A growing number of accommodations provide prayer mats and Qiblat directions, as well as Muslim-certified or Muslim-friendly restaurants, further highlighting Taiwan’s welcoming policy.

Taiwan may be small, but this island powerhouse packs a punch when it comes to captivating cultural experiences for Muslim travellers. From the neon-lit bustling streets of Taipei to the serene natural wonders of Miaoli, Taiwan blends ancient traditions with modern flair, creating an enthralling and fascinating journey that leaves travellers spellbound.

Having been to the island multiple times for leisure and work, I have seen how Taiwan has developed its tourism offerings to attract many global travellers.

Recently, I had the pleasure of revisiting this vibrant destination, exploring the dynamic capital city of Taipei and the picturesque region of Miaoli with a group of Malaysian travellers. Our adventure gave us a chance to delve into Taiwan’s Muslim-friendly offerings, rich with colourful cultural and heritage experiences.

With over 330 halal-certified venues, Muslim tourists can navigate the country more easily

Throughout our six-day trip, we stayed at three hotels, all of which were comfortable and distinctly Muslim-friendly. At the Fuji Grand Hotel in Taipei, thoughtful information such as Qiblat direction and local prayer times, as well as a prayer mat, were included in each room. Another hotel in the city, Just Sleep, offered a delightful Muslim-friendly buffet breakfast.

As for the Flying Cow Ranch in Miaoli, it not only offered fresh milk from the farm and many milk-based delicacies, but all of the food on offer was Muslim friendly, including the milky ice cream and the many snacks.

Although we were there at the end of summer, the weather remained warm, with bright blue skies each day. Of course, we weren’t just in the capital, as we also explored the scenic splendours of Yehliu Geopark in New Taipei City, renowned for its unique geological formations.

With umbrellas and sunshades, we marvelled at the “Queen’s Head” rock formation and the “Playful Princess”, a ponytail-shaped structure. Wandering through the park’s landscapes felt like an immersion in Mother Nature’s artistry.

Next, we lost ourselves in the vintage charm of Jiufen, a former gold mining town known as the “Golden Mountain City”. The narrow, teahouse-lined alleyways brimmed with hundreds of shops offering an array of items and snacks.

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2024