4. The most trendy halal destinations

Online halal travel agencies or booking sites give you plenty of choice!
The most popular destinations are Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
However, in recent years, the trend is towards destinations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Japan.

These countries are attracting more and more Muslim tourists who are curious to discover or rediscover the paradisiacal landscapes and the cultural richness of these countries.
But beyond that, some of these countries are rich in the history of Islam. Many excursions are organized to discover the history of our beautiful religion for the greatest happiness of Muslim tourists in search of knowledge and curious about their history.

The most popular destination for Muslims is Turkey, a pioneer in the halal tourism market, which has many hotel complexes designed for Muslims. However, the United Arab Emirates continues to compete with them by deploying substantial resources in recent years to become a destination muslim-friendly unavoidable. The muslim-friendly travel or halal travel is a concept also developed by countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives and many Asian countries which – counting a share of Muslim population – have all the facilities and amenities to fully enjoy a halal stay, a halal cruise or many excursions that respect the needs and values of Islam.
Traveling doesn’t have to be uncomfortable, follow the guide and your next halal trip will be a breeze. Start by getting a good start on halal travel by already choosing the airlines with the best halal food. It’s a pretty familiar scenario, you’re sitting in the back of the plane, and suddenly you smell the aroma of roast chicken coming from the back of the plane. It’s time to eat.  To be honest, the idea of eating cold food is not very appetizing. The two airlines with the best halal food are Emirates and Turkish Airlines.  With Emirates, you have a choice of menu on the flight menu. For Turkish Airlines it has a professional halal chef on board, you want to eat the best halal kebab and well it will be on board the plane and not on the ground …
Faced with a growing demand and an increasing number of Muslim destinations, a new wave of countries is competing to become the future stars of Muslim travel circuit and travel
This year, Malaysia tops the list of the most popular halal travel destinations in the world followed closely by the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. The ranking is not surprising as it is dominated by countries that are part of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Singapore managed to make it into the top ten with a series of non-OIC countries rolling out the red carpet for Muslim travelers.
We will detail the rising stars of Muslim travel.

Halal travel does not only mean traveling to so-called Muslim countries. Halal friendly destinations are trying to emerge such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai with a consequent development of tourist services reserved for Muslims, but also Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and many other Muslim countries (Egypt, Tanzania, Morocco) and non-Muslim countries (USA, Spain, England). Halal hotels have sprung up all over Turkey, which has become, along with Malaysia and Indonesia, the leading country for halal leisure tourism.
Malaysia is a very popular destination, and in particular one of the favorite destinations of all Muslims in the world. The rates are very affordable for small pockets. The paradisiacal environment is calm and the beauty of the mosques and the prayer halls reign. The population is very welcoming and tolerant.
The Philippines: tourists choose more and more this destination where the Muslim faith is more and more present.
Indonesia is the largest Muslim destination in the world. Exotic country, intended for tourists thirsty of new landscapes of dreams. Mixing fine sandy beaches and volcanoes in eruption, and virgin forests.

Halal travel is a concept that tends to develop more and more. Numerous interfaces will allow you to safely book halal vacations in line with the values of Islam with the best prices. There is the platform of Halal Booking, world leader for Muslim travelers in search of halal travel. There is something for every taste and every budget. The diversity will allow the Muslim to travel ethically and in a real way. More than 300 establishments are listed in different categories.

South Korea goes halal

With a 33% increase in the number of Muslim travelers last year, the Korea Tourism Organization has been pushing for more mosques, halal restaurants and airport prayer facilities to accommodate the growth in tourism. The hilly countryside, ancient monuments, traditional fishing villages and high-tech cities are among the country’s attractions. Traveling halal to the capital of Seoul, the craters of Jeju Island and the cliffs of Busan and the ancient Korean capital of Gyeongju will be a real pleasure. You can head to the Seoraksan National Park with its curiously shaped cliffs and extraordinary wildlife. Don’t miss the cable car ride.  Don’t forget your scheduled halal meal and prayer breaks, so Muslim travelers can enjoy South Korea without worrying about your religious obligations.

South Africa opens up to halal market

As halal travel gains momentum in South Africa, the choices for Muslim destinations are increasing. The country’s spectacular scenery is waiting to be explored, with a tumultuous history of epic wildlife. Discover the history of Johannesburg, visit the Apartheid Museum and Vilakasi Street where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu made their home. Stop to pray at one of the local mosques while visiting the Muslim communities of Jo’Burg. Head east to Kruger National Park for a guaranteed big game viewing safari followed by the farming town of Hazyview. In Cape Town or TABLE MOUNTAIN, beautiful beaches and a cosmopolitan atmosphere await you. Don’t forget to visit the oldest mosque in the country which dates back over 200 years with a very friendly Muslim population.

Thailand

Huge beaches, towering palm trees and turquoise waters set against a backdrop of tropical jungle. Thailand’s southern coastline is perfect for exploring the islands. Luxury halal villas, private pools, 24-hour butler service and sumptuous halal meals will be served in your villa.  The predominantly Muslim island of Koh Yao Noi and the eco-friendly six senses resort will seduce you. Enjoy a breathtaking view of Phang Nga Bay in a villa wrapped in privacy and under a tropical canopy, the dream… Embark on a traditional rowboat for lovers and sail around the archipelago stopping at Hong Island and visiting Koh Panyi.  A Muslim traveler can enjoy a halal lunch and pray with the locals at one of the country’s mosques. End your island hopping in Krabi at Phulay Bay the perfect place to watch the sunset on your Thai adventure.

Affordable destination, this country combines culture, relaxation, sports and culinary. « Thailand after India is like an oasis; no horns, no crowds, it’s clean and the people are zen, a real joy. These are the words of a tourist adept of travel. There are tourists from all over the world, which increases the cultural richness and the links that can be created. Thai cuisine offers a wide range of delicious dishes. There are many halal restaurants. As for the landscape, it is breathtaking, soothing with a lot of charm.

Buddhism is very present in Thailand and it is characterized by the golden temple. The jungle offers us a magnificent fauna and flora to discover. The temple of the tigers is also part of the tourism. Sometimes we see elephants mistreated, that’s why we should favor ecotourism with a nature and species respected and protected. Be responsible for your way of travelling, this is also a halal trip. It is necessary to mix the respect of the nature and that of the others because to be Muslim it is a way of life.

London, England

Capital of Great Britain, it is one of the most visited cities in the world and has an endless appeal. The United Kingdom ranks third on the global travel index. Enjoy luxury halal hotel in the West suite, halal hotel which is located next to Hyde park where the rooms are alcohol free and where you will have a full breakfast.  Go on a halal cruise in the Thames, enjoy a guided bus tour to discover monuments such as Tower Bridge and Big Ben as well as the largest mosque in London. Trips can be transformed into tours with halal tour guides.

Taiwan

Explore dormant volcanoes, ride high-speed trains, visit the capital city where you will see towering skyscrapers and Taipei’s luxury stores as well as the Grand Mosque.  There is a special site dedicated to Muslim travelers that lists mosques, halal restaurants, and recommended halal hotels as there are a number of accommodations suitable for Muslim travelers. Take to the skies on the Maokong Gondola. Don’t miss the country’s tallest building, Taipei 101.  The setting is family friendly and you can enjoy family activities.  Halal stay of choice.

Hong Kong

A newcomer to the halal travel circuit, a quick gateway to China where towering glass structures sit alongside tropical vegetation amidst a fusion of cultures. There are halal hotels where you will find rooms equipped with prayer mats, facilities to perform ablutions properly and prayer times are transmitted to you, halal food will be served in the restaurants.  Enjoy a full itinerary to discover the best of this halal holiday. You’ll board the world’s largest open-air escalator system, a zoo, the Ocean Park where you’ll find pandas and giant salamanders. A decor worthy of special effects in the cinema. Most of the restaurants are halal, so there are no food restrictions. Don’t miss the visit of the Hong Kong Science Museum via the Victoria Harbour ferry.  Very good dishes to discover and taste to amaze your taste buds.  Beautiful mosques will be at your disposal to practice your daily prayers. In short, many beautiful things to see, for sure.

Have you seen all these multiple halal destinations? The choice is vast, the choice depends on your desires, your budget, your spouse.  They will be able to put everyone in agreement, as well the lazy ones having thirst of idleness as the more reckless and adventurers who want to discover the world. The list is really exhaustive and I think there is still a lot to say, more in the next episode…

Japan

You can find there very beautiful mosques. The Japanese tourist office has already exceeded its goal of 20 million Muslim visitors by 2020. The land of the rising sun is one of the most popular halal travel destinations, you can have access to guided tours adapted to Muslims in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Sapporo with Geisha ceremonies or manga drawing in landscapes. You will see people performing the Japanese version of ablutions before prayer at Sensoji temple.  In the city with the most Michelin stars in the world, the restaurants will be a treat. A multitude of non-alcoholic sushi bars and halal restaurants.  There is also the possibility of doing open tours where you can enjoy your halal stay by discovering the whole landscape.

Although the Muslim religion is not very present (160,000 practitioners). This country does everything to welcome a growing number of Muslim tourists. This country offers halal restaurants, mosques, the largest is in Tokyo, many prayer rooms (available on application). The land of the rising sun is a country of choice for the Muslim tourist. Prayer rooms are available at the airport. There is also a strong development of halal hotels.

Here are some examples of mosques and halal places.
Al Noor Masjid – Otaru Mosque 5-4-27 Inaho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido 047-0032 : https://www.noormasjid.com

The land of the rising sun is a country of choice for the Muslim traveler. Prayer rooms are available at the airport. There is also a strong development of halal hotels.
Halal raises a lot of questions and must respect several criteria and this even in Japan: it must be good for health and good in itself, the slaughter of the meat must be done in the name of Allah, emptied of its blood in the greatest respect of the animal without torturing it and without sacrificing it in front of its fellow creatures and the whole in the direction of Mecca. Halal should not be eaten in excess, it should not contain pork or alcohol.

Also being able to eat halal in Tokyo is possible. Many restaurants already offer fish; in addition, there are a number of restaurants that offer halal meat. The restaurant owners often speak English and the halal sign is displayed at the entrance of the restaurant. In the convenience stores, the salesmen often speak less English, so it is difficult to ask them questions. But you can easily find your way with the logos and colors (pink and orange for fish and green for vegetables).

Book your Halal Hotel directly on our platform. You can also book your vacation villa. Take advantage of our many destinations. Click on the button  » Discover our Halal Hotels « .

Jaipur, the pearl of halal vacations in India

This is a very unusual destination idea, which probably won’t come to mind at first, and yet it is a truly unusual Muslim holiday idea. The pink city of India is rich in both history and culture. You will fall in love with the sight of the various imposing historical monuments, an array of commercial and friendly local landmarks. 20-30% of the city’s population is Muslim and it is a very important point when you are a Muslim tourist to know whether you will blend in or attract all the prying and surprised eyes. Being able to interact with the local Muslim community and savoring the local halal delicacies are two of the many reasons to visit the Muslim friendly gem of India.  Fly on Air Asia, where total luxurious comfort will welcome you on your halal trip, Visas are increasingly facilitated and within 3 to 5 days your request is taken care of. We will explore all the advantages to go to this halal destination.

Picturesque architecture in Muslim style

It will truly leave you breathless, referred to as the Pink City, this city adorned with tall pastel pink terracotta buildings, it is home to many stunning architectural wonders. The city’s iconic pinkish hues date back to the rule of Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh who completely organized the city’s outlook to accommodate the Prince of Wales in 1876. More than a century later, most of the city’s avenues still retain this vivid color, which raises interest and questions about this color choice.  The attraction is that it represents the warm hospitality of Jaipur. The most famous building is the Hawa Maha built in 1799, this delicate sandstone palace looks strangely like the honeycomb.

The amazing view of the floating palace of Jal Mahal, set in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake this marvel used to house the hunters who were on expeditions. Tourists flock by the thousands to capture the sunset in pictures.  Besides the majestic palaces, the remnants of Jaipur’s war-torn history are evident in the countless forts still standing today. Don’t forget to visit Amer, Jaigarh, and Nahargath forts.

Beautiful mosques…

The population of Jaipur is 3.1 million with about 30% Muslims. This makes a rather important proportion of Islam within the community and thus mosques in great numbers. The most important historical religious monument is the mosque named Jama Masjid classified as a protected site. Other beautiful mosques are to be visited and fortunately to be able to pray on time and take beautiful pictures.

Delicious halal restaurants to try

Don’t leave before tasting the local cuisine, delectable curries, soft nans, tandoori chicken… I advise you to try the Old Take Away (run by Muslims) where you will taste a wonderful spit roasted tandoori chicken, chicken tikka… All the Indian delicacies and dishes are waiting for you

How about being a Bollywood Pretty Woman for a day?

Don’t go back home before having done some crazy, souvenir or compulsive shopping, you will find many exotic bazaars where you will be able to find very nice souvenirs, Indian clothes with the most famous one which is the bazaar of Johary. Textiles in bulk, ethnic carpets, spices. But also jewelers where you can find the most beautiful handmade jewelry adorned with precious stones and sparkling.

Unesco World Heritage Sites

Two sites have stood the test of time and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first is the Jantar Mantar astronomical observation site, which was built in the early 18th century. It includes 19 large instruments used to measure the distance and position of celestial objects. The site also houses the largest stone sundial in the world. What is fascinating is that the calculations generated by these instruments are still accurate to this day. The second site is Amer Fort, a distinctive landmark in the city that will charm you with its grandeur and harmonious blend of ancient Hindu and Islamic architecture. The walls of the fort are lined with intricate paintings of ancient hunts and important rulers of the past cover the walls of the fort. Inside, you will find several kaleidoscopic and mosaic tiled rooms. Really don’t miss this masterpiece.

 

Phuket (Thailand), used to receive Muslim tourists

Phuket really has everything to make it an ideal halal vacation destination whether you are on your honeymoon, with your family or with friends. Breathtaking scenery with a possible heavenly view, crystal clear water, white sandy beaches on the horizon, and spectacular limestone formations. The island is full of culture with Chinese, Malay, European, Indian, and Nepalese influences.

Accommodation:

It offers different types of accommodation for all types of tourists. A range of halal hotels and furnished apartments cater to the needs of Muslim tourists and offer low rates. Other luxury Halal resorts offer Halal dining options, alcohol-free private villas, single-sex SPAS, children’s playrooms. Naka Island is located off the coast of Phuket and offers the same options for Muslim travelers. Many of the rentals offer excellent value, modern and comfortable, and have an intimate setting.

Halal Restaurant:

One of the things that makes Phuket an ideal destination for Muslim travelers is the availability of halal food. You will find many halal restaurants all over the island. Wide ranges of local halal dishes served in stand-up restaurants by the beach. Pad Thai is the most famous. If you feel like eating something more familiar, there are a number of Middle Eastern restaurants in Patong. For fans of fast food like McDonald’s and KFC, rest assured they serve halal meat

Transportation:

There are many flights to Thailand and several airlines offer different and affordable prices. 12 hours of flight will be necessary if you leave from London by direct flight. Phuket is an island and there is not much public transportation. For transportation we recommend a truck with two back seats which will be cheaper than traveling on a tuk-tuk (where drivers usually negotiate prices quite often). Renting a truck or a small car is relatively affordable and gas is cheap.

Things to bring with you

A mosquito net, an anti-mosquito stick to protect you or your children from all the insects. A camera to capture some of your memories and don’t forget to bring light and comfortable clothes as Thailand can get humid.

Places of Prayer

Due to the high proportion of Muslims in Thailand, Islam is the second largest religion, prayer places are not hard to find. The mosque of Patong, is the most important, but you will find one without problem on your locality. Indeed, there are 3500 mosques in the country….

You will be able to fully enjoy your stay, and this at really affordable rates, do not miss this halal destination which seems to be the heavenly destination for the French Muslims who want to blow their money.

KENYA: Halal travel for Muslims

In addition to the offers proposed by Kenyan hotels to the ordinary tourists such as the adapted tourist packages, an offer of Internet connection in the rooms, free meals, there must be a real awareness and need to meet the expectations of Muslim tourists. And this especially in Kenya which is a country that generates a turnover of 840 billion dollars in all its tourism in 2015.  This is why the latter wants to target a major population in global tourism, Muslim travelers. There are projects underway to develop halal hotels with rooms that in addition to the expectations of non-Muslim tourists offer specific features that meet the offer of a halal stay with, for example, rooms that point to the qibla, a policy without alcohol, entertainment facilities not mixed (SPA, pools …), halal catering … All this in order to satisfy a clientele that is increasingly demanding.

Vacations in Kenya are a truly enriching experience for Muslim vacationers. The coast has picturesque Islamic cultural influences and this is even truer than real during Ramadhan and Eid. Most restaurants in Mombasa, Lamu and Malindi serve the most delectable dishes. There are also many halal restaurants along the roads, streets, and beach.

There are many sites to visit, the old town of Mombasa, a Unesco World Heritage Site, lies on the banks of Tudor Creek and has a rich and ancient past with its beautiful Islamic architecture. In the exotic archipelago of Lamu, you can visit the famous Ryad Mosque. The places of prayer are numerous and you can make your prayers on time during your excursions.

African country, with multiple landscapes including savannahs, lake regions, the Great Rift Valley, and mountainous areas.

For a safari expedition, you will enjoy the majestic wildlife of the country with lions, elephants, rhinoceroses and it will be a real change of scenery for you. The vans or the 4.4 that will be proposed to you from Nairobi will allow you to explore the Masai Mara reserve in the camps will allow a life-size expedition. The Amboseli National Park offers a breathtaking view of Kilimanjaro, which reaches an altitude of 5895 meters.

Truly, this country is a halal destination of choice with service providers who are increasingly concerned about meeting the various requirements of Muslim tourists.

VACATION AND CULTURE ASPECT

Enjoy Ummahtrip destinations, sunny destinations to discover the most beautiful islands in the world, the most beautiful beaches, the most beautiful mosques in the world, extraordinary monuments. Combine culture and relaxation, the discovery of other cultures, Islam of Asia, other civilizations, culinary specialties, immersion in local villages, go to meet the other … discover the Arab heritage outside Muslim countries.

Halal tourism is a response to a demand from the new generation of Muslim travelers and tourists driven by the desire to discover the world and deepen their vision on the evolution of the world. As the Arabic saying goes: « He who travels through life sees many things. He who travels sees much more ».

This is our vocation, to make you enjoy your trip (comfort, discovery, simplicity) and your vacations and preserve your Muslim principles (travel in a healthy environment, halal-friendly atmosphere, halal food, access to prayer places…).

Some of the most popular destinations offered by UmmahTrip are Malaysia, Thailand, Maldives, Turkey, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Korea, Japan, Emirates and many others.

Historically, the most popular destinations for European Muslim tourists were mainly Middle Eastern countries, Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Turkey. Other destinations are increasingly popular such as Muslim countries in Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives Islands) and non-Muslim countries that have developed the principle of travel or tourism « halal friendly »: Thailand, China, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Croatia, Singapore …

Book your Halal Hotel directly on our platform. You can also book your vacation villa. Take advantage of our numerous destinations. Click on the button  » Discover our Halal Hotels « .