Indonesia
Across Sumatra, Muslim-friendly tourism reflects the region’s strong Islamic heritage and cultural diversity. Aceh is well known for religious tourism centred around the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, alongside its halal culinary traditions. West Sumatra offers destinations such as Padang, Padang Panjang, and Tanah Datar, where mosques like the West Sumatra Grand Mosque and Lima Kaum Mosque blend Islamic identity with Minangkabau culture. In Riau and the Riau Islands, sites such as the An-Nur Grand Mosque in Pekanbaru and Penyengat Island, home to the historic Sultan Riau Grand Mosque, highlight the region’s Islamic history and heritage.
Malaysia
Malaysia is widely recognised as a leading Muslim-friendly travel destination, with comprehensive halal facilities across the country. Langkawi in Kedah offers resorts, beaches, and leisure activities supported by readily available halal dining. Penang, particularly George Town, combines heritage tourism with iconic sites such as the Kapitan Keling Mosque, surrounded by halal food centres. Kuala Lumpur features prominent landmarks including the National Mosque and Jamek Mosque, while Melaka is home to historic mosques such as Kampung Hulu and Kampung Kling, reflecting centuries of Islamic influence. In the northern and eastern regions, Terengganu and Kedah feature architectural icons such as the Crystal Mosque and Zahir Mosque, which serve as both religious and cultural attractions.
Thailand
In Thailand, Muslim-friendly tourism is most prominent in the southern provinces and major tourist centres. Phuket and Krabi (Ao Nang) offer halal-certified restaurants, mosques, and marine tourism experiences operated by local Muslim communities. In Bangkok, the Haroon Mosque area provides halal dining options and prayer facilities within the city’s historic riverside district. The southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat showcase strong Malay-Muslim heritage through local mosques, cultural traditions, and natural attractions, offering visitors insight into the Islamic identity of Southern Thailand.
Centre for IMT-GT Subregional Cooperation (CIMT)
Office 3A, Level 3, Block C, Menara PjH, Precinct 2, 62100, Putrajaya, Malaysia
Indonesia
Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs (CMEA)
Malaysia
Ministry of Economy
Thailand
Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC)
