The red planet

The otherworldly landscape of Wadi Rum in Jordan, with its strange rock formations and soft red sand, often stands in for the planet Mars in movies

According to the guide at Wadi Rum, there are only four trees in the desert and this (above) is among them.
According to the guide at Wadi Rum, there are only four trees in the desert and this (above) is among them. PHOTO: SUZANNE SNG
Spending the night in a bubble tent lets guests sleep under the stars while still enjoying creature comforts, like a bathroom and air-conditioning.
Spending the night in a bubble tent lets guests sleep under the stars while still enjoying creature comforts, like a bathroom and air-conditioning. PHOTO: SUZANNE SNG
Many Bedouin tribesman have turned to tourism in Wadi Rum and the neighbouring areas.
Many Bedouin tribesman have turned to tourism in Wadi Rum and the neighbouring areas. PHOTO: SUZANNE SNG
A beautifully plated lunch of salads, hummus and tender smokey chicken eaten in the middle of the desert.
A beautifully plated lunch of salads, hummus and tender smokey chicken eaten in the middle of the desert. PHOTO: SUZANNE SNG
Pools carved into the floors of Khazali Siq trap precious rainwater.
Pools carved into the floors of Khazali Siq trap precious rainwater. PHOTO: SUZANNE SNG
Suzanne Sng
Updated
May 27, 2021, 03:33 PM
Published
Mar 03, 2019, 05:00 AM
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Gingerly, I inch across the stone archway, barely a metre wide at its narrowest.

Below me, far, far below me, the famous dusky red sands of the Wadi Rum desert of Jordan undulate and stretch as far as the eye can see.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on March 03, 2019, with the headline The red planet. Subscribe

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