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A personal journey around Thailand’s lesser-known Muslim south
By Tharik Hussain
As a travel writer of colour who happens to be a Muslim, I see destinations differently – I have no interest, for example, in the best beaches , or hedonistic nightlife. It has long bothered me that, like most businesses, the travel-writing industry is risk-averse, rarely veering from what it thinks works. This inevitably leads to some places being reduced to a series of clichés. Thailand is one of the worst examples of this, the Land of Smiles equating to coconut palms and bars and – in case you forget where you are going – golden Buddha statues.
When the opportunity to update a guidebook on the country presented itself, I was over the moon. Having spent time with its Indigenous Thai-Muslim community – the largest religious minority – I was keen to address how badly they were represented. I was commissioned to update content on the southern provinces , home to most of Thailand’s Muslims: here was a real chance I could change the outside world’s perception. Guidebooks often focused on the troubles in the deep south, which had seen violent clashes between local Muslims and the government. Thus the group, mostly ethnic Malays, have too often been reduced to dangerous clichés that reinforce the globally popular perception that Muslims equal violence and trouble. No one wrote about their fascinating contributions to Thai history, culture and society. Their delicious and distinct food, their unique mosques and their surprising stories were absent or mentioned only in passing.
Armed with months of independent research and tips from Thai-Muslim friends, I spent two months exploring the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao, before making my way south through the provinces of Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla. The three majority-Muslim provinces in Thailand’s deep south – Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat – were off limits, based on Foreign Office advice, because of the history of troubles.
On Ko Samui, I spent time in the fishing village of Ban Hua Thanos where, on a Friday afternoon, local Ahmad Sobree took me to pray in the green and gold, neo-Mughal-style Ko Samui Central Mosque, before we went in search of halal street food in the narrow alleys. Later, on the party island of Ko Pha-Ngan, on the main road leading to Hat Rin Nok beach, home to hedonistic full-moon parties, I stumbled upon the 100-year-old Bulao Malayu Mosque. Built on stilts in the Chinese house style by one of the island’s first Muslim families, it predates the party-going that Ko Pha-Ngan is known for and houses a mimbar, or ancient wood pulpit – the island’s only Indigenous Thai-Muslim artefact.
On the mainland in Surat Thani, I met a family of silk weavers, descended from a forgotten Thai-Muslim royal, who are famous for creating the luxurious Thai pha yok textile. At Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Night Market, where the country’s best halal street food can be found, I ate kow mok gai chicken biryani and ma da ba – stuffed flatbread – washed down with Thai Indian-style chah.
Connor Sturges
Sarah James
Sarah Rodrigues
Olivia Morelli
But the most fascinating discovery was in Songkhla province. I arrived during Ramadan and on the first day I broke my fast with local Muslims in the Central Mosque, an iconic modern statement locals have dubbed Thailand’s Taj Mahal. Its large golden central dome, flanked by four slim minarets, overlooks a huge rectangular body of water. As we ate a filling iftar of spicy curries with noodles and colourful sweets, the locals shared some of the area’s dark history. Somewhere deep in Lake Songkhla, where I was heading next, lay the undiscovered body of the region’s most famous martyr, Hajji Sulong Tomina. The Hajji is believed to have been drowned there in 1954 for standing up to the fascist military dictator Plaek Phibunsongkhram, who wanted every citizen to adopt Buddhism and speak only Thai, banning Islamic schools and Malay cultural expressions.
Along the shores of the great lake, I went in search of the tomb of Sultan Sulaiman Shah, the forgotten royal whose descendants now weave silk. He was the greatest ruler of the 17th-century Sultanate of Singora, an independent state that defied the region’s Siamese rulers to become an important trading port for European and Chinese traders.
The tomb was in a little-known cemetery, shaded by a large tree with gnarled roots, far from any tourist trail. As I stepped inside I was greeted by Charoon, a local man. He told me he was a Buddhist – his mother was Buddhist and his father was Muslim. “Buddhists and Muslims live here with no conflict,” he explained. I asked him what had brought him there. “I come to the tomb many times to pay my respects,” he said.
Confused by my presence, Charoon then asked me the reason why I was there. When I told him, he was thrilled, and began giving me the locations of other ruins with links to the Sultanate. I listened carefully and then, like a slightly rotund and brown Lara Croft, made my way into the jungles of the surrounding hills to locate the remains of Singora’s original city walls and a couple of well-preserved forts; one of them with an ancient cannon that still pointed towards the ghosts of enemy ships on the Gulf of Thailand. I proudly mapped my finds to create the first Thai-Muslim trail, then wrote two essays to introduce the forgotten Sultanate to readers, and tell the fascinating story of the Green, Blue, Purple and Yellow Muslim queens of the powerful Sultanate of Patani who ruled over these parts of Thailand between the 16th and 20th centuries.
My last iftar in Songkhla city was at my favourite mosque, Masjid Asasul. It marries traditional early Thai temple architecture and design – including a now-erased tree-of-life motif – with later Indo-Asian influences. Tucking into delicious southern dishes surrounded by the warmth of Thai-Muslim culture, I remember feeling as though my work would instigate the change I craved. Alas, it was not to be.
Within months, the world was gripped by a lethal pandemic and everything, including the guidebooks, was halted. When normal life eventually resumed, the title on the south was scrapped, and along with it the Thai-Muslim trail, the essays on the queens and Sultan Sulaiman Shah, and details of all those points of interest and culture. It was heartbreaking – the clichés had won.
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Description
Bangkok is the largest city and also the capital of Thailand. The city has numerous cultural attractions and various landmarks and is a beautiful destination to spend an eventful holiday. The vibrant markets of Bangkok are the main draw for the visitors... more
Bangkok, Thailand
Briyani rice with chicken
the Restaurant put Halal signage on the table
Wow! Where is this
Halal food nearby Shapan Taksin Station n Chao Phray River.. nice food
Chicken biryani
Restaurant offers good food and not pricey..
Value for money..nice
Bangkok is the largest city and also the capital of Thailand. The city has numerous cultural attractions and various landmarks and is a beautiful destination to spend an eventful holiday. The vibrant markets of Bangkok are the main draw for the visitors to the city. There are a good number of Muslims in the city and finding halal-friendly facilities in Bangkok is never a problem. Whether it is mosques or halal restaurants, Bangkok offers its Muslim visitors with the best amenities.
When it comes to sightseeing, the city has a plethora of option. Whether it is the Grand Palace or the Royal Barge Museum, the city is high on a dose of cultural attractions. On one hand, visitors can see high-rise buildings, on the other the Floating Market has its own appeal. Aptly named the 'Venice of the East', a trip to Bangkok would be incomplete without enjoying a ride along one of the water canals in the city. Bangkok also offers a good range of museums like the Jim Thompson House, King Prajadhipok Museum, Ban Kamthieng, Museum of Siam, M.R. Kukrit\'s Heritage Home, Suan Pakkad Palace, etc.
The city is known for its shopping and is a delight for avid shoppers. There are numerous places where visitors can shop; the Siam Paragon is one of the best places to shop in Bangkok. The Banglamphu Market is where one can find the best and most affordable deals. The areas of Phahurat and Yaowarat are must-visits for those shopping for authentic items. The city also features some excellent shopping malls like Siam Center, Emporium and MBK Center.
Nearby Airports
There are two airports that serve Bangkok, the Suvarnabhumi Airport and the Don Muang Airport. Most of the flights use the Suvarnabhumi Airport except for Orient Thai,Nok Air and Air Asia that use the Dong Muang Airport. Both the airports are about 30Km from the city center. From the Suvarnabhumi Airport, the best way to get to the downtown area of the city is by the Airport Rail Link. The trains are available from 6:00 AM to 11:59 PM. The Airport Rail Link operates a non-stop Express Link and a City Line. There are also private Airport Express buses that connect the city to the airport. A one-way trip by the airport express bus can cost around 32 Baht. There are also metered taxis available from the airport to the city and can cost around 200-400 Baht. The Don Muang Airport also offers good connectivity by taxis and buses. Buses can cost around 30 Baht for a one-way trip and taxis can cost around 250 Baht.
Halal Restaurants
For Muslim visitors, Bangkok offers a variety of halal restaurants where they can dine. Some of the best halal restaurants in the city include Sara Restaurant, Yusuf Foods, Wrap-It at Siam Paragon, Akbar Restaurant, etc. These restaurants serve authentic Thai, Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern and American cuisine.
Bangkok has a number of mosques where visitors can stop to offer their prayers. The Bangkok Mosqueis the most prominent and the biggest mosque in Bangkok. The other mosques in Bangkok include the Darool Aman Mosque, Al-Huda Mosque, Chakrabongse Mosque,Tanson Mosque, Noor-ul-Islam Mosque, Luang Mosque, etc.
Things to Do and See in Bangkok
Grand palace, dusit palace.
- Jim Thompson House
Lumphini Park
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Royal Barges Museum
Museum of Siam
- Ban Kamthieng
- King Prajadhipok Museum
- M.R. Kukrit's Heritage Home
- Suan Pakkad Palace
- Little India
- Safari World
- Santichaiprakarn Park
- Riverboat Tour
- Restaurants
- Halal Dishes
- Attractions
Map View Dynamic Map
2 Thanon Samsen, Banglumphu, Pranakorn, Bangkok 10200
Himali Cha Cha II
1229/11 Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok, Thailand 10100
Roti Mataba
136 Thanon Phra Athit, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Namiya Restaurant
1179/41, Soi 47, Thanon Charoen Krung, Bangkok, Thailand 10100
Centre Point Petchburi 15 Food Court
6 Soi 15, Thanon Petchburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok
Don Mueang International Airport
222 Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Sanambin Don Mueang, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International
Suvarnabhumi Airport999 Bangna - TradRacha Thewa Bang Phli DistrictSamut Prakan 10540Thailand
คาสิโนออนไลน์
Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, 10200, Thailand
Vajira Hospital 295 Ratchasima Rd, Dusit, Thailand
Rama IV Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Tandoori Chicken
Rama I Road, Khwaeng Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand
Beef T Bone Steak
MBK 5th Floor, Tokyu Side,Bangkok 10330 Thailand
745/52 Phetchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
122/52 Ratchaprarop Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Luang Kocha Mosque
Bangkok 10100, Thailand
463-495 Phetchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Thung Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Haroon Masjid, Bangkok
Haroon Masjid 25 Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand
Meerasudeen Mosque
Soi Silom 22, Khwaeng Suriya Wong, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand
Darul Ihsan Masjid, Bangkok
Darul Ihsan Masjid 88 Jarunsanidwong Rd. Soi 94, Bang Or Bang Plad Bangkok 10700 Bangkok Thailand
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Embark on a journey through the vibrant markets of Asia, where culture, history, and shopping converge. Check out these top 5 destinations for a shopping frenzy, catering to the growing trend of Halal...
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Koh Panyi (Floating Muslim Village)
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Thailand ranked 4th as Muslim-friendly destination
Thailand has done well in another international travel poll, this time as a favoured destination for Muslim travellers.
According to the result of MasterCard-Halal Trip Muslim Millennial Travel Report, Thailand is the fourth favorite destination among millennial Muslims, with Malaysia crowned as the winner.
In addition to winner Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan also ranked above Thailand.
The strong ranking reflects Thailand’s efforts to position itself as a Muslim-friendly destination.
Below is the list of millennial Muslims’ favorite travel destinations according to the MasterCard-Halal Trip Muslim Millennial Travel Report
1. Malaysia
2. Indonesia
4. Thailand
5. Australia
6. Singapore
7. United Arab Emirates
8. United Kingdom
9. United States
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Thailand launches Muslim-friendly tourist app
BANGKOK (REUTERS) - Thailand on Monday launched a smartphone app to attract Muslim visitors, something that could help further boost an industry which has been steadily recovering since a 2014 coup.
Thailand is predominantly Buddhist but parts of the south are majority Muslim. Known for its laissez-faire attitude towards travellers, powder-white beaches and as an aviation hub, Thailand draws millions of tourists each year.
Now its tourism body hopes the new app will help further boost Thailand's tourism sector, which makes up about 10 per cent of its economy.
The industry took a beating last year as some foreign governments issued warnings against non-essential travel to Thailand due to political unrest and a May 22 coup, but it has been steadily recovering.
Efforts to welcome Muslim travellers to Thailand come amid rising anti-Muslim sentiment in some Western countries and recent Islamist militant attacks.
The new app will be available on Google Inc's Android and Apple Inc's iOS systems, the Tourism Authority of Thailand said in a statement.
With search and navigation features, it will help visitors find hotels and shopping centres with prayer rooms and halal, or permissible under Islamic law, restaurants, said Juthaporn Rerngronasa, acting governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Among non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries, Thailand was ranked the second most popular place for Muslim travellers to visit in the world after Singapore by the Global Muslim Travel Index in 2015. "We believe this is because we have the required range of products and services for Muslim travellers," said Juthaporn.
The app is available in English and Thai but will be expanded to include Arabic and Bahasa Indonesia.
Thailand expects a record 29.5 million tourists this year, up 19 per cent from 2014, its tourism council said last week.
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A muslim-friendly app for thailand.
- Day 1 Bangkok / Pattaya
- Day 2 Pattaya
- Day 3 Pattaya / Bangkok
- Day 4 Bangkok
- Day 5 Bangkok
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- Halal Dining in Thailand
According to the Halal Science Centre, there are currently 3,500 Halal-certified restaurants in Thailand, ensuring that Muslim visitors are well catered for in the kingdom.
The global Muslim travel market is expected to reach USD220 billion by 2020, and Thailand is laying claim to a significant slice of that pie.
So far, visitor numbers justify the marketing efforts, with an estimated 3.6 million Muslim visitors arriving in the country in 2017.
“Halal food can be found in every corner of Thailand, and I believe its availability is a major reason why the kingdom is such a popular destination for Muslim travellers,” said Sanya Saengboon, General Manager of Al Meroz Hotel Bangkok.
Some of Thailand’s favourite dishes are actually of Muslim origin.
The rice in khao mok kai (chicken biryani) gets its yellow hues from the herbs and spices it’s cooked in, including cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and saffron or turmeric. The fragrant rice is topped off with chicken (sometimes beef), sprinkled with crispy fried shallots, and commonly served with a green herb sauce or sweet chili sauce.
One of the country’s best known curry dishes, massaman , is believed to be named after an ancient form of the word “musulman”, which actually means “ Muslim ”. Massaman usually contains coconut milk, roasted peanuts, potatoes, bay leaves, cardamom pods, cinnamon, palm sugar, tamarind sauce, and fish sauce.
What is Halal food? So, what exactly determines whether a food is Halal and how does this rich cuisine reflect Islamic principles?
First of all, the chef must be a Muslim, and the kitchen appliances used to prepare Halal food should be clean and never contaminated by non-Halal (haram) items; such as, animal blood and alcohol.
Pork is well-known for being haram , while other excluded meats include the flesh of carnivorous animals, poisonous animals such as, scorpions and creatures forbidden to be killed under Shariah Law – ants, for example. The slaughter process must also abide by rigid rules based on Muslim principles that ensure the animals are not tormented. What’s more, they should always be dead before being cooked.
“One of the main misunderstandings the general public has is that Halal food is exclusively for Muslims, when in fact it takes into account cleanliness and nutritional value,” said Al Meroz Hotel’s Saengboon, who added that the most popular dishes at the Hotel include lobster biryani and roasted duck fried rice.
Muslim travellers to Thailand can enjoy more than just dining. "At the Blue Elephant Cooking School, we can accommodate guests’ requests for a dedicated Halal friendly corner,” said Blue Elephant founder and chef Nooror Somany Steppe. Halal-certified chicken and meat dishes are also available on the menu.
To bring a taste of Thailand back home, Blue Spice is a Halal-certified range of curry paste and sauces developed by Blue Elephant and exported to 37 countries around the world.
In the latest Global Muslim Travel Index 2018, Thailand ranked second to Singapore as the top non-OIC (Organisation of the Islamic Conference) destination preferred by Muslim travellers.
Muslims are well integrated into the predominantly Buddhist Thai society, making up an estimated 9 to 10 percent of the population. A large number of Malay Muslims can be found Phang-Nga, Songkhla, Ranong, Phuket, and other southern provinces which historically neighboured the Pattani Kingdom. In northern Thailand, the majority of Chinese Muslims can trace their history back to the 19th century migration of Hui Muslim ethnic group from China.
To assist with Muslim travel, a few years ago the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched the Thailand Muslim Friendly app on the App store to help visitors search for mosques, hotels, and Muslim health providers in Thailand. The app also lists a selection of 150 restaurants certified by the Central Islamic Committee of Thailand.
In addition to the prevalence of Halal-friendly restaurants, there are also nearly 3,900 mosques in the country. Although no travellers are identical, Muslim or otherwise, the increasingly Muslim friendly facilities on offer (including prayer rooms in the airport and prayer mats in some hotel rooms), mean Thailand looks to remain a firm favourite for Muslim travellers.
This article is brought to you by Tourism Authority of Thailand .
To know more about Tourism Authority of Thailand, please visit https://www.tourismthailand.org/
Tina Hsiao is a full time mother and writer who loves a good krapao and bad puns. As a teetotaler she would be the perfect designated driver if only she knew how to drive.
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Ways sought to lure big-spending Muslim tourists
PUBLISHED : 17 Mar 2023 at 08:00
NEWSPAPER SECTION: News
WRITER: Achadthaya Chuenniran
PHUKET: The Department of Tourism (DoT) plans to promote Thailand as a friendly destination for Muslim tourists.
The DoT and the private sector held a focus group discussion on Islamic tourism on Wednesday in Phuket, targeting high-end visitors from the Middle East. It was the fourth discussion with the private sector in the hospitality industry after the first three forums were held in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chon Buri last month.
According to Athuek Phrasenmoon, director of the DoT's Tourist Attractions Development Division, Muslim tourists are now a main target group for the global tourism industry due to this being the fastest-growing market with high spending power.
Mr Athuek said Thailand saw 11.8 million international arrivals last year, more than 400,000 of whom came from the Middle East, up 65% compared to the same period in 2019. The total spending of this group also rose 71% from four years prior.
The DoT said it wants to have a solid plan in place to lure more Muslim tourists to the kingdom while also preparing local authorities and people working in the service and hospitality industries to better understand their culture, behaviour and special needs, such as only consuming halal food.
Mr Athuek said the results of the four discussions showed that Muslim tourists preferred Muslim-friendly destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Krabi. They also prefer hotels and restaurants that have halal food and other facilities catering to their needs, like prayer rooms.
He said the private sector wants the DoT to promote tourism activities related to the Muslim calendar, such as offering attractive campaigns after Ramadan, Islam's holiest month.
According to the MasterCard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2022, Thailand ranks fourth on the list of non-Muslim countries that are popular among Muslim tourists, behind Malaysia, Singapore and the UK.
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3 Muslim Women Share What it’s Like to Travel Alone
11/14/2017 by Ashley Yap 2 Comments
Welcome back to another installment of Solo Female Travel Stories, where we share the stories of women who travel alone from all around the world.
While my advice on how to successfully travel solo is universal, there is no denying that I come from a privileged background and I cannot speak to the experience of every woman out there.
Previously, I’ve shared the solo experiences of a not-so-young woman abroad , to a determined single mother , to the brave ladies from Kenya and India who break stereotypes and travel fearlessly.
Today, I have decided to do it a little bit differently in order to provide multiple perspectives on one shared experience – what it is like to be a Muslim solo female traveler.
Admittedly, I do not know a lot about Islam, or Muslim culture. The mainstream media has done a splendid job of portraying the religion a certain way, and it has left me with a lot of questions about how life really is on the road for Muslim travelers.
Do other travelers treat them differently, or is it hard to find the right food or even the right place to perform their daily prayers?
So when I stumbled upon an interview of Muslim solo female traveler from Indonesia , I had to share it on my Facebook Page , and to my pleasant surprise, a number of people commented and shared their views on traveling solo as a Muslim female. I decided to reach out to a few of them to see if they would share more insights with us, and here are Hirni from Singapore, Majdouline from France, and Syifa from Indonesia’s stories:
Table of Contents
Tell us about yourselves!
Hirni: I’m adventurous, unconventional, crazy and march to the beat of my own drums. I’d like to be known as someone who is able to inspire and motivate others. I am a solo female traveler who just happens to be Muslim. I do not feel any different from other solo female travelers I’ve met out there.
Syifa: I am a solo female traveler from Indonesia who runs a YouTube channel . I live in the Northwest of China now. When I meet someone new with my hijab on, I do not need to say I am a Muslim, as the hijab kind of speaks for me, though not everyone knows, some may think that it’s a nice fashion statement!
Majdouline: I am a very positive person, who has a strong interest in people. I am French born Arab, and I grew up at the German border in Strasbourg, studied in Germany and worked in London for a decade until a few months ago. I have started to travel around and go trekking a lot to be alone surrounded by nature lately.
What motivated you to travel alone for the first time?
Hirni: I’ve always been very independent but I would say a sense of adventure and fear of the unknown. The idea of surrendering control to a certain extend and letting the universe assist you are the things that helped to propel me to travel solo in the first place. That, and not having a choice!
My first solo trip was to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia , as a teenager, because my parents were unable to go with me due to work commitments. I was lucky as I have family there, and my cousin hung out with me. I took an overnight train journey, and it was so much fun being on my own, being responsible for my own safety – I felt like a proper adult.
Syifa: I used Couchsurfing to meet travelers when I was back home in Indonesia, as I did not have the money to travel, and figured it would be nice to hear stories from travelers from around the world. I went on Couchsurfing’s website and hunted down travelers in Indonesia, and contacted them to meet up for a meal and a nice conversation. I traveled through their stories which helped feed my wanderlust, and meeting them motivated me to save up to travel myself!
The first time I traveled abroad alone was not completely for the purpose of experiencing solo traveling – I went to Singapore with 100 SGD with me, to visit my boyfriend at that time, but we broke up before we even met. I went anyway, and had to be creative with the limited amount of money I had. I was scared, but I took it as a challenge and even tried out Couchsurfing. The experience was exciting and empowering, and I have since then started taking more budgeted, longer solo trips.
Have you ever changed someone’s point of view about what it means to be a woman from your culture?
When it comes up hijabs (covering up), it really depends on the individual. It may also be a cultural thing in some cases. If you come from a very conservative Islamic family, then the tendency is to dress modestly, just in case your third uncle from your grandma’s side of the family sees you walking down the street, God forbid, with your hair loose and walking beside your male classmate. However, these days, modern Muslims are mostly more relaxed about it. My cabin mate in Antarctica was Jewish. We realized we probably got along well because we are both not very religious, but we did talk about our religions and cultural differences.
Syifa: When I went to Manila, my Couchsurfing host saw me with my hijab from afar, and immediately told me that he would transfer me to another house. When I asked why, he said it’s because his friend’s fiancee was a Muslim and thought that it would be more convenient for me. In Chiang Mai, I stayed with an American-British family, and I took part in their son’s school’s workshop about Islam. Throughout my travels, I have met so many western travelers who showed no hate, only curiosity on my religion, because they had little interaction with a Muslims prior to meeting me.
To be honest, I have been able to learn more about Islam from discussing it with them than back home. I can’t change how the world views Islam, but being able to share what I know is true for sure through traveling makes me very grateful.
Have you had to break down stereotypes and stigmas?
Hirni: Since I do not really look “Muslim”, most people have no idea I am one, until I tell them so – usually when it comes to dietary requirements, or when they see my full name in my passport. Many people think that Muslims should be Arabic-looking, but most Muslims are from the Asia Pacific region, and not all of us look and dress alike!
When I travel, people who have never met a Muslim before get confused when they meet me, because I dress and speak in a “westernized” manner, and have my own thoughts and opinions about the state of the world, climate change, the uselessness of fidget-spinners, etc. A lot of people were really surprised when I told them I went to a Christian high school.
Syifa: I definitely stood out in many countries simply because I wore a hijab. But I don’t think that I am breaking stereotypes by traveling solo. If anything, it has become an added value to me. My hijab often works as a conversation starter, and I have received so much kindness and understanding from people I have met. Interestingly, most, if not all of the hateful comments have come from my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters. I try my best to receive them with an open mind, and believe that they are looking out for me.
Majdouline: People do not realized straight away that I am a Muslim, so sometimes they are surprised because they expect every Muslim to think the same and act the same. But we are individuals who are entitled to think and live our religion as we wish. In Japan, people were very surprised that I did not wear the head scarf so I like to show them pictures of my sisters and my aunty, we all accept each other as we are and no one is judging. 🙂
What are some obstacles you’ve had to overcome in order to make traveling a lifestyle?
Syifa: When I first started traveling, I could only afford to go to the neighboring countries, where the currency exchange rates are not too different from Indonesian Rupiah. Money could be a problem if I were to travel to countries in the US or in Europe. However, I now use workaway.com to sustain my lifestyle. I have also started a YouTube channel to share my travels with people who are interested. Hopefully, I will be able to visit more countries that seemed impossible soon!
Majdouline: Dealing with the number of days off that you get from work as I do not live in the same country than my family. My parents live in France and my grand parents in Tunisia, so I have to take time to see them while maximising my travels all over the world in a limited time each year.
What do you think the world assumes about women from your culture that is dead wrong?
Majdouline: That we are expected to date or marry only muslim guys. Here is an example with the Tunisian legislation which has been amended this year:
“Tunisian women are allowed to married non- Muslim legally for the first time in 44 years, before if a Muslim woman wanted to marry a non-Muslim man, the man would have to convert to Islam and provide a certificate.”
In general, the world assumes that there is only one way to be a Muslim and that is not the case, I think that no one shall be an ambassador of a whole religion , we should only represent ourselves and our own convictions 🙂
Where have you been that you think is perfect for solo female travelers?
Hirni: I would say in terms of safety, Iceland and Norway are way up there. As a female traveling on your own, you do not have to worry about being hassled. Iceland is easy to navigate but expensive for a solo traveler although it was manageable for me. Norway is perfect for the adventurous. Seeing the Northern lights should be on everyone’s bucket list!
I also backpacked alone around Brazil for close to a month. I bought an Air Pass and did Sao Paolo, Rio, Salvador, Manaus, Paintins, and Fortaleza. I enjoyed Festa Juninhas, and watching Boi Bumba in the Amazon (a carnival, but Amazonian style). Nobody really bothered me, but I guess I blended in pretty well with the locals. I had to use my common sense when it came to safety , of course. I also got tips from fellow travelers about traveling around Brazil.
For Muslims, we are most concerned about Halal food (which would make Denmark a less preferred destination right now). So if there is no Halal food to be found, we would have to stick with vegetarian food. Another important aspect is the ability to pray 5 times a day for most practicing Muslims. In non-Islamic countries, mosques and prayer rooms are rare, but you can always find a quiet corner to perform your prayers.
Majdouline: I think that big cities are amazing for solo female travelers, I would suggest Seoul, Tokyo, NYC. Lisbon and Milan. I loved trekking and going to the wild but found it more challenges to do it alone whereas New Zealand or Corsica are great for solo female travelers.
What are some unexpected benefits of traveling alone?
Hirni: You could always change your mind if need be, should something interesting suddenly come up. For example, when the locals tell you of a party or festival that you could go to, you don’t have to check with your travel companions if they would want to go or not. It also pushes you to be more open and communicate with other people, be it locals or fellow travelers.
Finally, you could also go off-the-grid, off the beaten track if you wish to do so, without having to worry if your travel companions are comfortable with it. Basically, you come first !
Strangers are also more willing to help when they realize you are alone and may be a little “helpless”.
What is your advice to Muslim women who want to travel solo like you?
Syifa: Don’t be afraid . It’s scary to leave your comfort zone at first, but once you take the plunge to do it, and experience interacting with other travelers, you will realize that it is a lot easier than you thought!
I was encouraged and impressed to find that though stereotypes abound, these women have all had wonderful travel experiences that transcend outward differences.
Many thanks to these ladies for being part of this series! It’s so cool to hear from women from all over the world and from all walks of life about what solo traveling means to them, and to see that it can be enjoyed across so many different cultures.
Per usual, I’m amazed, humbled, and impressed by all of the women who are out there conquering the globe, and I’d love to share even more remarkable stories with you.
If you have a unique story to share, please get in touch .
READ NEXT: Solo Female Travel Stories: Wangechi from Kenya
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11/14/2017 at 7:54 am
More power to them. Amazed by them too and glad they have had a great experience, and wow what a great article (like reading National Geographic). This experience can be a guide for those of other religions in a way, like how they handle dietary laws (side note: maybe one day you will have a post about someone with allergies?). Also, this is so educational, so much misinformation out there. How many people realize that less than 15% of Muslims are Arab? That a majority of Arabs in the US are Christian (can’t confirm number, but I think more than 60%)? That Indonesia has the largest Muslim population? And Islam being among the most racially diverse? (In the US it is the most diverse among major religions, second to Adventists overall). I can see how in SE Asia one could miss the size of the Muslim population versus, say the Middle East, because outside Indonesia, they are a minority out of a large overall population while a grand majority in the Middle East with a lower overall population. I think these women have a lot to share about how one can be true to their religion and faith in God at whatever faith level and remove outdated (male developed) interpretations, or traditions limiting women’s ability to find their destiny. They are the true liberators. In the end, though, after my little soliloquy, it is about three women having the time of their lives like anyone else.
Ijana Loss says
11/16/2017 at 12:42 pm
My best friend is Muslim and I’ve gone traveling with her, and usually the only difference there really was to me traveling by myself is that we would have to hunt down a good prayer spot. Sometimes we would find a corner and then find out that the direction she had to face was a ridiculously awkward one, so we would try to find a better one XD I really wish more Muslims would go travel because there are soooo many stereotypes about them that could be changed if people knew Muslims as something other than those terrorists on the news!
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Malaysia to further deepen collaboration with Thailand, says Anwar
Thursday, 21 Mar 2024
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Anwar Ibrahim breaks fast with media practitioners at Seri Perdana
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his welcoming remarks at the Madani breaking of fast programme with ambassadors, foreign representatives, and international organisations at Seri Perdana Complex here on Thursday (March 21). – BernamPic
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is further deepening its collaboration with Thailand in the areas of trade, investment and tourism, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In his welcoming remarks at the Madani breaking of fast programme with ambassadors, foreign representatives, and international organisations at Seri Perdana Complex here on Thursday (March 21), Anwar said he is looking forward to working with his counterpart, Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, in other areas.
"We are working with Srettha to collaborate further. The Foreign Ministry will also be assisting (the country) to ensure collaborations between Asean and bilateral relations with our neighbours will further strengthen,” he said.
Thailand was Malaysia’s seventh-largest trading partner globally in 2023, with RM113.16bil (US$24.83bil) in trade.
Anwar also said that, in addition to Thailand, Malaysia is working with Singapore to complete the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), with a joint agreement between both countries expected to be signed by year-end.
"This (JS-SEZ) would benefit south Malaysia and Singapore as well,” said Anwar, who is also Finance Minister.
On March 14, the Economy Ministry announced Malaysia and Singapore are expected to ink the joint agreement during the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat later this year.
Elaborating on Malaysia’s collaborations within Asean, Anwar said Malaysia would expand and deepen collaborations in several areas such as energy transition, digital transformation, public health, and education.
In 2023, Malaysia’s major trading partners were Asean, China, the United States, the European Union and Japan, which accounted for a 67.7% share of Malaysia's total trade.
Earlier, Anwar spent time breaking fast with 300 guests from Maahad Tahfiz Sulaimaniyah, Kajang, ambassadors, foreign representatives and international organisations. – Bernama
Tags / Keywords: Anwar Ibrahim , Thailand , Collaboration , Asean , Japan
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