Hong Kong Wins Accolade as Top 3 Muslim-Friendly Non-Muslim Cities, Combining Safety and Affordability Urban Escapes
Hong Kong is rapidly emerging as a welcoming, affordable, and safe destination for Muslim travellers from Southeast Asia and beyond. In the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) by CrescentRating (CR) and MasterCard, the city ranks third among non-OIC (Non-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) destinations for Muslim-friendly travel and has been recognised as the Most Promising Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year. These recognitions are based purely on a destination’s measured performance in the index. Further reinforcing this position, Hong Kong ranks 2nd globally in the Muslim Women Friendly Travel Destination (Non-OIC) category and debuts 1st rank in a new sub-index, Muslim-friendly Accessible Travel Destination (Non-OIC), a reflection of Hong Kong’s continued efforts to make travel more inclusive and convenient for Muslim visitors of all needs and background. These awards are given based on destination’s performance in the annual GMTI, highlighting Hong Kong’s leadership and commitment to Muslim-friendly travel.
Reflecting this growing recognition, visitor arrivals from Malaysia rose by 9.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, with overnight stays increasing by 4.6%—a clear sign of rising demand for Hong Kong’s Muslim-friendly offerings. Further cementing its commitment, several Hong Kong establishments have also been recognised for their excellence in enhancing the Muslim travel experience, including:
- Muslim-friendly Hotel of the Year: Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong
- Muslim-friendly Hotel of the Year: The Mira Hong Kong
- Muslim-friendly Attraction of the Year: Ngong Ping 360 Limited
- Muslim-friendly Convention & Exhibition Centre of the Year: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Hong Kong is deepening its commitment to inclusive and halal-conscious tourism, led by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and supported by the government. Efforts include expanding the number of hotels participating in CR accreditation, which evaluates key Muslim-friendly services such as halal food availability and prayer facilities. At the same time, the city is actively improving access to halal-certified restaurants and lifestyle experiences that cater to modern Muslim travellers. The city now has 193 Halal-certified and Muslim-owned eateries and 61 hotels have obtained an accreditation rating from CR, which is a testament to the availability of Muslim-friendly facilities at the hotels.
Ms Liew Chian Jia, Regional Director of Southeast Asia, HKTB, said, “Since our Muslim-friendly push, HKTB has seen an increasing interest and participation in CR’s accreditation program among the Hong Kong stakeholders. To support this initiative within the Southeast Asia region, we have rolled out a dedicated Muslim campaign named Jelajah Hong Kong that showcases Muslim-friendly experiences for ease of trip planning. We will continue efforts to elevate Hong Kong’s position as a popular Muslim-friendly destination.”
Jelajah Hong Kong with the City’s Muslim-Friendly Affordable Experiences
Kowloon & Tsim Sha Tsui
In the heart of Kowloon, Muslim travellers can enjoy a seamless blend of spiritual convenience, green spaces, cultural sights, and local flavour. Start at the iconic Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre, the largest mosque in Hong Kong, which offers a peaceful place for daily prayers and serves as a key landmark for the local Muslim community. Just steps away, Kowloon Park provides a lush escape from the city’s hustle, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a moment of reflection. Nathan Road, known as the “Golden Mile,” runs nearby and is lined with budget-friendly shops, street snacks, and vibrant energy. For breathtaking skyline views, head to the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and the Avenue of Stars, where you can enjoy panoramic scenes of Victoria Harbour. To round out the experience, Chrisly Café’s halal-certified bakery and Marouf & Puff Bake at Tsim Sha Tsui offers halal pastries and sweets perfect for a midday break or takeaway treat amid the city buzz.
Mong Kok & Yau Ma Tei
In the lively districts of Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei, travellers will find a dynamic blend of culture, commerce, and culinary delights—all within easy reach. The iconic Ladies Market in Mong Kok is a must-visit for bargain hunters, offering everything from fashion accessories to souvenirs like hijabs and scarves, along a bustling stretch filled with energy and colour. Just a short walk away, Muslim travellers can enjoy halal dining options like Lady 13 Kitchen, known for its comforting Chinese-style dishes. As evening falls, the bustling Temple Street Night Market comes alive with bargain shopping and street performances. These neighbourhoods offer an authentic slice of Hong Kong’s street life while catering to Muslim-friendly needs in a convenient and walkable setting.
Ocean Park Hong Kong
For families seeking a balance of fun, education, and Muslim-friendly amenities, Ocean Park Hong Kong is a standout destination. This iconic theme park offers a variety of experiences suitable for all ages, including the Amazing Asian Animals exhibit, where visitors can encounter giant pandas, red pandas, and other regional wildlife in thoughtfully designed habitats. The adventure continues at Marine World, home to impressive aquariums and engaging marine life shows. For thrill-seekers, The Summit offers rollercoasters and panoramic views of Hong Kong’s southern coastline. With halal food options available such as the Cafe Ocean and prayer facilities on-site, Ocean Park ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for Muslim families, making it one of the city’s top halal-friendly attractions.
Central & Victoria Peak
A visit to Hong Kong wouldn’t be complete without exploring the vibrant district of Central and the scenic heights of Victoria Peak. Start your journey in Central, where modern skyscrapers blend with creative street culture and don’t miss the colourful street art murals tucked along alleys, perfect for a photo stop. Just around the corner, Muslim visitors can enjoy a sweet break at PIN, known for its locally inspired, halal-friendly treats. From there, head up to The Peak Tower, where the Sky Terrace 428 Observation Deck offers breathtaking, panoramic views of Hong Kong’s skyline and harbour. Easily accessible by public transport, this route combines culture, taste, and world-class views in a travel-friendly itinerary for all ages.
Progressive Halal Dining Landscape
To further enrich the halal dining scene in Hong Kong, the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong was recognised with the Outstanding Contribution to Hong Kong’s Halal Dining Landscape award. The organisation plays a vital role in inspecting and issuing halal certifications, supporting both local Muslim residents and visitors. One of the most well-known eateries under their accreditation is the Islamic Centre Canteen, located within the Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre. Often described as the must-visit place for halal Cantonese cuisine in town, it serves a variety of authentic halal dim sum, offering Muslim travellers a truly local taste of Hong Kong’s culinary heritage.
Halal-Accredited Hotels
And of course, no trip is complete without a comfortable place to unwind after a day of exploration. Nestled in Wan Chai near the Exhibition Centre MTR Station, AKI Hong Kong MGallery offers a stylish stay just steps from the vibrant shopping scene of Causeway Bay. Over on the south side of the island, the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel combines resort-style relaxation with business amenities, conveniently located next to Ocean Park Hong Kong itself, ideal for families and leisure travellers alike. In Kowloon, both Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees Hotel and Royal Pacific Hotel offer Muslim-friendly services and amenities, making them excellent options for those seeking a seamless and welcoming stay. Travellers can discover more halal-accredited hotels, rated by CR for their key amenities and services, which can be easily searched and filtered by preference on the Discover Hong Kong Muslim Travel page.
With robust safety credentials, increasing halal tourism infrastructure, and vibrant city life on a budget, Hong Kong is becoming a preferred destination for Muslim travellers looking for peace of mind and value.
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