If you’re in Malaysia any time between 21 August and 17 September, you’re in for a treat because the whole country’s celebrating Islamic Tourism Month! Woohoo!
From irresistible staycation and spa deals to stimulating talks and expos highlighting what Malaysia is all about, this is the time for Muslimah Solo Travelers to experience how Muslim-friendly the country is.
Whether you’re someone who’s just getting to know about Muslim-friendly tourism, just landed in Malaysia (or planning to come!) and has a “go with the flow” itinerary, an entrepreneur who’s thinking of spreading her wings in the rising Halal market, there’s something in store for everyone throughout the month!
Without further ado, here’s all you need to know about Muslim-friendly Malaysia this Islamic Tourism Month.
What is Islamic Tourism Month (21 August – 30 Sept 2023)?
We know what you’re thinking: what’s so special about this month?
In short, Islamic Tourism Month (ITM) 2023 is a whole month whereby the whole nation is dedicated to showcasing diverse Islamic Tourism and Muslim-friendly Tourism & Hospitality (MFTH) products.
This is an innovative event by the country’s Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) — currently the only government agency in the world dedicated to promoting, developing, and strengthening the nation’s Halal tourism!
Now, who and what is ITC?
As an internationally recognized leader in Islamic Tourism and Muslim-friendly Tourism & Hospitality (MFTH) products, ITC has won several awards over the years, and recently:
- Top Muslim-friendly Destination of the year 2023 by MasterCard-CrescentRating for Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023
As if that’s not enough, the country was also awarded Best Muslim Women-friendly Destination in 2023!
That’s enough telling signs that Muslimah Solo Travelers should prioritize and consider Malaysia in our upcoming solo adventures!
Whether you’re from Malaysia, neighboring Asian countries, or simply anywhere in the world!
What can Muslimah Solo Travelers expect from ITM Month?
Everything Muslim-friendly travel, amplified throughout Malaysia!
Like we mentioned earlier, there’s something for every type of Muslimah Solo Traveler.
Whether you’re:
- Looking to stay at a Muslim-friendly hotel recognized by ITC (look out for the MFAR logo which stands for Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition);
- Seeking to relax those sore muscles with one spa session;
- Explore the various Muslim-friendly certified activities (like Mosque Open Days);
- Yearning for a change in scenery and perspective through some me-time staycations.
Each part of the country has its own offerings!
What’s certain is that you’ll be spoilt for Muslim-Friendly products and services in Malaysia this Islamic Tourism Month, so read on to learn more about them!
Expos & Exhibitions to not miss out during ITM Month!
Let’s be real, sometimes, social media just does not cut it when it comes to convincing us to embark on our much-needed solo trip!
It might even confuse you, where should I go, what package should I take, when should I make this happen? Should I go by plane or by railway?
Overthinking can make you delay that dream.
The cure to this? While in Malaysia, this Islamic Tourism Month?
Attend expos and showcases that give you the right answers to everything Muslim-Friendly Malaysia! Our ITC friends would have their dedicated booth, so you can say salaam and ask anything you’d like to know!
Depending on where you are, when you’re free, or what are you more inclined towards, here are some big expos or tourism activities you must visit during ITM Month!
Visit Ipoh or Anywhere in Perak!
This year’s ITM launch is held specifically in Ipoh, Perak to celebrate Visit Ipoh Year 2023 and the upcoming Visit Perak Year 2024 on August 18th.
While the launch is not opened to the public, you should absolutely put Ipoh on your #MuslimFriendlyMalaysia bucket list considering that 2023-2024 are Visit Ipoh and Visit Perak years.
Ipoh is the capital of the Malaysian state of Perak. Ipoh is a charming, almost sleepy town that is full of a good food scene (think kopitiam and banana leaf!), and unique local cultural day-to-day experiences that you’ll rarely get in the glamorous Kuala Lumpur.
MST’s take: If you’ve been putting off Ipoh for so long, this is the time to visit! Especially with Pesta Citarasa Sambal happening on the 30th Aug – 2nd September 2023!
ITC participation at MATTA 2023, 1-3 Sept
- Who is this for: The “cant-stop-wont-stop-traveling” Muslimah Solo Traveler
The largest homegrown travel festival happens to be right during ITM Month so if you need advice on Muslim-friendly travel, be it domestic or international, you can’t miss this out.
Everything travel-oriented is on exhibit here, and of course, expect only the best!
Where to find ITC in MATTA:
- Booth no: 1H31
- Opening Hours: Fri, 1 Sep 2023 (10:00 AM) – Sun, 3 Sep 2023 (9:00 PM)
- Location: Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), KL Malaysia (directions)
ITC participation at Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2023, 12-15 Sept
- Who is this for: The Halal Enthusiastic Muslimah Solo Traveler
Take it from us, you CANNOT skip MIHAS during ITM Month if you’re into everything Halal besides travel (think food, fashion, and more!)!
This is the world’s biggest Halal showcase and you bet there’s everything here.
Museum of Islamic Arts Special Gallery Exhibition!
- Who is this for: The Artsy Muslimah Solo Traveler
For three months long, right through till October, The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia will be holding a special exhibition on Orientalist paintings titled Mirror or Mirage.
If expos and exhibitions aren’t your driving factors to travel more, why not try out a quiet, reflective moment in the art gallery instead?
Experience Mosque Open Days!
Malaysia is already super special with its various kinds of mosque heritage designs.
Whether it is Southeast Asian, Nusantara, Moroccan, Mughal, or even Green Building Mosque, the country has it all.
While you can visit the mosque any other day, this ITM Month is extra special because there are several Mosque Open Days that the public can see!
You can experience Mosque Open Days on these dates:
8 September : Masjid Bandaraya Kuching, Sarawak
9 September : Masjid Panglima Kinta, Perak
9 September : Masjid Sultan Iskandar Bandar Dato’ Onn, Johor
9 September : Masjid Tengku Mahkota Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Taman Temerloh Jaya, Pahang
16 September : Masjid Paloh, Perak
16 September : Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, Kuala Lumpur (p/s: come join our meet up!)
MST’s take: We’re definitely curious about Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, Kuala Lumpur! Who wants to go together? Fill in this RSVP form if you’re interested! 😉
So it doesn’t matter if you’re a Muslimah Solo Traveler or not.
Because this is the time for all visitors to learn about a mosque’s history, dive deeper into Islam, or chat with the scholars or officers there to know more about whatever you’re curious about!
They don’t normally hold Mosque Open Days, so better mark your calendars so you can reap the barakah (blessings) of visiting, seeking knowledge and strengthening bonds from these mosques.
P/s – Join Our Malaysia Meet Up!
Again, you might never know; just one visit during Mosque Open Day can spark that future trail into your own path to #MuslimFriendlyMalaysia! And the best way to start, if you don’t know… is to join us on our Malaysia Meet Up!
Deals Specially for ITM Month (Spa, Retreats, Hotel Stays, Domestic Tour Packages, etc.!)
Where do we even begin….
Because ITM Month (August and September) is so special, expect all kinds of exciting Muslim-friendly deals in Malaysia!
From hotels, spa and wellness centres, tourism products, theme parks, shopping malls, retail outlets and training providers.. below is a rough list of what’s on offer during the entire ITM Month.
Hotels, Resorts & Serviced Residences Deals
Need some time off or a solo staycation? Here are some hotels, resorts and serviced residences deals that you can take advantage off.
Whether you’re in Kuala Lumpur, Port Dickson, Kuala Selangor or Terengganu, there’s a special ITM deal in selected stays throughout the country.
Here are just some of them:
Spa, Salon, Wellness & Retreat Experiences
Not only the females are in for a treat this ITM Month, but male Muslim Solo Travelers too! There is this misconception that the gents’ version of downtime only involves something active like dabbling in sports. How about taking it the gentle way, via a massage?
Not to worry, everything’s done the Halal way so males would only be tended by male masseuse.
But if you’re someone who wants a more immersive retreat experience, check out this retreat offered by Halaluxe.
Halal Food Discounts
Malaysia is known for its Halal foodie culture so what better time to immerse yourself in the country’s gastronomy? From charcoal burgers at MyBurgerLab to international cuisine buffet spread at Port Dickson’s Kelana Coffee House, it’s time to come with an empty stomach!
Limited-time Travel Packaged Deals
If you can’t make it to MIHAS or MATTA, but still want to know what are the travel packages available out there, check out these limited-time travel packaged deals by Tripfez or HurryYA:
These are just a couple of interesting experiences that are on offer this Islamic Tourism Month. For the entire list on the full, up-to-date deals and discounts, please scan this QR code as ITC will keep on updating the list.
Wrap-Up: How To Best Experience Malaysia’s Islamic Tourism Month 2023?
At the end of the day, it all depends on what you want to experience in Malaysia this ITM Month. If you want to do all, it might be overwhelming.
Here at MST, we believe you should have an intentional Muslim-friendly experience. So dig deep into your intention.
Be it healing, discovery, experiencing, bonding, eating, or learning, let those inclinations come naturally from within you…
Then draw those intentions forward to what speaks to you this ITM Month so you can channel and trail those intentions into a memorable, and unforgettable ITM Month experience in Muslim-friendly Malaysia.
As always, when you do so, don’t forget to share your experiences with the hashtags #experienceITM2023 #myITM2023 and tag @itm_itc @itc_my @muslimsolotravel in your social media!
Pssst… if you still want to experience everything, and you think you can handle it, why not!