Indonesia
As one of the largest Muslim-majority countries in the world, Indonesia is teeming with attractions and activities such as the lush beaches of Bali, dive sites in Komodo and Lombok islands, ancient monuments in Borobudur for history lovers and shopping malls in Jakarta.
The country is actively promoting halal tourism by designating at least 10 regions and provinces as halal tourist destinations. Some of the provinces chosen include Jakarta, West Sumatra, Aceh, Central Java and West Java and a few others. In the country’s drive for Islamic tourism, Lombok, known as an “island of 1,000 mosques”, has taken centrestage. Fast becoming a favourite of tourists from the Middle East, there are plans to build an Islamic centre that will have a mosque, hotel and a study centre.
Guides are being trained to have useful visitor information, such as the location of the nearest mosque, at their fingertips. Alcohol-free hotels and Muslim-friendly zones are also being encouraged on the island.
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| View from the Petronas Towers. |
Malaysia
Malaysia is known for its friendly locals, mouthwatering food, diverse wildlife and beaches and dive sites. It is also home to the former tallest buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers, located in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
Turkey
A meeting point of Western and Eastern cultures, Turkey has an abundance of historical monuments and stunning architecture from its Byzantine and Ottoman Empire past. It is also famous for the Hagia Sophia, the basilica-turned-mosque which was turned into a museum in 1935.
Jordan
Home to more than 100,000 archaeological tourist sites, Jordan is rich in religious landmarks and ancient architecture. Swim—or rather float—in the Dead Sea and visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra or Rose City, the most visited tourist attraction in the country.
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| Coastal forts in Oman. |
Oman
A place of untouched beauty, Oman is home to honey-coloured dunes and blue waters and is ideal for nature lovers. Other attractions include the country’s renowned desert safari and opportunities to either watch turtles lay their eggs on the beaches of Ras al Hadd or wild bottlenose dolphins frolic off the coast of Fahal Island.
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| Dome, Sultan Mosque, Singapore (pre-renovation). |
Singapore is gaining traction in the global Muslim tourism industry despite not being a Muslim nation. Thanks to its increasing numbers of halal eateries and prayer rooms, the home of the Merlion is becoming a popular destination, complementing its attractions with contemporary architecture across the Marina Bay, and high-end shopping malls along Orchard Road.
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