Recently I’ve traveled to Taiwan with a group of fellow Muslims, and we were pleasantly surprised by how accommodating and welcoming the country is becoming for Muslim travelers!
I later found out that Taiwan has ranked third in the latest Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023 report among non-OIC destinations.
Here are five reasons why I think Taiwan deserves the spot and how friendly they are towards our fellow Malaysian Muslims:
1. Halal Certified Restaurants
For Muslim travelers, halal food availability is undoubtedly a top concern, and Taiwan, renowned for its culinary delights, did not disappoint.
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In fact, one of the highlights of our trip was certainly the incredible variety of halal-certified food options available, including a few pork-free fast food chain.
One of Taiwan’s proudest and most famous foods is their beef noodle, making it a cuisine that is very suitable to accommodate Muslim travelers. There are plenty of halal-certified versions that were absolutely delicious.
In addition to the beef noodles, Taiwan also excels in vegan cuisine, with many establishments being halal-friendly, offering a fantastic alternative for those seeking halal options.
Taiwan’s vegan restaurant is really common and offer a huge variety of meal!
2. Muslim-Friendly Toilets
Finding suitable restrooms can be a challenge, especially when traveling to countries with different cultural practices.
Almost a decade ago, when I visited Taiwan, I found it quite inconvenient as a Malaysian due to the lack of bidets in toilet and the practice of not flushing tissue paper.
However, Taiwan has made significant strides in this area when I visit again this year. While bidets were not traditionally common, many restrooms now feature them to cater to Muslim visitors.
Recently, Japanese-style washlets have also become more prevalent, providing added convenience and comfort.
3. Muslim-Friendly Convenience Stores
To better welcome Muslim tourists, some convenience stores in Taiwan have started to include halal sections. These stores make it easy for Muslims to find safe and suitable products.
Night markets, a must-visit in Taiwan, are also beginning to feature halal stalls. Although there is still room for improvement, especially at the night markets, it’s clear that the effort is there, and it’s exciting to see the progress being made.
4. Surau/Prayer Rooms
During our stay in Taiwan, we noticed that many hotels now provide Qibla directions, prayer mats, and even copies of the Quran in their rooms.
We visited Taipei Grand Mosque and were pleasantly surprised by the size of the Muslim community over there!
Additionally, we found surau and prayer rooms at various locations, including the airport, making it convenient to maintain the Muslims’ prayer routines while traveling.
5. Muslim-Friendly Tourist Spots
Don’t forget that Taiwan’s natural beauty is a major draw for tourists, and these outdoor attractions are welcoming to people of all religions.
The locals are warm, friendly, and incredibly helpful, making our experience even more enjoyable.
Taiwan’s efforts to be inclusive and accommodating are evident in the positive interactions we had with the local community.
A Bright Future for Muslim-Friendly Travel in Taiwan
Taiwan is actively making efforts to become more Muslim-friendly, and the progress is evident.
As more Muslim tourists visit, the motivation to improve these facilities will only grow. I encourage fellow Muslims to give Taiwan a chance and experience its hospitality firsthand.
With continued support, we can hope to see even more countries becoming accommodating and welcoming to Muslim travelers.
So pack your bags, gather your friends, and embark on a memorable journey to Taiwan. You won’t be disappointed!
