Built on a white marble outcrop in the epic Bidah Valley, south of Al Baha, Dhee Ayn looks like an Arabian citadel has arrived on a Tuscan hillside. Often called the Marble Village, the cuboid buildings were made of stone and slate more than 400 years ago and were abandoned in the 1980s. Exploring its narrow pathways is a beautiful experience, especially during the golden hours, when the light reflects on the white marble and the colorful Sarawat mountain range in the background.
In the cool Sarawat Mountains west of the city, Raghadan Forest Park was once a wilderness area but has been sensitively adapted for visitors, with a paved trail up into forested hills populated by impish baboons. From the top of the path, there are striking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including the winding road that leads to Dhee Ayn. Whether you go for a weekend campout, ride a zip line or practice yoga in the forest, make sure to grab a bite from food stalls or a local barbecue in the hills to enjoy as the sun goes down.
Nestled halfway to the peak of Jabal Mussala Ibrahim is the hidden village of Sheda, offering dramatic views across the green cliffs and valleys of the Sarawat Mountains. As you venture up, the air becomes much cooler and drier, which has allowed rare plants like the white Capparis cartilaginea flower (sometimes called Cartilage caper) and the Dendrosicyos tree (also known as the cucumber tree) to grow. Along the picturesque drive up its slopes, you’ll pass ancient stone houses dotting the roadside, offering a glimpse of a time and communities past.
