Muslim-Friendly Holidays in 2022 - Halal Trip’s Best 13 Countries to Visit

By Muzna Noohu | 19, Dec, 2017
Muslim-Friendly Holidays in 2022 - Halal Trip’s Best 13 Countries to Visit

If you are looking for a Muslim Friendly holiday, you have come to the right place! Halaltrip's team has put together 13 amazing countries to visit this year.

It's that time when most of us reflect back on the past year and all the amazing experiences we've had. We also end up thinking about all that we wanted to do but didn't get the chance to. Well, that's all over now. It's time to look to the future into this year and plan all our amazing adventures!

Of course, traveling should be a big part of your plan for 2022! Visiting different places of the world and taking in all the wonders of Allah is one of the most satisfying experiences we'll have in our short stint in this world. And as Muslims, we no longer have to wonder about Halal travel and whether we'll be able to find Halal food and prayer places because so many countries and cities around the world are becoming increasingly Halal-friendly day by day.

There are so many amazing holiday destinations for Muslim families and solo travel, but here are the best Muslim-Friendly countries to visit in 2022:

 

1. Penang, Malaysia

Malaysia is definitely at the top of the list of the best countries to travel to, but that's not something new as they have been the pioneers in Muslim-friendly tourism before other countries jumped on the bandwagon. On top of all that, Malaysia is also the ideal place for cheap Muslim-friendly holidays.

Malaysia is a multi-cultural country, with a little more than half being Muslims. It has one of the most versatile Halal food scenes in the world, everything from street food to high-end restaurants of varying cuisines. There are also numerous mosques, and so many exciting attractions to visit. Langkawi and the Genting Highlands are just a couple places where you could even spend the entirety of a short visit!

George Town, in the state of Penang, is a blend of history and contemporary Malaysia. Listed as a Unesco World Cultural Heritage Site, Georgetown in one of the best places to visit in Malaysia where you can get all the excitement of KL along with a sprinkling of history and adventure, all of it beachside!

Find nearby Halal food places in Malaysia 

Find nearby prayer places and Mosques in Malaysia 

 

2. Bodrum, Turkey

bodrum view by the sea

Image Credit: Mert Kahveci on Unsplash

 

Turkey is a Muslim-majority country with nearly 98% of the population being of the Islamic faith. This means that Muslim travellers have little to worry about in terms of finding Muslim-friendly facilities, Halal food, or prayer places. Which is a good thing, because Turkey's cuisine of rich flavours, vibrant spices, and mouthwatering aromas is definitely one you can't miss!

Turkey has a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that depict the historical and cultural impact made throughout history, and many beautiful architectures as well as magnificent mosques.

Everyone visits Istanbul, but if you want to experience the trendy side of Turkey, take yourself to Bodrum town on the southwest coast. Here you can visit the ancient Bodrum Castle, take a Hamam (Turkish bath), relax in seaside resorts, or enjoy the wide array of delicious food!

 

 

 

3. Osaka, Japan

Although Japan's Islamic history is relatively brief, it is quickly becoming one of the most Muslim-friendly holiday destinations for 2022. There are over 60 mosques in the country, like the Kobe Mosque which was built in 1935 (the first mosque in Japan).

The government of Japan is also working hard to make Muslims feel more welcome in their country. If you were to visit, you'd see prayer rooms with clearly marked signs in major airports, plenty of Halal restaurants (or at the least a special Muslim-friendly menu), prayer areas in public places as well as the qibla marked in hotel rooms.

Tokyo, Kobe, Kyoto, and Osaka are the best destination for travelers to visit as they have a lot of Muslim-friendly facilities. The port town of Osaka is a place where modernity and the past mix together beautifully. You can witness this while visiting sights like the 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle and old Shinto shrines, and then shopping in trendy malls, exploring futuristic buildings, and dining at modern cafes and restaurants. 
 

 
 
 

4. Kolkata, India

Even with only 10% of the country being Muslims, India has the 3rd largest Islamic population in the world. This means that it's really easy to find Halal food and prayer places, no matter where in the country you choose to visit. The south, in particular, is the best part of India for Muslims to visit as it has the largest concentration of Muslims. There are hundreds of mosques all over India. The famous Jama Masjid in Delhi was built in the 1650s by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahn, who also built the monument that India is most widely recognized for – the Taj Mahal.

There are so many Muslim-friendly places to visit in India that it would be hard to make a list. These places include tourist attractions, amazing Halal restaurants, mosques and Islamic sites (both new and old), and so much more! India is also one of the best value travel destinations, as it is pretty easy to travel on a budget.

The city of Kolkata in West Bengal is one of the cities to focus on. Apart from having effective public transport and infrastructure, it is also known to be one of the cheapest cities to travel or live in India. Kolkata is the land of cultural festivities and is known to be the cultural capital of India. You can also visit colonial-era landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and Fort William sprawling gardens, the Marble Palace, and the Nakhoda Mosque (largest in the city).

 

 
 
 

5. Fez, Morocco

fez morocco streets

Image Credit: Parker Hilton on Unsplash

 

Morocco is another country which is almost entirely made up of Muslims. But that's not all it has to offer in terms of tourism. The exotic and vibrant culture, amazing food and incredible architecture are enough to leave anyone awe-inspired, be it Muslim or not. But, of course, the fact that almost all the food in the country is bound to be Halal, and that there are loads of magnificent mosques, as well as there being so many historic and cultural Islamic attractions sweetens the deal!

The city of Fez, known to be the cultural capital of Morocco, is an amazing place to visit. Those with an artistic soul will feel right at home at the incredible art museums and the historical buildings. It is also home to the oldest university in the world and is known to be the largest car-free urban area in the world, and that's certainly something to see in this day and age. 

 

 
 
 

6. St Julians, Malta

Malta isn't exactly the first place one would think of when considering Halal-friendly holidays in Europe, but you'd be surprised at how accommodating the country is to its Muslim visitors. Islam has even been quite prevalent in the history of the island; with Muslims making major impacts in the development of the country, in the agriculture and food industries in particular. Most of the places in Malta are also named in Arabic, such as Cassar, Zammit, Farrugi, and more.

Although there is only one officially recognized mosque – Mariam Al-Batool Mosque in Paola – there are a few prayer places. In any case, there are plenty of private villas and other private places where you can pray. Halal food is also widely available. One of the best places to visit is the seaside town of St Julian's, where you can go fishing, visit ancient buildings like the Baroque museum and Spinola Palace, or enjoy great food.  

Find nearby Halal food places in Malta

Find nearby prayer places and Mosques in Malta 


 

7. Abu Dhabi, UAE

If you're looking for a luxury travel holiday destination for Muslim families, then there's no better place to visit than the UAE. With one of the world's strongest economies and a majority Muslim population, UAE is one of the richest Muslim countries in the world. You can choose between the ever-popular Dubai and Abu Dhabi to the lesser known cities like Sharjah, Fujairah, or Al Ain; they are all great places to visit!

UAE is home to many of the world's most magnificent mosques, a tour of which would be compulsory on your Halal travel. There are so many other things to do like visit tourist attractions, go on safaris, and immerse yourself in shopping. It also has a wide variety of amazing food from local cuisines to international ones – and the best part: most, if not all of it, is Halal!

You can choose between the cities like Dubai and Sharjah to the lesser known cities like Ras al-Khaimah, Fujairah, or Al Ain. Abu Dhabi, the capital of UAE is one of the best places to visit. Here, one gets to experience the entirety of what UAE has to offer. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (which is certainly grand, to say the least), sprawling modern shopping malls, or even stay at desert resorts!

Find nearby Halal food places in UAE

Find nearby prayer places and Mosques in UAE 


 

8. Lombok, Indonesia

If you're a lover of all things natural and organic, then its time for you to book the ticket for your Halal travel to Indonesia!

Made up of a bunch of islands which are mostly volcanic, Indonesia has a majority Muslim population, which means you'll feel right at home. It also means that you will never have trouble finding nearby Halal restaurants or places to pray because the country is home to many mosques, including Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, which is the largest in Southeast Asia. Among the things you can experience in Indonesia include picture-perfect coastlines and beach resorts, amazing wild and plant life, delicious food, and affordable shopping. It is also one of the top tourist destinations in the world where you can travel on a budget.

Everyone flocks to Bali, but if you want a quieter experience, book a trip to Lombok. There's nothing to scoff about here, as it is not only an amazing surfing spot but also a great destination for divers and snorkelers. This island is also motor vehicle-free, so you know the air you're breathing is as fresh as it can get!

Find nearby Halal food places in Indonesia

Find nearby prayer places and Mosques in Indonesia 

 

9. Hamburg,Germany

city view of hamburg through the window

Image Credit: Julia Solonina on Unsplash

 

Halal travel does not have to mean you have to only travel to Muslim countries, and a great place to start exploring the rest of the world is in Germany. This European country has a prominent Muslim community who manage to thrive although they are much smaller in number.

Despite what you might have heard, Germans are generally very accepting of Muslims and assimilate into them well. Berlin is one of the best places for a Muslim to visit, as there is plenty of Halal food options available. There are also a number of mosques all across the country, including the Cologne Central Mosque in Cologne which is the largest mosque in Europe! Some of the top things to do in Germany include exploring all the cultural and historical sites, enjoying good food, and take in the awe-inspiring nature and landscapes.

The city of Hamburg proudly claims to be “the gateway to the world”. While this might be a bold assertion, it backs it up by being a thriving port town with historic buildings, museums, beautiful parks and beaches. There's also plenty to do here, from classical performances to sporting events and regular markets. 

Find nearby Halal food places in Germany 

Find nearby prayer places and Mosques in Germany 
 

10. Sri Lanka

Known as “the pearl of the Indian Ocean”, Sri Lanka is a tiny island nation off the south coast of India. Although the majority of the people follow Buddhism, the minorities of Hindus, Christians and Muslims are also widely prevalent, Islam is the largest of them.

Sri Lanka is one of the top places to visit in the world for Halal-friendly travel because the country has many Muslim-friendly facilities. There are a number of mosques all over the island, and Halal food is easily available (with most international chains even being Halal-certified). The people are extremely friendly and accommodating as well. Sri Lanka is the best place for a relaxing vacation of lounging around on gorgeous beaches and getting pampered in all-natural spas, but also has opportunities for those who are adventurous or love to witness exotic wildlife in their natural habitats.

Galle, a city in the south of the country is an amazing place to visit. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with old Dutch-colonial buildings, quirky cafes and eateries, beautiful beaches, as well as historical mosques. Galle is the place to go if you're an artist looking for inspiration, or a sea-lover. 

Find nearby Halal food places in Sri Lanka 

Find nearby prayer places and Mosques in Sri Lanka
 

11. Aqaba, Jordan

For those of you that are history buffs, Jordan is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. The city captures a sort of old world charm that makes you feel like you've stepped into the past. Jordan wouldn't be for the travellers that look flashy technology and large-scale attractions, but for those who revel in the beauty of nature, culture, and friendly people.

Jordan is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historical monuments, seaside resorts, and nature reserves, including the incredible ancient city of Petra. It is a Muslim country, therefore you do not have to worry about finding Halal food, mosques, or other Muslim-friendly facilities.

If you want to take a break, Aqaba, the only coastal town in Jordan, is one place you can visit. This laid-back town is the ideal destination for those that live the underwater life, from diving to snorkeling and so much more!

Find nearby Halal food places in Jordan

Find nearby prayer places and Mosques in Jordan


 

12. Jeju, South Korea

cherry petals falling in jeju

Image Credit: Ji Seongkwang on Unsplash

Yes, the land of kimchi is a great place for Muslim travellers too! Although there isn't a large population of Muslims, it is slowly growing and the Korean government has taken major steps to encourage Muslim tourists to visit the country. One of which is the Halal Restaurant Week Korea, an annual event in which restaurants from all around the country participate.

There are also plenty of things to do in Korea, including affordable shopping, amazing festivals, and incredible weather (autumn is the best!). South Korea has 8 mosques all over the country, but there are many more prayer places as well as in restaurants and stores. Cities like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju are the best options for Muslim travellers.

The island of Jeju (largest in the country), in particular, is a place you cannot miss. It is the place the locals flock to when it comes to a getaway, and you will love it too. Beautiful sandy beaches, a posh countryside, luxury beach resorts, and amazing food – what more could you want? 

Find nearby Halal food places in South Korea

Find nearby prayer places and Mosques in South Korea


 

13. Singapore

Singapore is a multicultural country with people of all backgrounds and races. About 14% of the country's population follows Islam, which means Muslim travellers won't have trouble finding facilities catered towards them. There are many mosques in the island, the largest being Sultan Mosque which is also constituted as a national monument.

Singapore also has a prominent gastronomic scene; many restaurants are already Halal-certified or Muslim-friendly, with more making the shift every day. Singapore is a great place to shop till you drop, especially when it comes to fashion. But you can also enjoy other things like amazing architecture and monuments, as well as nature and wildlife.
 

Find nearby Halal food places in Singapore

Find nearby prayer places and Mosques in Singapore

Muzna is a writer experienced in all things travel and food, influenced by her own travels, running a food blog and YouTube channel, as well as the various publications she has contributed to.

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    Haminassi101

    Asalaam alaikum. Great article. Barakallahu feek. However u erroneously wrote that Morocco is in Europe. It's not. It's in Africa.