Anti-Gravity Point, Oman: The Mysterious Slope That Defies Logic
In the Dhofar mountains of southern Oman lies a curious phenomenon that has intrigued visitors for years — the Anti-Gravity Point, a stretch of road where cars seemingly roll uphill against gravity. Located on the route between Salalah and Mirbat, this natural illusion has become a must-stop attraction for travelers looking to experience something a little out of the ordinary.
Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a curious explorer, or simply love quirky roadside spots, the Anti-Gravity Point offers a fun and baffling detour. And with a professional travel agency like Satguru Travel, you can visit this attraction as part of a scenic, guided journey through Dhofar’s coastline and mountains.
📍 Where is the Anti-Gravity Point in Oman?
📌 Location: Near Tawi Atair Sinkhole, on the road between Salalah and Mirbat
🛣️ Distance from Salalah: Approx. 35–40 minutes by car
🕰️ Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon
🎟️ Entry Fee: None — it’s a public road
🚗 Vehicle Requirement: Standard cars work fine, but a 4WD is recommended for surrounding areas
🌟 Pro Tip: Use a guide or GPS coordinates from Satguru Travel to locate the exact stretch of road — there’s no formal signage, and it’s easy to miss.
🌀 What Exactly Happens at the Anti-Gravity Point?
At a specific location on the road near Tawi Atair, drivers stop their cars, put them in neutral, and watch as the vehicle slowly begins to roll uphill. The slope appears to defy the laws of physics, causing amazement and curiosity among visitors.
🚗 What You’ll See:
- Cars rolling uphill seemingly on their own
- Bottles or balls placed on the ground doing the same
- Confused smiles and lots of video recording!
It’s not actually anti-gravity — it’s a classic optical illusion, caused by the surrounding terrain and horizon. The slope appears to be uphill, but it’s actually a slight downhill grade.
🌟 Pro Tip: Park your car at the starting point, put it in neutral, and let go of the brake — the experience is both eerie and exciting.
🧪 Science Behind the Illusion
Though often called a “mystery spot,” the Anti-Gravity Point is best explained through the science of visual perception.
🔍 Here’s how it works:
- The surrounding landscape (slopes, trees, horizon lines) tricks your brain
- Your eyes misjudge the actual angle of the road
- The result: you believe the car is rolling uphill when it’s really going downhill
This illusion is similar to gravity hills found in other parts of the world, like India, the U.S., and South Korea.
🌟 Pro Tip: Bring a leveling tool or mobile app to prove the road’s angle—it’s a fun way to explain the science to kids or curious travelers.
📸 Why It’s Worth a Visit
While it may be a quick stop, the Anti-Gravity Point adds a quirky, memorable experience to your Dhofar road trip.
📷 What Makes It Great:
- Unique optical illusion
- Great for videos and social media reels
- Fun group activity on your way to nearby attractions
- Easily accessible and totally free
🌟 Pro Tip: Capture a video from outside the car to best show the illusion—it’s hard to believe until you see it from a distance.
🧭 Nearby Attractions to Combine with Your Trip
Since the Anti-Gravity Point is located on the eastern route from Salalah, it’s best visited along with other nearby natural wonders and cultural sites.
📍 Tawi Atair Sinkhole – One of the largest sinkholes in the world
📍 Wadi Darbat – Lush valley with seasonal waterfalls and boat rides
📍 Ayn Athum Springs – Seasonal waterfall and picnic area
📍 Sumhuram Archaeological Park – Ancient ruins of a frankincense trading port
📍 Mirbat Town – Historic coastal village with a charming harbor and fort
🌟 Pro Tip: Book a full-day East Dhofar tour with Satguru Travel to explore all these attractions in one go, with stops for meals and photo ops.
🧳 Visit with Satguru Travel – Your Trusted Travel Agency
Finding the exact location of the Anti-Gravity Point and enjoying it as part of a scenic route is best done with local expertise. At Satguru Travel, we guide you through the highlights of coastal Dhofar, ensuring comfort, timing, and unforgettable experiences.
✅ Why Explore With Satguru Travel:
- Knowledgeable local guides and private drivers
- Exact coordinates and insider tips for lesser-known spots
- Full-day or half-day itineraries including natural and cultural highlights
- Optional picnic setup or stops at local cafés for refreshments
🌟 Pro Tip: Ask your Satguru guide to bring props like a bottle or ball to test the illusion on the spot!
📌 Visitor Tips and Essentials
🎒 What to Bring:
- Camera or smartphone (video is a must!)
- Water and snacks for the road
- Hat and sunglasses
- GPS or coordinate info if driving independently
🚻 Facilities:
- No toilets or shops at the Anti-Gravity Point
- Closest facilities are at Tawi Atair or Wadi Darbat
🚫 Safety Reminder:
- Use caution when stopping on the road
- Turn on hazard lights when demonstrating the illusion
- Stay off the main traffic lane and ensure your vehicle is stable
🌟 Pro Tip: Avoid peak traffic times and always prioritize safety over entertainment.
📅 Best Time to Visit
🟢 October – April:
- Clear weather, comfortable temperatures
- Ideal for outdoor touring and road trips
🌧️ June – September (Khareef Season):
- Lush greenery and mist in surrounding hills
- Heavier traffic and potential fog — drive carefully
🌙 Early Morning or Late Afternoon:
- Softer light for photography
- Less traffic on the road for a more relaxed stop
🎯 Final Thoughts: Gravity? Or Just a Trick of the Eye?
The Anti-Gravity Point in Oman may not truly bend the laws of physics, but it certainly bends perception and adds a fun, mind-boggling moment to any Salalah road trip. It’s the kind of stop that turns into a story — one you’ll love sharing long after your journey ends.
✨ With Satguru Travel, your expert travel agency in Oman, we ensure your trip is not only about the big sights — but also the curious, unexpected, and unforgettable ones. Let us show you a side of Oman where science, scenery, and surprise meet Book now.
Packages are:-
Salalah & Dhofar Green Escape
