Do not try to bend this rule otherwise you will likely face jail time and eventual deportation. Besides, there are other places in the vicinity that everyone can enjoy. Al Bahah: past Taif farther southeast is the pleasant city of Al Bahah which also enjoys a lovely climate and is surrounded by forests. Areas around the city reach altitudes of nearly 2,000 metres, which makes for some spectacular views and scenery. If you are a Muslim you can pass through Mecca to get here which means a road trip of about 3 hours from Jeddah; for non-believers add at least an hour. The Mina is another Mecca must-see, the point at which stones are thrown at the devil. If you get hungry after you’ve seen the holy sights, Mecca is home to just about every American fast-food chain under the sun. Medina: much farther from Jeddah than Mecca, Medina is a hefty 5-hour trip by road meaning it’s just about doable in a day but better as an overnight trip. Either way the second most holy city under Islam is a must for all Muslims visiting this area. Taif: lying close to Mecca, Taif is a beautiful, airy mountain town 1,700 metres above sea level in the Al-Sawarat Mountains that makes a perfect escape from the heat of Jeddah; just ask the Saudi government, they relocate here every year. If you are a Muslim, getting here from Jeddah is straightforward and takes just over an hour. If, however, you are not Muslim, you must take the Christian bypass which adds an extra 110kms to the journey. No matter what your religion, Taif is a must-see place if you’re in Jeddah as it offers many historical sights and nature areas. Yanbu itself is a major oil port but also features some excellent beaches and areas for scuba diving that are full of coral, and the water is generally clearer than Jeddah too. | 
