
During these recent years, halal tourism has surged so much that it transformed from a niche sector to mainstream industry.
According to FMI, Halal tourism market is likely to grow approximately to USD 301.9 billion by 2025. This remarkable growth is particularly driven by the spike in Muslim tourists who increasingly seek destinations offering halal-certified facilities and services. At the same time, rapid development in digital platforms has significantly enhanced the access of halal-friendly tours and accommodations, thereby making planning more convenient for halal tourists than ever before.
Malaysia is considered as a beacon in Muslim-friendly travel market, embodying the perfect destination for every hassle-free experience seekers. With Islam as its official religion, Malaysia possesses strong advantages in providing facilities that make the country a welcoming haven for Muslim tourists.
The booming of muslim-friendly tourism (Source: ITC)
Halal is an Arabic term meaning “permitted” and extends to more than just food.
In terms of “Malaysia Halal tourism”, also known as muslim-friendly travel, is a specialized form of tourism gear towards Muslim families who abide by the rules of Islam. It covers everything from providing halal food, prayer facilities, and availability of water in toilets for washing and ablution, to offering options for gender segregation. In addition, halal tourism also ensures an environment that is free from forbidden activities such as alcohol consumption and gambling.
This type of tourism aims to create a comfortable and respectful travel experience that aligns with the beliefs and practices of Muslim travellers.
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In 2023, Malaysia Halal Tourism received further recognition, earning the title of Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year (OIC) and the distinguished Top Muslim Women-Friendly Destination of the Year in the Halal in Travel Awards.
And following that is the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI)’s 2024, Malaysia Halal Tourism secured the top spot as the leading destination for Muslim tourists. This achievement coincides with Malaysia Halal Tourism being awarded the “Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year (OIC)” at the Halal in Travel Awards 2024.
With various accolades and a steadfast commitment to satisfy the demands of Muslim travellers, Malaysia Halal Tourism stands as a significant role model, offering an immersive and welcoming destination for both regular and muslim travelers in particular.
Malaysia is a popular destination for Halal tourists (Source: freepik)
Malaysia is among the countries that have established a proper certification system for muslim-friendly tourism. Some examples to be mentioned are the MS 2610 Muslim-Friendly Certification by SIRIM, the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) certificate by ITC…
This system not only plays a role as the guide for Malaysia Halal tourism companies but also a label to help Muslims declare services designed for them. Thus, they will travel confidently, knowing that there are halal-certified food and beverage outlets approved by a competent authority and other recognised certifications at the destination visited.
Malaysia Halal tourism is among the best (Source: The Star)
Malaysia Halal tourism offers an array of halal hotel options is available for tourists to choose from. The bare minimum one should provide them with prayer rugs, prayer direction signages, or a proper halal food and beverage menu.
Muslim Prayer Room for guests at a muslim-friendly hotel (Source: Prince Hotel)
Islamic law requires Muslims to ritually clean their body before performing their prayers and for hygiene purposes. Hence, water is an essential element for Muslim tourists to keep themselves clean at all times.
Acknowledging that physical and spiritual purification is one of the virtues highly regarded in Islam, Malaysia Halal Tourism try their best to cater for those needs perfectly. They set up washrooms with a clean source of water allowing Muslim tourists to purify themselves and proceed to get on with their day, at ease, and comfortably.
Tasting regional dishes is an inevitable part of any journey to new lands. However, Muslim travellers must adhere to Islamic dietary rules so dishes have to pass multiple criteria before being served to them. This includes how meats are slaughtered and the absence of prohibited items in meals.
Malaysia itself is a country whose most professed religion is Islam. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that halal gastronomy is well represented in local food offerings.
Halal Food in Malaysia (Source: foodservices.utoronto)
Malaysia Halal tourism has many beautiful mosques that are ideal for prayer. Most of them are spacious and aesthetically decorated to create a solemn and respectful atmosphere. Air coolers are also installed to provide maximum comfort during long periods of praying.
Some highlighted mosques in Malaysia that you shouldn’t miss:
Beautiful Mosques in Malaysia (Source: Collective)
Ramadan should be a great time for visitors to come and experience how the locals in Malaysia celebrate this holy month. The mosques will get so bright and lively at night. And if you are lucky enough, you’ll have a chance to attend the Taraweeh prayers led by international imams from Makkah and Madinah.
A typical Ramadan bazaar sells Halal Food (Source: The Straits Times)
Also, don’t forget to pay a visit to Ramadan Bazaar. Those are vibrant marketplaces held near neighborhood areas. Here, you can purchase all sorts of Halal food, clothing as well as other items for the festive season of Malaysia Halal Tourism.
If you are interested in historical artifacts of the country or want to learn more about how Islam originated in Malaysia, Islamic Art Museum in Kuala Lumpur should be worth a place in your Malaysia Halal Tourism to-go list. This museum is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee for adults is RM14 (about USD 4) and it is free for children under six years old.
Islamic Art Museum in Kuala Lumpur (Source: malaysia.travel)
As a Muslim, you shouldn't miss out on halal street food like Malaysia’s spaghetti (Laksa), meat skewers (Satay), omelet sandwich (Roti John), or the rich curry rice dish (Nasi Kandar). You can also go for more familiar options from popular fast food chains, as many of them offer halal menus exclusively for Malaysia Halal Tourism.
Halal food in Malaysia (Source: Collective)
Attending a traditional Malay Wedding might be one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences for those who love to immerse themselves in local culture.
There are generally two ways for you to participate in such a special event. First of all, the Malaysia Halal Tourism division will sometimes hold Malay wedding events and invite international tourists to join in the ceremony. Secondly, some Malaysian states have wedding-themed tourism programs where visitors can sign up for cultural packages to celebrate your big day in Malaysia.
During a Malay wedding, you’ll have the chance to get your hands adorned with beautiful, intricate henna designs by skilled artists. Guests are also treated to mesmerizing traditional martial arts performances, all while enjoying a wide array of delicious dishes typically served at such festive occasions.
A joyful couple celebrating their Malay wedding (Source: Penang Wedding Tourism)
In short, Malaysia Halal Tourism is among the best ones in the world. If you are interested, please contact Asia King Travel. We will help you discover this Halal-Friendly destination through tailor-made halal travel packages designed just for you.
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