Well, I had to try it to write about here, and I also did drink some of the Dead Sea water; it is the saltiest thing I have ever tasted.
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| Ma'In Hot Springs in Jordan. |
Other Places in Jordan
Aqaba is a coastal resort city on the Red Sea, famous for water sports and scuba diving. It is here where you can see Israel from the coast, and it takes around 4 hours to drive from Amman to Aqaba.
If you are doing a round trip in Jordan, start in Amman, head to Petra, then to Wadi Rum, then Aqaba and then up to the Dead Sea before heading back to Amman.
As for me, I visited Aqaba to experience Diving in the Red Sea as it has been one of my diving bucket lists.
If you are doing a round trip in Jordan, start in Amman, head to Petra, then to Wadi Rum, then Aqaba and then up to the Dead Sea before heading back to Amman.
As for me, I visited Aqaba to experience Diving in the Red Sea as it has been one of my diving bucket lists.
Wadi Rum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is mainly a scenic desert valley that is accessible by the main Desert Highway on the way to Aqaba.
At Wadi Rum, Desert Safaris and Desert Camping is the main attraction where you can experience hot days and cold nights and explore the beautiful natural structures in a 4x4 around this 74,000-hectare protected desert.
At Wadi Rum, Desert Safaris and Desert Camping is the main attraction where you can experience hot days and cold nights and explore the beautiful natural structures in a 4x4 around this 74,000-hectare protected desert.
Ma'in Hot Springs is located in the Dead Sea area just outside the Mujib Nature Reserve, and only one luxury resort is available there.
The Ma'in Six Sense Spa manages this luxurious resort, which is deep down in an Oasis with no other nearby property. In other words, luxurious and exclusive.
The Ma'in Six Sense Spa manages this luxurious resort, which is deep down in an Oasis with no other nearby property. In other words, luxurious and exclusive.
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| A desert safari in Wadi Rum, Jordan. |
Jordan Dinar or Dollar (JOD)
The Jordanian Dinar is often called JD, or sometimes Jordanian Dollar with the code JOD, and the conversion rate to Malaysian Ringgit is 1 JOD - RM 6.32 (Dec 2016 Rates).
Generally, a can of Coke is 1 JOD and going to the public restrooms along the highways will also cost you 1 JOD. Food is relatively reasonable, with dishes priced at around 3-5 JOD and a meal around JD4-8.
In general, you should take note of the conversions, especially when paying for souvenirs and other minor things.
This is one of my experiences where the Ringgit Malaysia or other non-popular currency is accepted at a really low rate.
I recommend you change your Jordanian Dollar in Malaysia or your respective country before going to Jordan.
Alternatively, bring US dollars to be changed there as you would get a much better rate. Generally, US Dollars always save the day, so keep some spare. Credit cards are accepted in most places.
Generally, a can of Coke is 1 JOD and going to the public restrooms along the highways will also cost you 1 JOD. Food is relatively reasonable, with dishes priced at around 3-5 JOD and a meal around JD4-8.
In general, you should take note of the conversions, especially when paying for souvenirs and other minor things.
Changing Money in Jordan
This is one of my experiences where the Ringgit Malaysia or other non-popular currency is accepted at a really low rate.
I recommend you change your Jordanian Dollar in Malaysia or your respective country before going to Jordan.
Alternatively, bring US dollars to be changed there as you would get a much better rate. Generally, US Dollars always save the day, so keep some spare. Credit cards are accepted in most places.
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| Jordan souvenirs - Sand Art, which is easily seen at most tourist places. |
Flights to Jordan from Malaysia
Currently, only one airline flies directly into Amman from Kuala Lumpur, which is Etihad Airways.
However, many other airlines do a stopover before landing in Amman, and price-wise, the difference is only around RM500 versus the direct flight.
However, many other airlines do a stopover before landing in Amman, and price-wise, the difference is only around RM500 versus the direct flight.
Direct Flight Kuala Lumpur - Amman
Etihad Airways
7.20 PM (KUL) --> 2.15 AM (AMM)
One Stopover from Kuala Lumpur - Amman
- Royal Jordanian/Malaysia Airlines via Bangkok
- Saudi Airlines via Jeddah (Cheapest Flights)
- Emirates via Dubai (Cheapest Flights)
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
Moving around Jordan
The best option is to book a tour with a knowledgeable local tour guide, which will be hassle-free. And if you are an adventurous traveller, solo, couple or family, you can get around quickly as most people here speak English, especially at popular tourist sites or bigger cities.
For single female travellers or backpackers, caution should be observed, especially in desert areas or attractions. I recommend you get a proper guide at some of these places.
For single female travellers or backpackers, caution should be observed, especially in desert areas or attractions. I recommend you get a proper guide at some of these places.
Eating in Jordan
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| Jordanian Food. |
As you already know, Jordan is a Muslim country, and all the food found here is Halal, no matter where you go.
However, you can find international food, mainly at hotels and resorts, but in the towns or cities, it's pure Jordanian food, which is fantastic.
The local Hummus is a must-try, while the local grilled food is also recommended. But one thing that you must try is the Mansaf, which is the national dish of Jordan, made of lamb cooked in a fermented, dried yoghurt sauce and served with rice or bulgur.
However, you can find international food, mainly at hotels and resorts, but in the towns or cities, it's pure Jordanian food, which is fantastic.
The local Hummus is a must-try, while the local grilled food is also recommended. But one thing that you must try is the Mansaf, which is the national dish of Jordan, made of lamb cooked in a fermented, dried yoghurt sauce and served with rice or bulgur.
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| Sunset at the Dead Sea in Jordan. |
For more information on Jordan, visit the official Jordan Tourism website, which is branded as Visit Jordan. The interactive website has almost everything you need to know about this fantastic country, even a section dedicated to food in Jordan.
Overall, Jordan is one of the best places to visit in the Middle East as it is very safe, has excellent infrastructure and has many exciting places to visit.
Many Europeans and Americans are seen around Jordan as part of their Middle East Tour, and for Malaysians, many Malaysian students are studying here in Jordan.
Do a complete loop where you start in Amman, head to Petra and spend two nights there, then to the Dead Sea for another night and back to Amman, which can be done in five to six days.
Alternatively, you can also head to the resort city of Aqaba from Petra, then up to the Dead Sea and back to Amman.
Many Europeans and Americans are seen around Jordan as part of their Middle East Tour, and for Malaysians, many Malaysian students are studying here in Jordan.
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| Amman to Petra map showing how long it takes to drive there. |
Alternatively, you can also head to the resort city of Aqaba from Petra, then up to the Dead Sea and back to Amman.
Conclusion
To book tours to Jordan, I also recommend visiting the Matta Fair, as you can get some perfect packages and deals from those selling Middle East tours.
Again, this article was written primarily for Malaysia as many locals would want to know the best places to visit in Jordan for Malaysians.
Again, this article was written primarily for Malaysia as many locals would want to know the best places to visit in Jordan for Malaysians.