Taiwan Welcomes Muslim Travellers
As a Muslim traveller, finding destinations that cater to our unique needs is essential, and Taiwan is emerging as a top Muslim-friendly destination. Our recent journey across Taipei and Yilan revealed the country’s commitment to inclusivity and hospitality, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience for Muslim visitors.
Cultural Sites with Muslim-Friendly Facilities
Our itinerary included several stops at culturally significant sites, each offering Muslim-friendly amenities. At the Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence and the National Palace Museum, we appreciated the calm, respectful environments where we could connect with Taiwan’s rich history.
Jimmy Park in Yilan is an artistic haven inspired by Taiwanese illustrator Jimmy Liao, featuring whimsical installations from his iconic books. It’s an interactive space perfect for families and art enthusiasts. The National Centre for Traditional Arts in Yilan offers an immersive dive into Taiwan’s heritage with live performances, traditional crafts, and interactive workshops like indigo dyeing, making it a must-visit for cultural explorers.
A highlight of our trip was the visit to Chumi Farm in Yilan, where we immersed ourselves in Taiwan’s agricultural heritage through a hands-on scallion bread-making workshop. Chumi Farm is renowned for its fresh, locally grown scallions, a staple ingredient in many Taiwanese dishes. Under the guidance of local experts, we learned the art of baking traditional scallion bread, a beloved Taiwanese snack that combines the rich flavors of fresh scallions with soft, fluffy bread.
The experience began with a tour of the farm, where we saw the lush green scallion fields and learned about the sustainable farming practices that keep the produce fresh and flavourful. Following the tour, we rolled up our sleeves and got involved in the bread-making process. From kneading the dough to mixing in the scallions and baking the bread to perfection, each step was both fun and educational.
This interactive culinary activity offered a delicious way to connect with Taiwanese culture and cuisine, making it a perfect family-friendly experience. Not only did we leave with newfound skills in bread-making, but we also took home warm, freshly baked scallion bread—a tasty souvenir of our day at Chumi Farm.
The Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival, set along Taiwan’s scenic northeast coast, showcases intricate sand sculptures from global artists, with the 2024 theme featuring LINE Friends. It’s a visually stunning event blending art and nature.
We went to Taipei 101 where it combines luxury with spectacular city views, offering diverse international and Taiwanese cuisines, including Muslim-friendly options. The Taipei Grand Mosque, Taiwan’s largest mosque, provides a welcoming space for Muslim travellers with prayer facilities and a strong sense of community, reflecting Taiwan’s commitment to inclusivity.
Accommodation and Amenities
Throughout the trip, we stayed at carefully selected Muslim-friendly hotels, including Courtyard Taipei, Shandori Hotel in Yilan, and ILLUME Taipei. These hotels not only offered comfortable accommodations but also catered to Muslim needs with facilities like Qibla directions, and halal meal options. This attention to detail made our stay incredibly pleasant and stress-free.
Supporting Muslim Travellers in Taiwan
On our final day, we attended the Salam Taiwan Muslim-Friendly Press Conference, which highlighted Taiwan’s initiatives to enhance its offerings for Muslim travellers. The conference underscored the availability of halal-certified restaurants, prayer facilities, and hotels, as well as the ongoing efforts to ensure that Muslim visitors feel welcomed and accommodated.
Salam Taiwan’s Ambassador: Nabila Razali
As part of the Salam Taiwan initiative, Nabila Razali has been appointed as the ambassador for the 2024-2025 Muslim-Friendly Tourism Video Campaign. Nabila Razali is a renowned Malaysian artist known for her powerful voice, charismatic personality, and contributions to the entertainment industry. Since her rise to fame in 2013 through Akademi Fantasia, Nabila has captivated audiences with her hit singles and acting roles. Her involvement in the Salam Taiwan campaign aims to promote Taiwan as an inclusive destination for Muslim travellers. Through her platform, Nabila highlights Taiwan’s diverse offerings, from its cultural attractions to its commitment to providing halal-friendly facilities and services, making it an ideal destination for Muslim tourists seeking both adventure and comfort.
Practical Tips for Muslim Travellers
For those planning a visit, it’s worth noting that Taiwan has a growing number of halal-certified establishments and prayer spaces, making it easier to adhere to Islamic practices while travelling. Be sure to check for halal certifications or inquire about meal modifications to suit dietary needs. Additionally, many major attractions and public spaces provide prayer facilities, ensuring that Muslim visitors can observe their faith comfortably.
A Warm Invitation to Explore Taiwan
Our journey through Taiwan was not just about exploring new places but also about experiencing the warmth and hospitality of a country that goes the extra mile to welcome Muslim travellers. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and commitment to inclusivity, Taiwan is a destination that truly caters to the needs of Muslim visitors, offering a seamless blend of adventure and comfort. Whether it’s for leisure, cultural immersion, or simply to enjoy the unique charm of Taiwan, this destination promises an unforgettable experience that aligns with the values and needs of Muslim travellers.
