Explore the beauty of Muslim-friendly Taiwan
Under the Salam Taiwan project, several initiatives have been done to gain the attention of Muslim travellers.
SHAH SHAMSHIRI
Taiwan has long been a very popular tourist destination for many Malaysians. Rich in culture and history, the island nation is also renowned for many other attractions.
With Mandarin being the official language of Taiwan, it comes to no surprise that many Malaysians of Chinese descent are quite familiar with this island. In fact, the similarities in culture with the Chinese diaspora of Malaysia makes it even more enticing as a tourist destination.
However with the progress of time, Taiwan has opened its doors to people of different backgrounds as well. In pursuit of becoming an inclusive holiday destination, Taiwan has also increased efforts in attracting Muslim visitors. Under the Salam Taiwan project, several initiatives have been done to gain the attention of Muslim travellers.
For a slight difference, Taiwan can be discovered from its southern-most city Kaohsiung. Although there are only a few flights to Kaohsiung from Malaysia, it is still worthwhile as the trip takes a mere 4 hour flight from Kuala Lumpur.
Kaohsiung is Taiwan's third most populous city and largest city in Southern Taiwan. Muslim visitors should be pleased to know that the city’s airport has prayer rooms dedicated to the main world religions including one for Muslims.
It also has a large mosque and the Kaohsiung Mosque is relatively easy to find as is located within the central area in front of the city's famous rainbow apartments. Right next to the mosque is also a well-known Halal restaurant.
Kaohsiung is also well-known for many attractions including the Kaohsiung Suzuka Circuit Park. Visitors of the park can not only enjoy rides on go-karts but also have fun at the amusement park next to it. Complete with a Ferris wheel, the park is also located next to a branded outlet shopping mall.
Kaohsiung is also renowned for the Liouhe Night Market which is very popular among the locals. Visitors of the night market will be able to purchase all types of items including food and drinks. For a bit of nature, try tomato picking at the Alian district not too far from central Kaohsiung. The village also has some lovely murals for picture taking.
Then if you have the time, head on to Cijin island. The island which is not too far from Kaohsiung city sells fresh seafood and has a beautiful lighthouse cafe on a hill which offers a breathtaking view of Kaohsiung apart from their famous tunnel of stars.
To end the evening head back to the city and witness the artistic corners of the Pier 2 Art Centre. Another popular tourist destination which is filled with quirky shops and cafes. Almost every corner of the area is social media worthy, so be sure to make some time for this venue.
The other main highlight is the Formosa Boulevard Metro station. Located at the Sinsing District in Kaohsiung, it is currently the sole interchange station between metro lines in the city.
The station is known for its "Dome of Light", the largest glass work in the world. It was designed by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata. It is 30 metres in diameter and covers an area of 2,180 square metres. It is made up of 4,500 glass panels by the German Glassstudio Derix and original glass rondels from Murano, Italy.
While in Kaohsiung, there are several Muslim friendly hotels that serve Muslim-friendly meals including the Kaohsiung A hotel. The rooms in the hotel are also equipped with directions of the Qibla as well as a Muslim prayer time-table and prayer mat.
From Kaohsiung, move up north to the city of Tainan and drop by the beautiful Chimei museum. A reminiscent of the Met museum in New York, the museum has several exhibits on life including a special hall dedicated to music where a virtual orchestra concert is performed almost every hour.
As you approach the city of Tainan be sure to swing by the Blueprint Cultural and Creative Park to take some really cool pictures before walking down the famous Shennong street for more old charm and visual pleasure.
Then close the evening in Miaoli as you spend the night in the cool breeze of another Muslim-friendly lodging known as the West Lake Resortopia. Be mesmerised by the amazing light show which can be witnessed from the very comfort of your own room balcony.
The next day try having a little adventure at the Miaoli Old Mountain Line Rail Bike as you witness gorgeous vistas along the track and witness the famous Longteng broken bridge. Another ideal venue for pictures and videos.
Then continue north to Taipei by making a quick stop at Schokolake Country House. Here you can try out the famous DIY Experience where visitors will be given a chance to make their own chocolate!
Featuring another Muslim Friendly food outlet visitors can enjoy a good meal before proceeding to Taipei.
Located in Northern Taiwan, Taipei according to Wikipedia is home to an estimated population of around 2.5 million inhabitants forming the core part of the Taipei–Keelung metropolitan area, also known as "Greater Taipei", which includes the nearby cities of New Taipei and Keelung. This makes the city the 40th most-populous urban area in the world with roughly one-third of Taiwanese citizens live in the metro areas.
Once in Taipei, make sure you visit the famous Taipei 101 building apart from the popular Shilin Night Market. Then, Swing by the Taipei Zoo if you have the time and most importantly you must experience the lively Ximenting area. That is where all the city's action is centered and it will remind you of the famous Shibuya area in Tokyo, Japan.
Truly a shopping and nightlife haven, Taipei has everything a tourist would need. And don’t worry about getting lost, as long as you have good internet connection you should be able to find your way. Many visitors opt for Travel Recommends devices as they provide excellent and uninterrupted wi-fi connection all over the world including in Taiwan.
Before ending the tour of Taiwan, be sure to visit the Taoyuan Xpark which is famous for the sealife aquarium and the jellyfish room. As it is located near the Taoyuan international airport, take note that the airport is also equipped with a Muslim prayer room!
These are just little glimpses of what Taiwan has to offer, for in reality the island nation has so much more to show especially for the modern Muslim traveller of today. So if you would like to experience something different try Taiwan!
