Having fun on your holiday is a must, but leaving your obligations as a Muslim is not a choice. Visiting a Muslim-friendly destination does not only mean having an Islamic-based heritage or religious-focused attraction but on catering more to Muslim travelers’ religion-based needs.
This implies on being accommodating to the Islamic rules, such as halal foods and restaurants, mosque and worship facilities, halal hotels and accommodations, and other facilities that would support religious practices need. These destinations would also be safe and secure for Muslims to visit, guaranteeing maximum enjoyment during the trip. Here are some of the top Muslim-friendly countries based on the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2022 Report.
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Easily one of the most popular destinations, this city-state country tops our destination picks for Muslims due to its modern infrastructure combined with its culture and Muslim-friendliness. Topping the destinations ranking for non-OIC destinations in the GMTI 2022, Singapore has maintained its position and has been focusing on attracting and welcoming Muslim tourists. Filled with a decent Muslim population, mosques, and great halal restaurants, Muslims visiting Singapore would be treated to the journey of a lifetime.
There are multiple hotspots throughout Singapore, but some of the hugely popular attractions and activities are not to miss by anyone. Looking for a much different experience? Feel the breeze during your visit to the human-created tropical highlands ecology at the Gardens by the Bay, and see the Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest with your own eyes as it is a sight that you definitely wouldn’t like to miss! Visit Haw Par Villa to learn more about its history, filled with charm and less crowded, perfect for people who appreciate the quietness of the hustling and bustling cities. There are always attractions and undiscovered gems for you to choose from in Singapore.
If you need to fulfill your prayers or other religious needs, try dropping by Masjid Sultan to fulfill your obligations and engage with the local Muslim community. And last but not least, make sure to try the best halal dishes and visit traditional hawker centers before going home to taste the authentic local delicacies, as a trip is not a “real” trip without trying some good food!
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As a winner of Crescentrating’s Halal In Travel Awards as the Most Inclusive Destination, Taiwan is the perfect destination for Muslims who wanted the best blend of different experiences. With a culturally diverse and open-minded community, Muslims visiting the country would be given a sense of security during their visit.
There are plenty of halal-certificated restaurants, easy to locate with choices to choose from in order to assure the best dining experience. Try authentic cuisines such as Taiwanese beef noodles, bubble teas, or the baos that will melt your taste buds into bliss. Street foods and the bustling night markets are also good options as there are loads of options to choose from, just make sure to check whether their foods are halal or not.
Enjoying the scenery from hundreds of meters is something that you shouldn’t miss during your trip, hop on to Taipei 101’s observation deck for a stunning bird’s eye view of the city. If you’re lucky during your visit, you’ll be served with one of the best fireworks shows that the skyscraper is known for! If heights are not for you, multiple streets and areas - such as Ximending District and Jiufen Old Street, are there for the best food and shops for you to visit. Natural attractions such as Alishan, Beitou Hot Springs, and even beaches are also a sight to see.
Make sure to also go on a shopping spree! Beautiful trinkets made from jade, paper and wood-based souvenirs, and even pineapple cakes and teas are must-buy gifts after your trip to Taiwan.
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Famous for its white pristine beaches, lush jungles, amazing foods and surrounded by unique sights and sounds to add to the experience, Thailand is a fantastic destination you'll dream of visiting for the trip of a lifetime. With such charms and with Muslims presence increasing, Muslim visitors visiting Thailand won’t need to worry as halal food and prayer facilities are rising in number to cater to the travelers’ needs.
With beautiful natural attractions, beach hopping and even island hopping are one of the top picks for tourists to do. Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Koh Phi Phi are some of the popular places to visit for their beaches. Heritage attractions such as royal palaces, temples, and other cultural sites are also the site to visit for those who wanted a deep dive into the country’s history.
The star, the highlight, and the main character of the trip are definitely the food! Try out some of the best street food options such as Pad Thai - stir-fried noodles with seafood, chicken, or tofu, Som Tam - a spicy and sour Thai salad made using pestle and mortar from shredded papaya, and Khao Pad - fried rice with special Thai seasoning. There are also numerous halal restaurants for you to visit, just make sure to spot them using the HalalTrip App and you’re good to go!
Traveling on a tight budget? Local shops and night markets are your best friend. Popular with locals and international tourists, the busy markets are great for doing all kinds of shopping and even getting some of the best foods. Accommodations and travels are also affordable for most tourists during their visits, so visiting Thailand will definitely be fulfilling for the heart, while still keeping your wallet full.
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Be it spring, summer, fall, or winter, the UK is the perfect destination for a holiday. With high diversity and inclusiveness that are created within the community through different backgrounds, Muslims can rest assured during their visit as the community, businesses, and the government are supporting the efforts of increasing halal establishments, mosques or prayer facilities, and other supporting establishments.
Visitors visiting the UK are treated to different types of attractions, cities, and vibes to roll with. The British countryside with its natural attractions is one of the choices for you that wanted the European quiet and quaint village vibe. Metropolitan cities with a much more urban and modern attractions within the destination are also available for you to explore. Be it spending time visiting Stonehenge, the Tower of London, The Roman Baths and Georgian City of Bath, Windsor Castle, or even as simple as walking Oxford Street, there are endless attractions (even during the wettest and rainiest season) to visit within the destination.
With the number of Muslims in the UK increasing each day (a whopping 3.9 million), halal food is also easy to be found in every city. Ranging from halal restaurants, fast foods, cafes, to buffets. Try to get involved with the food culture during your visit too, such as starting your day with a traditional English breakfast, having your fix of afternoon tea, and so on! You might also find some of the most unique dishes to try on the surface of the earth, such as the stargazy pies and jellied eels, who knows, it might’ve suit your taste buds. Do not miss dropping by to some of the most historic and iconic mosques to do your daily prayers!
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Hong Kong is the right destination for you to visit if you’re looking for the hustle and bustle in a destination. Supported by multiple public transport and flights, visiting Hong Kong and getting by to each place are easy to do. You might also visit neighboring cities during your trip! Muslims would have no difficulty to also fulfilling their religion-based needs as there is always a place to get halal food and prayer facilities within the destination.
On every corner of the district, there are always Halal-certified or Muslim-owned restaurants for you to choose from and dine at without worrying. The best part is, you won’t need to miss out on tasting the local delicacies as there is always one establishment in every district or a food spot that serves the local Cantonese cuisines and are halal! Some of the most recommended halal spots include the Islamic Center Canteen, Wai Kee, and Ma’s Restaurant.
For people who are Insta-conscious, taking your pics in Hong Kong would also give you a picture of a lifetime. There are Public Square Street, Art Lane, Temple Street Market, or even the natural landscapes that Hong Kong has to offer for an Insta-worthy shot. The number of skyscrapers would also serve as a great background especially at night as the lights flash and illuminate the night sky. Preferring more action during the trip? There are theme parks such as Disneyland and Ocean Park that offer numerous heart-thumping and fun rides! The best part is, they also have prayer rooms and halal restaurants to eliminate your worries during a fun day.
Here are some of the Top 5 Non-OIC Muslim-friendly destinations based on the Global Muslim Travel Index 2022 Report. Whether you're looking to relax or a thrilling adventure, these destinations are an amazing choice for Muslim travelers to visit in 2023 with something for everyone. So, which destination are you planning to visit next?
Globialscourses
Nice!