Where is it?
Bahrain (which means ‘two seas‘ in Arabic) is a group of 33 islands, located between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. 
Where should I be heading for?
The capital Manama, located on the main island.
Entry requirements:
Tourist visas can be obtained from the Bahraini Embassy, or upon arrival at the airport or at the border of Saudi Arabia.  For British citizens, it’s 10 BD for a three month visa – and that’s the minimum time limit they give.
Health:
Nowt to worry about.  The Kingdom of Bahrain is very clean.
Top 5 things to do:
1.  Drive up to the King Fahd Causeway – one of the most expensive bridges in the world (and an impressive example of engineering) that joins Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.  On a bright day, you can get a superb view of the Saudi border and the sea in between from the Causeway tower.  If you’re lucky, you’ll see dolphins too.
2.  Visit the camel farm – you can feed them or just watch how they are reared.  Be careful of the males though – they're so frisky, they've had to be separated from the ladies and chained down!
3.  Bahrain Fort (also known as the Portugese Fort, when it was once occupied by them) – a traditionally Arabic fort, currently being restored to its full glory.
4.  Bahrain’s grand mosque, the Al Fateh mosque for its traditional Arabic architecture.
5.  Bab Al Bahrain (or 'the gateway to Bahrain'), which was built by the British in 1945 and restored in 1986.  The old gate leads the way to the souq of Manama for some shopping.  Don’t forget to haggle!
Is it expensive?
The Bahraini Dinar is stronger than the sterling pound.  Hotel rates are dear (expect to pay around £80 for a double room for a 3 star hotel).  Also, be prepared to haggle with taxi drivers who don’t run by the meter.  A trip to the Gate of Bahrain (the main point of Manama) should cost about 1 BD (less than £2) so don’t agree to 3 - 5 BD!
What's the food like?
Bahrain’s own cuisine is very limited and you’ll be hard pushed to find anything reasonably acceptable.  Local places are very cheap, usually compromising of Arabic origin food like kebabs.  Familiar fast-food joints are dotted all over the place, with the standard rates as per charged worldwide.  However, you’ll find some great places to eat in the food courts (Chinese, Arabic) of some of these shopping malls and the portions are generous!
Is it safe to drink the water?
Yes, though people prefer bottled water.
What are the toilets like?
Hygienic and no holes in the ground!
What to wear:
While women aren't expected to wear an abeyya (a long, black cloak-like garment and head scarf), Bahrain is an Islamic state and you must respect their customs.  Dress tastefully so that's a no-no to bikinis, micro-skirts and tight vests. 
Best time to visit:
Between November and March is a good time but because the coast is very close by, you'll feel the strong winds when the direction changes, especially at nights, so make sure you have a jacket handy.
Don't miss:
The King Fahd Causeway.  The bridge joining Saudi and Bahrain is 25 kilometres, longer than the one in San Francisco!
Most overrated thing:
Although Bahrain is a country rich in oil reserves, it’s not a patch on Dubai when it comes to modern architecture and design.
(3½/5)

Photos: Afsheen Shaikh