May-June. 2025

04 HOTEL & RESORT

Malaysia ' s Muslim-friendly hotels offer halal catering, prayer facilities, and exceptional experiences for memorable celebrations and romantic getaways

For Muslim couples, it is vital to choose venues that meet all requirements, including halal food and prayer facilities, ensuring alignment with both their values

RESORTS WORLD KIJAL, KEMAMAN

Mohd Fauzi Abdul Aziz, Assistant Front Office Manager of Resorts World Kijal, shared that the resort stands out with its beachfront location, lush surroundings, and warm

Mohd Fauzi Abdul hospitality. Aziz

He highlighted features such as the newly upgraded golf course and the resort ' s nature-friendly environment, making it a peace-

Resort World Kijal

Attractions at Resorts World Kijal:

▶ Beaches

▶ Seasonal natural turtle watching( during turtle nesting season) and those of their Muslim guests.

Venues that offer proximity to local attractions or provide inhouse amenities elevate the overall experience for both couples and their guests.

This list features several Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition( MFAR)-certified hotels, known for their outstanding services tailored to Muslim travellers.

ful destination ideal for both relaxation and recreation.

Fauzi explained that Malaysia has strong potential as a Muslimfriendly wedding and honeymoon destination, thanks to its rich heritage and natural beauty. He added that the resort contributes by offering a tranquil setting and tailored packages, making it ideal for couples seeking a romantic or cultural experience.

" For Muslim weddings, we provide halal catering, optional gender-separated seating arrangements, and support for Akad Nikah and Doa Selamat ceremonies, whether held indoors or outdoors. For honeymooners, we offer private halal dining experiences as part of the package."

Scan Me

LOTUS DESARU BEACH RESORT & SPA, KOTA TINGGI

Indra Gandhi Pillai, Chief Legal Officer at Lotus Group and Operations Director at Lotus Hotels & Resorts, said that Malaysia had great potential as a wedding destination, being a country with a rich and diverse cultural mix.

Speaking about their hotel, she shared that their approach typically involved collaborating with wedding planners, engaging a mak andam, and entrusting

Indra Gandhi the planners with the overall decoration.

She noted that all food was halal and prepared in a halal-certified kitchen, with

Pillai strict adherence to HACCP standards for food safety. Muslim guests often arrived reassured by the resort ' s recognised certifications, reflecting the team ' s commitment to providing peace of mind.

" People now prefer beach weddings, especially the younger generation. They also like garden weddings, and we offer those facilities. We ' re also well-equipped for outdoor weddings. At the end of the day, everyone wants their wedding to be memorable.

THE WESTIN, KUALA LUMPUR

Norman Mahmud, Assistant Director of Sales at The Westin Kuala Lumpur, said that as a predominantly Muslim country, Malaysia was able to offer an environment that was accommodating for couples to celebrate their special day in line with their values, religion, beliefs, and traditions.

“ Here at The Westin Kuala Lumpur, we recognise the importance of catering to Muslim couples. We ensure that every aspect of the wedding experience aligns with their religious beliefs,” said Norman.

“ Our hotel is fully equipped to provide a range of services that

" We’ ve done beachfront akad nikah ceremonies and full wedding events. These are the kinds of experiences people love. Now, there’ s a trend where couples ask for a Bollywood-themed night, and we can cater for that too.”

Wedding held at Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa

Experiences at Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa:

▶ Honeymoon suite packages with exclusive amenities

▶ Candlelight dinners by the beach with customisable dining options( seafood, Korean, Indian cuisine) ▶ Couple spa treatments in private rooms ▶ Mini-golf and pinball / war games for group activities ▶ Water activities, including private boat rides, jet skiing, and sea sports

Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa

support this, from halal-certified catering to providing space for prayer and religious ceremonies. We also offer tailored wedding packages that reflect the traditions of a Muslim wedding, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.

“ One of the key factors of our package is that all food preparation for both the wedding and honeymoon

Norman Mahmud events is handled in our halal-certified kitchen. This ensures that every meal is compliant with Islamic dietary requirements.

“ Our commitment to halal food extends to our room service, dining options, and banquet offerings so