Oman’s Hidden World Beneath the Earth
Deep within the Selma Plateau, far from the hum of city life, lies one of Oman’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders — the Majlis Al Jinn cave. Vast, mysterious, and untouched, this underground chamber is among the largest in the world. Its name, which translates to “Meeting Place of the Spirits,” hints at the legends and mystery that surround it.
A Secret Beneath the Selma Plateau
From above, the Selma Plateau looks like a rugged stretch of limestone rock. But hidden beneath its surface is a world that defies imagination — a cavern so large it could fit several aircraft inside. The Majlis Al Jinn chamber spans roughly 300 meters in length, 225 meters in width, and soars to a height of over 120 meters at its tallest point.
The cave’s sheer scale is difficult to comprehend until you see it with your own eyes. It feels less like a natural formation and more like a grand subterranean cathedral, carved over millennia by the quiet persistence of water and time.
The Descent into the Depths
Not for the Faint of Heart
Majlis Al Jinn isn’t an ordinary cave that tourists can stroll into. There are no paths, lights, or handrails — just three natural openings at the top of the plateau that drop straight down into darkness.
The only way to enter is by rope descent, which can reach depths of up to 158 meters. This makes Majlis Al Jinn a destination reserved for professional cavers and explorers equipped with advanced gear and official permits from Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
The Experience of Entry
Descending into the cave is an unforgettable experience. As daylight fades behind you, the beam of your headlamp becomes your only guide. The air turns cool and still. The vast silence is broken only by the faint echo of your movements — a haunting reminder of just how deep underground you are.
Once inside, explorers often describe a sense of awe that words fail to capture. The chamber is silent yet alive with history. Each echo seems to carry whispers from the past, and every glimmer of light reveals the smooth, ancient stone walls shaped by centuries of erosion.
The Geological Wonder
How Nature Built a Giant
Majlis Al Jinn was formed over millions of years through the process of water erosion. Rainwater, seeping through cracks in the limestone plateau, gradually dissolved the rock and expanded underground chambers. Over time, the ceilings of these cavities collapsed, merging smaller caves into the single massive space that exists today.
The cave’s three entrances were likely created when parts of the roof gave way, exposing the hidden world below. When sunlight filters through these openings, it casts dramatic beams that shift with the time of day — a natural light show illuminating the cave’s immense beauty.
The Sound of Silence
One of the most striking features of Majlis Al Jinn is its acoustic perfection. Even the faintest sound echoes endlessly, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Many explorers have compared it to standing inside a natural amphitheater — every sound magnified, every movement resonant.
Legends and Local Lore
The Meeting Place of the Spirits
The name “Majlis Al Jinn” is rooted in Omani folklore. In Arabic culture, jinn are mythical beings made of smokeless fire — invisible to humans yet present in many tales. Locals once believed this massive underground chamber was where these spirits gathered.
Before scientific exploration revealed the cave’s true nature, villagers who heard strange echoes from the plateau assumed it was the voices of jinn meeting beneath the earth. The legend gave the cave a mystical aura that continues to capture imaginations today.
From Myth to Marvel
While modern explorers view Majlis Al Jinn through a geological lens, the legends remain an inseparable part of its identity. The folklore adds a cultural depth to the cave — a reminder that even in the age of science, mystery and myth can coexist.
A Destination for the Brave
Permits and Preparation
Because of its size, isolation, and technical challenges, Majlis Al Jinn is not open to general tourism. Access requires an official permit and the guidance of certified caving experts. Proper rope climbing equipment, helmets, lighting, and safety harnesses are mandatory.
The descent and return can take several hours, depending on experience and weather conditions. It’s physically demanding and mentally challenging, but for adventurers who make it to the bottom, the reward is unparalleled — a sense of discovery that few on earth will ever experience.
Preserving a Natural Treasure
Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has taken careful steps to protect Majlis Al Jinn from environmental damage. Only a limited number of expeditions are allowed each year to ensure that this delicate ecosystem remains undisturbed.
There have been discussions about developing controlled tourism — such as viewing platforms or digital experiences — but for now, the cave remains a sanctuary for serious explorers and scientists.
Standing Above the Unknown
Even for those who never descend, visiting the Selma Plateau is an adventure on its own. The plateau offers panoramic views of Oman’s rugged eastern Hajar Mountains, with winds sweeping across the barren rock. Knowing that one of the world’s largest cave chambers lies hidden just beneath your feet adds a thrilling sense of mystery to the landscape.
The plateau’s remoteness, combined with its natural beauty, makes it a perfect destination for hikers, geologists, and travelers seeking solitude and wonder.
The Science and Spirit of Exploration
Nature’s Masterpiece
Majlis Al Jinn is more than a cave — it’s a monument to the patience of nature. It tells the story of how water, over countless millennia, carved out a space of breathtaking magnitude from solid stone.
For geologists, it offers insight into the history of Oman’s landscape. For explorers, it is a challenge that tests endurance and courage. For dreamers, it is a symbol of the earth’s endless capacity to surprise us.
A World Beneath Our Feet
In an age where humans have mapped mountains, oceans, and skies, Majlis Al Jinn reminds us that there are still hidden worlds waiting to be discovered. It’s a place where silence speaks, where time stands still, and where the line between myth and science blurs beautifully.
Visiting Majlis Al Jinn: What You Should Know
Location: Selma Plateau, eastern Hajar Mountains, Oman
Access: Permit required; only experienced cavers may enter
Equipment: Advanced caving and climbing gear essential
Best Time to Visit: October to April (cooler and drier weather)
Nearest Town: Fins, about 100 km southeast of Muscat
Travelers planning to explore the Selma Plateau should ensure they have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, as the terrain is rough and steep. Even without entering the cave, the plateau itself offers a rewarding journey through one of Oman’s most dramatic landscapes.
Conclusion: The Call of the Hidden World
Majlis Al Jinn stands as one of Oman’s most extraordinary natural wonders — vast, mysterious, and humbling. It is not a place for casual sightseeing but for those who seek the thrill of true exploration.
To gaze into its depths is to witness the raw artistry of nature and to feel a deep respect for the forces that shape our planet. Whether viewed from above or experienced from within, Majlis Al Jinn captures the imagination like few other places on earth. It is a reminder that adventure still lies beneath our feet — waiting, silent, and eternal.