Singapore Holidays

Halal Singapore Holidays

Regarded by numerous travel industry experts as one of the world's cleanest and safest holiday destinations, Singapore is an intriguing combination of mesmerising architecture, natural scenery, culture and cuisine. A cosmopolitan city, Singapore neighbours the Muslim-dominated country of Malaysia, and even though it is not a Muslim city, it boasts a respectable number of halal-friendly restaurants and resorts.

This has resulted in Singapore becoming a popular holiday destination among Muslim couples and families. It is also quickly becoming a favourite location for weddings and honeymoons. Additionally, it is home to historic sites, popular markets, world-class museums, famous mosques, architectural wonders and a host of family-friendly activities.

Because Muslim travellers want to visit areas of the world that are suitable to their religious requirements and needs, they may at first glance think Singapore is not a good holiday destination. While it is true that the city is considered a religious and cultural melting pot, many halal-friendly facilities and establishments can be found in the city. Therefore, even though it is not governed by Islamic law, certain characteristics make Singapore a great choice for Muslim holidaymakers.

Accommodation

Because Singapore's population is 15 percent Muslim, finding an appropriate resort or hotel is not typically difficult. In fact, several world-class resorts in the city cater for Muslims and feature on-site halal restaurants, Qibla markings and prayer rooms, and are within walking distance to mosques. Among the top Muslim-friendly resorts in Singapore are the Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy, Marina Mandarin Singapore, Landmark Village Hotel, and the Royal Plaza on Scotts. These resorts have the aforementioned amenities and their patrons are primarily those of the Muslim faith. Alcohol is permissible in guest rooms, but is not served in the resort's on-site restaurants or in any public areas.

Dining

Internationally known fast food chains with halal certificates can be found throughout the city. There is also a variety of upscale halal restaurants from which travellers can choose in Singapore, including One Market, Bumbu Asian, Badoque Western, Casa Bom Vento Peranakan, and Carousel International. These restaurants do not serve alcohol and observe the Islamic dress code.

Activities and Attractions

Singapore boasts a broad range of sightseeing opportunities and is home to popular establishments such as the Singapore Zoo, Universal Studios, the Jurong Bird Park, and Sentosa Island, the latter of which is essentially a theme park located on its own private island just off the Singapore coast.

A Swimmer's Paradise

Swimmers typically fall in love with the island, as it has more free-admission pools per square mile than any country in the world. Virtually all pools operate every day of the year; however, Muslim families should keep in mind that certain pools have swim-up bars. Nevertheless, with a bit of advance planning, these pools can be avoided in lieu of more appropriate choices.

The Empress Palace Museum

Built in the 1960s, the Empress Palace Museum belongs on the must-see list of all Singapore visitors. An ideal place to escape the humidity and heat during summer, the establishment is home to ten thematic galleries centred on the development of Asian civilisations, religions and cultures. It houses outstanding works of art from Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, China and India.

World Famous Mosques

Families can also visit some of the city's world-famous mosques, such as the Masjid Sultan Mosque, which is now a national landmark, and the Masjid Hajjah Fatimah, Masjid Abdul Gaffoor, and Masjid Malabar.

With its broad range of attractions and halal-friendly establishments and facilities, Singapore is a great holiday destination for Muslim families from around the world. Virtually all travellers and their families enjoy spending time in this unique and diversified city.