Celebrated Founding Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a memorable trip to Jazan, one of the most underrated gems in the country.
Whenever I travel to a city which is new to me in Saudi Arabia, I always try to have a local with me — someone who can share the history of the place and help translate during conversations with people we meet along the way. It makes the experience so much richer and more meaningful. On this trip, I was with Meshal, a good Saudi friend of mine. We rented a car from Yelo for three days, which cost us SAR 460 in total. Meshal took the wheel for the entire journey, navigating through coastal roads, mountain switchbacks, and desert highways like a pro.
Flew out of Riyadh on a Thursday night via flynas, arriving in Jazan late that evening. The adventure kicked off early Friday morning with a ferry ride to the stunning Farasan Islands. After soaking in the island vibes, hit the road toward the mountains. Our next stop: Fayfa, spent the night surrounded by terraced hills and cool mountain air. Waking up to the view of the Fayfa Mountains was like stepping into another world — a Saudi Arabia not many get to see. From there, drove through the winding paths of Wadi Lajab. By the afternoon, back in Jazan City to join the Founding Day celebrations, with cultural performances and a festive local atmosphere. Stayed one more night in the city, before catching a 3:55 PM Saudia flight back to Riyadh the next day. I used my miles for this journey back to the capital of Saudi Arabia.
Table of Contents
What you need to know about Jazan
- Located in southwestern Saudi Arabia, along the Red Sea coast.
- Second smallest province of Saudi Arabia after Al-Bahah.
- Close to the Yemeni border.
- Home to the Farasan Islands, Saudi Arabia’s first marine protected area.
- Jazan City is the administrative capital.
- Rich in agriculture, industry, and coastal activities.
- Nicknamed the “fruit basket” of Saudi Arabia.
- Famous for mangoes, papayas, bananas, figs, and coffee.
- Jazan Province’s climate is impacted by tropical winds, and the weather is generally very hot in summer and mild in winter, except for the mountain highlands, where temperatures are moderate and there is rainfall throughout the year.
Where to stay in Jazan
Faifa Hotel
After returning from Farasan Island, drove up into the mountains to reach Fayfa, spent the night at the Faifa Hotel — a cozy stay perched high above the clouds. The drive itself was an experience, winding through terraced hills and misty curves that reveal just how different this part of Saudi Arabia feels. The best part of staying there? Without a doubt, waking up to the panoramic view of the Fayfa Mountains, with a cool breeze and a breakfast spread that felt even more special with that scenery. It was one of those peaceful, slow mornings you just want to stretch out forever.
Radisson Blu Resort Jizan
After exploring the natural beauty of Wadi Lajab, drove straight back to Jazan City and checked in at the Radisson Blu Resort Jizan for the final night in the region. The resort sits right by the Red Sea, and what I loved most was the fresh sea breeze that greeted us the moment we arrived. The pool area opens up to a stunning view of the sea, making it easy to relax and unwind after a day of adventure. With direct access to the shoreline, it felt like the perfect way to wrap up the trip — calm, coastal, and just the right touch of comfort.
What to do in Jazan
Farasan Islands
Getting there
Visiting the Farasan Islands from Jazan City involves a ferry journey across the Red Sea.
Ferry Schedule
The ferry service between Jazan and Farasan Island operates twice daily in both directions:
- Jazan to Farasan Island:
- Departure at 7:00 AM (boarding at 5:30 AM)
- Departure at 3:30 PM (boarding at 2:00 PM)
- Farasan Island to Jazan:
- Departure at 7:00 AM (boarding at 5:30 AM)
- Departure at 3:30 PM (boarding at 2:00 PM)
Obtaining Ferry Tickets
Your first question could be – how much the ferry ticket price is. It’s free!
Without a Vehicle:
- Online Booking: Passengers traveling without a vehicle can book tickets online through the Transport General Authority. No need to print your tickets. Just make sure that the confirmation number or QR is available with you, and your travel documents like passport of ID are with you. You can book online a day before your trip as the system refreshes ticketing daily.
- In-Person Booking: Alternatively, tickets can be obtained directly from the ticket office in Jazan. The office is located on King Fahd Road, opposite Jazan Port. It’s recommended to arrive at the port at least an hour before departure for security checks and boarding procedures.
With a Vehicle:
- Advance Booking: Transporting a vehicle requires advance planning due to limited space. Tickets for vehicles must be obtained in person from the Jazan ticket office, often up to seven days in advance, especially during peak periods like weekends and holidays.
- Standby Option: Without a reservation, you may attempt to board on a standby basis by arriving at the port early. However, this carries the risk of not securing a spot, particularly during busy times. Additionally, returning without a reserved vehicle spot can lead to delays on the island.
Boarding and Travel Tips
- Arrival Time: Arrive at the port at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure to allow sufficient time for ticketing, security checks, and boarding.
- Security Checks: Be prepared for security screenings similar to airport procedures. Ensure you have all necessary identification and travel documents readily available. The security will scan the QR of your ticket or if it is not appearing in your document, they will check your ticket then input your ID number as it is already linked to your ticket.
- Onboard Facilities: The ferry journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. Ferries are equipped with prayer rooms, restrooms, and snack bars offering refreshments. You may bring food and beverages.
- Alternative Transport: If unable to secure a vehicle spot on the ferry, consider renting a car upon arrival on Farasan Island or utilizing local transport options such as taxis. Note that rental availability may be limited during peak times.
Getting around
Taxis and Private Drivers
Upon arrival at the ferry terminal, you’ll find local drivers offering transportation services. It’s advisable to negotiate the fare before starting your journey to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings. For example, a five-hour car tour around the main island has been reported to cost approximately SAR 500.
Public Buses
In December 2024, the Saudi Transport General Authority (TGA) inaugurated the first public bus line on Farasan Island. This initiative aims to enhance mobility for both residents and visitors. The bus service operates multiple lines, covering significant areas of the island, and runs for 18 hours daily. This development provides an affordable and reliable means of transportation for tourists looking to explore the island’s attractions.
Car Rentals
For greater flexibility, consider renting a car. A car rental agency operates within the ferry terminal. An international driver’s license is typically required for rentals. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure vehicle availability.
Tips for Getting Around
- Plan Ahead: Familiarize yourself with the island’s layout and decide on the sites you wish to visit to choose the most suitable mode of transportation. I did this while waiting for the ferry to see which places to visit first and on our way back to the ferry terminal.
- Negotiate Fares: When using private drivers, always agree on the fare before commencing your journey to avoid any disputes.
- Stay Hydrated: The tropical climate can be intense; carry sufficient water, especially if you’re cycling or walking.
- Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and adhere to local traditions to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience.
Things to do
Cruise Through the Mangroves by Boat or Yacht
One of the best ways to explore Farasan is by taking a boat or yacht ride through the mangrove forests. Took a small boat for SAR300 for three hours. Mangroves’ green corridors are teeming with birdlife and marine species — peaceful, untouched, and incredibly photogenic. It’s a calm, immersive experience in nature, especially beautiful during early morning or late afternoon light.
Discover the Marine Sanctuary
The waters around Farasan are part of a protected marine sanctuary, known for vibrant coral reefs and diverse sea life. Whether you’re snorkeling, diving, or just cruising above the reef, it’s a must for anyone who loves the ocean. Look out for colorful fish, sea turtles, and maybe even dolphins.
Spot the Arabian Gazelle
Farasan is home to the rare and elegant Arabian gazelle. With a bit of luck and quiet observation, you might catch a glimpse of them roaming freely in certain parts of the island. Early morning or evening is the best time to try — bring your camera and your patience.
Visit the Cultural Village
A walk through the Cultural Village offers a fascinating look at traditional island life. Explore coral-stone buildings and historic homes that reflect the island’s rich heritage. The village is small but full of stories.
Chat with the Locals
Don’t miss the chance to talk to the people of Farasan — they’re friendly and proud of their island. You’ll often find them near the port, at coffee spots, or outside small shops. If you speak Arabic (or have someone with you who does), you’ll uncover some great stories about fishing, island traditions, and how life here has evolved.
Fayfa Mountains
Another unexpected highlight of this trip was Fayfa, or as they are called “Neighbor of the Moon”. They are a series of mountains wrapped around one another, with peaks covered with green, including: Al-Lagha, Al-Kadrah, Baqat Al-Washl, Al-Surrah, Qardah, and Al-Sama’. The highest one is Al-Absiyya summit.
The Fayfa Mountains are about 100 km from the city of Jazan. The drive up alone was something else — narrow roads winding through terraced hills, with clouds floating right alongside the car. It felt like we were driving into a dream. The weather? Cool and crisp, even in the middle of the day. A total contrast to the heat down in the city. Just being there, breathing in that fresh mountain air, instantly slows you down in the best way.
The mountains are famous for agriculture, and for the diversity of its seasonal crops, such as: grains, fruits, vegetables, aromatic plants, and others. Fayfa is also known for its local coffee farms, and had to check one out. Walking through rows of coffee plants with those deep green leaves and red cherries was a first for me. Of course, I couldn’t leave without buying a small bag of beans to take home — my favorite souvenir from this trip.
Honestly, Fayfa was one of those places that just quietly steals your heart. Full of soul and scenery evident by the number of videos I took along the way. If you ever get the chance to visit, go slow, take it all in, and don’t forget to grab that cup of mountain coffee.
Wadi Lajab
A wadi is the Arabic word for a valley or dry riverbed. Most of the time, it’s a rocky path between mountains or cliffs where water only flows during the rainy season. But some wadis, like Wadi Lajab, have water all year round, which makes even more special.
Out of all the places I visited in Saudi Arabia, Wadi Lajab was the one that truly took my breath away. For me, it felt like the perfect creation of God — something so beautiful, peaceful, and untouched. It’s a long canyon with high rock walls on both sides and water flowing through the middle. As I walked deeper into the wadi, I was just in awe. There were trees growing out of the rocks, little waterfalls, birds flying above — everything felt so alive and real.
I climbed over rocks, walked through the water, and stopped so many times just to take it all in. No noise, no rush — just nature at its best. Wadi Lajab didn’t feel like just a place to visit. It felt like a reminder — that beauty can be simple, pure, and right in front of us.
Corniche
You’ll find families having picnics, kids playing, and locals out for a walk, especially around sunset when the sky turns gold over the water.
This year, Founding Day celebrations in Jazan were held right along the Corniche — and the atmosphere was incredible. Locals gathered in their traditional outfits, music and dances filled the air, and the whole place felt full of pride and history. For the occasion, I wore a traditional Saudi dress, and to my surprise, I ended up getting interviewed by both Al Arabiya and the Saudi Ministry of Culture. It was such a humbling moment to represent my love for Saudi culture during such a meaningful national celebration.
This is my interview with Al Arabiya. The original post can be found here.
You can also catch the Ministry of Culture’s video toward the end of this blog — don’t miss it!
The Heritage Village
Right along the city’s corniche is a small but charming place that gives you a real feel for the region’s culture and history. You can walk through traditional houses in this village that show how people in Jazan used to live, which offer three historical symbols:
- Al-Baitul Tihami, or Ousha Attiniya (the mud nest), which is a symbol of the simplicity and elegance of the Tihami lifestyle.
- Al-Baitul Al-Jabali, with its solid architecture that was specially designed to suit the mountain’s environment and overcome natural erosion.
- Al Baitul Farasani, which is an embodiment of Farasan Island.
There’s also a small market (souq) inside the village where you can check out handmade items, spices, and local crafts. It’s a great place to pick up a little souvenir or just chat with the vendors.
If you’re lucky, you might catch a folklore dance or cultural performance. The vibe is local and friendly — no touristy rush, just people enjoying their evening.
What to eat
Masnaf
In Jazan, many local dishes are actually named after the pots they’re cooked in. These pots, often made of stone or clay, were traditionally crafted by hand. Today, you can find them in local markets around the country.
Our colleagues from Jeddah knew that I would be travelling to Jazan so they told me to try maghsh. I made sure to try it during the last day of this trip at Masnaf, a traditional restaurant in Jazan. Maghsh is a beef stew with vegetables like potatoes, okra, tomatoes, and zucchini. “Maghsh” isn’t just the name of the dish — it’s also the name of the stone pot it’s cooked in, kind of like the Korean dolsot. Many Jazani homes also have a special tannour oven called Mifa, used to cook a lot of their delicious dishes.
Also tried samak mkashan, a grilled hamour fish seasoned with spices and veggies, cooked over hot embers; and mahshoosh, a dish especially popular during Eid Al-Adha, made with lamb cutlets pan-fried in fat and seasoned with cinnamon and salt.
Jazan is also famous for mafalet / thareed, which comes in two versions — sweet and sour. The sweet one is made with millet or corn paste, cow’s milk, ghee, and sugar. The sour one is the same but fermented for a tangy flavor. On the side, locals enjoy khameer and lahooh — two kinds of sour bread made from fermented whole wheat or corn. Lahooh is thinner, like a crepe. They’re usually eaten fresh, dipped in stews or yogurt, or drizzled with ghee, butter, or honey.
And to wrap things up with something sweet, ordered the star dessert in Jazan is marsah: a filling mix of bread and banana chunks, topped with honey and ghee. It’s like Maasoub of the Hejaz region.
Hella
While waiting for the boarding for our trip to Jazan, looked for a coffee shop there. We were planning to go to a different one but when we saw this place, it really caught us by surprise. Stopped by just expecting a nice coffee break, but it turned out to be one of my favorites in the city.
What I loved most was the summer atmosphere. The whole place has this traditional Saudi setup with a modern twist, from the seating to the decor. It’s the kind of café where you can easily lose track of time. And here’s the cool part: I wasn’t expecting it at all, but they actually have coworking spaces inside. Yup — in the middle of this cozy, culture-rich café, there’s a spot where you can pull out your laptop and get things done. Super convenient if you’re traveling but still want to stay productive.
If you ever find yourself in Jazan and want a mix of local character and chill café culture, Hella Café is definitely worth checking out.
Mertello
After the amazing Founding Day celebration, was craving for a gelato so made a quick stop at Mertello — and honestly, it was the perfect way to end the day. Still dressed in my traditional Saudi outfit, I walked in just wanting something cold and sweet, and to my surprise, the staff was friendly — they noticed my attire and even gave a free gelato in the spirit of the celebration! It was such a kind gesture, and honestly made my night.
I tried their special gelato for Founding Day, and it was creamy, flavorful, and exactly what I needed after all the walking and dancing around earlier. The vibe inside was chill, modern, and cozy, with that signature Jazan warmth that makes you feel right at home.
Ocean Basket
Photo from Ocean Basket
After an amazing day exploring the Farasan Islands, got back to Jazan feeling hungry — and all I could think about was seafood. Headed straight to Ocean Basket, right by the Corniche. Ordered a platter of mixed seafood, and it came loaded with grilled fish, prawns, calamari, and mussels. The whole place has a relaxed vibe, perfect after a full day of sun, saltwater, and ferry rides.
What I really liked was how it felt like the perfect transition — from being out on the sea in Farasan to enjoying a proper seafood feast back in the city. If you’re ever coming back from the islands and looking for a satisfying meal, Ocean Basket is a great call.
I truly hope that more people get the chance to visit Jazan. The places in the region are too special to stay hidden — they absolutely deserve a spot on everyone’s travel timeline. If there’s one thing I believe could really help boost tourism here, it’s having a proper guidebook (based on my personal experience from booking a ferry ticket to Farasan Islands to getting around) or even better, training local tour guides who know the land, the stories, and the soul of the region. I would honestly love to support that in any way I can — even just coaching guides in my own personal capacity, if given the opportunity. But I hope that this blog post can serve its purpose — to share Jazan’s beauty, to encourage others to explore it, and to hopefully lift the spirits of the amazing people who live there. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from this trip, it’s that Jazan has so much to offer and even more to be proud of.
Saudi culture is generous and welcoming but in Jazan, I experienced a level of hospitality that truly stood out. What amazed me most was how this warmth wasn’t just in one moment or one place, it was everywhere. Whether I was deep in the Fayfa Mountains, walking along the Jazan Corniche, getting coffee at a local café, or even in the quietest corners of the city, the people I met were always kind, respectful, and ready to help with a smile. Amongst all the places I have visited in Saudi Arabia, Jazan is truly a benchmark of Saudi hospitality. It’s a tourist-friendly place. It felt like every interaction — big or small — was wrapped in genuine care. Jazanis don’t just host you; they welcome you into their space with pride.
So if you’re planning to visit, don’t just go for the stunning landscapes, the rich culture, or the amazing food (though you definitely should!) — go for the people. They’re what truly make Jazan unforgettable.
Want me to try new places or adventures in Saudi Arabia? Drop me a message and I will try to visit them. If you have questions about this trip or my other trips within the Kingdom, feel free to reach out to. I would be more than happy to share tips and recommendations.
My Saudi Arabia does not stop here. Look for more adventures in the Kingdom by visiting my Saudi Arabia Travel Guide.
Saudi Arabia Travel Guide
Riyadh
Al Bahah
Asir Region
Hejaz, including Jeddah
Sharqiah (Eastern Region)
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About the Author
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PJ is a CPA, writer, storyteller, environment and youth advocate. As a writer, his articles on national development were published in a Spanish newspaper and local news network Rappler. As a storyteller and environment advocate, his documentary films on mining and environment were featured by ABS-CBN News and GMA News. He launched his career as a CPA at KPMG in the Philippines in late 2015. He started his professional journey as an external auditor of a global workspace provider (the largest audit client of KPMG in the Philippines), global bank, leading MFCG in the Philippines and a number of shared service centres. As an auditor, his team won the KPMG Asia-Pacific Data & Analytics Challenge and coached the Philippine team that placed third to the KPMG GlobalRunner Cup. More than two years later, he led KPMG in the Philippines’ Network of Audit Innovators and Data & Analytics Champions and its academic arm, while serving as a member of the KPMG Asia-Pacific Audit Digital Transformation Workstream. He served as a member of the Audit Methodology Group and Root Cause Analysis Team of KPMG in the Philippines. He was a regular training facilitator of KPMG on audit methodology, innovation, data and analytics, professional standards and regulatory updates. He also served as a coach for newly promoted supervisors. PJ was also the Firm’s System of Quality Management Implementation Manager and a Workforce of the Future Champion. He was also a Sampling Specialist of the Firm. In 2019, PJ was a member of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)’s Technical Working Group on Audit Methodology. PJ led in developing some of the innovative solutions of KPMG in the Philippines. Above all, PJ is a people investor. He invests on people who have potential and talents. That makes him a coach and mentor to some young professionals in the profession and served as a People Committee member of KPMG in the Philippines. He leads advocacy projects that help communities. He produces vlogs thru his YouTube channel, PJspirations which features stories of different individuals. As a volunteer, he is the Academic Master and Head Coach of PREMIER International Learning and Development Center, which provides coaching, mentoring, training and learning programs and platforms that promote growth and development in every individual’s life and career. He is also with the Middle East and Caspian regions of KPMG as a member of its Professional Practice group and Audit L&D for the Saudi Levant Cluster, providing subject matter knowledge and guidance on audit methodology, and learning and development programs to its offices. He is a proud Ilocano and a graduate of Northwestern University.
He also conducts #IamRemarkable sessions, a program initiated by Google for women and underrepresented groups.
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