Muslim-Friendly Travel
Feel as Comfortable and at Ease as if You Were at Home in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung has a Muslim population of about 4,000 to 5,000. Most of them are from Indonesia, while the others from Pakistan, India, Turkey, Malaysia, etc. Every Friday at noon, everyone gathers at the Kaohsiung Mosque for prayer.
The Kaohsiung Mosque is the second mosque built in Taiwan and one of the six major mosques in the country; besides being a center for religious faith, its magnificent Islamic architectural style is not only a spiritual anchor for believers in Southern Taiwan but also an important window for promoting Islamic culture.
Muslims in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is committed to creating a Muslim-friendly travel environment by establishing Muslim prayer spaces in large public areas, marking the Qibla direction towards Mecca, and promoting Muslim-friendly accommodations and Halal-certified restaurant certifications; these efforts satisfy the requirements of Muslim travelers regarding diet, cleanliness, privacy, prayer, and cultural customs, creating a travel environment where Muslim friends feel at home.
Facts About Islam
The name Islam comes from the Quran, and the word (Islam) means submission, obedience, tranquility, and peace. Islam is one of the world's top three religions, and those who practice Islam are called Muslims.
The global Muslim population is approximately 1.7 billion, accounting for 1/4 of the world's population, mostly distributed in Asia, followed by Africa, with continuous growth in Europe and the Americas. Official statistics indicate that the number of Muslims in Taiwan is approximately 300 thousand.
"Halal" refers to everything that complies with Islamic law (Sharia). The goal of Halal dining is to be "lawful" and "wholesome"; lawfulness is the basic standard, and wholesomeness is the continuous pursuit of quality. The quality standards for "Halal" that maintain people's physical and mental health all come from Allah's revelations, representing "safe," "hygienic," and "healthy" food.
"Halal food" is unaffected by food safety crises because of strict control over raw materials and end-processing; it provides an extra layer of safety compared to general commercially available food, so the public need not worry about health issues or hygiene conditions.
Kaohsiung Mosque
The Kaohsiung Mosque is the most important Islamic sanctuary in Southern Taiwan, featuring a classic green dome architecture that is solemn and majestic. It connects local and international Muslim communities, showcasing Kaohsiung's charm as a diverse and inclusive city; the surrounding area also boasts a variety of Halal-certified delicacies, making it a cultural landmark for experiencing exotic culture and art in depth.
- No. 11, Jianjun Road, Lingya District, Kaohsiung City
Domestic Halal Certification Marks
The main requirements for Muslim travelers are a diet free of pork and alcohol, while other meats must comply with relevant Halal regulations; additionally, spaces for prayer must be provided.
Currently, different certification mechanisms have been established for restaurants operated by Muslim and non-Muslim proprietors:
Catering and Kitchen Category
- MR: Muslim Restaurant
- MFR: Muslim-friendly Restaurant
- MFT: Muslim-friendly Tourism
- HK: Halal Kitchen
- HCI: Halal Certified Inclusive
Accommodation and Travel Service Category
- MFA: Muslim-friendly Accommodation
- MFTA: Muslim-friendly Travel Agent
- MFE: Muslim-friendly Environment
- MFEA: Muslim-friendly Experience Activity
Shop and Product Category
- MFS: Muslim-friendly Shop
- AH: All Halal Shop
- HP: Halal Product
Muslim-Friendly Accommodations
Kaohsiung is actively building a diverse and inclusive travel environment, with over 20 hotels currently having obtained "Muslim-Friendly Tourism/Accommodation (MFT/MFA)" certification. These hotels thoughtfully provide the Qibla direction, prayer mats, and bidet facilities (wash sprayers) in guest rooms, as well as Halal-certified specialty breakfasts. From five-star international hotels to cultural and creative design hotels, all are dedicated to providing services that comply with Islamic law, allowing Muslim travelers to enjoy a sense of security and honor as if at home during their journey in the harbor city.
Muslim-Friendly Restaurants
Kaohsiung offers a rich and diverse selection of Halal dining, ranging from authentic Indonesian flavors and spice-rich South Asian cuisine to exotic vegetarian options. These restaurants have all passed rigorous "Muslim Restaurant/Muslim Friendly Restaurant (MR/MFR)" certifications, ensuring that ingredients are free of pork and alcohol and that independent utensils and cooking equipment are used. Whether searching for the taste of home around the mosque or heading to city department stores for an exotic feast, Muslim friends can enjoy Kaohsiung's cross-border culinary surprises with peace of mind in a dining environment that respects their faith.
