By Hanim Zulaikha Zulkifli
I have lived in Klang Valley all my life, yet the places I have passed by every day seemed to hold stories I never really took the time to explore. It wasn’t until I attended the Islamic Tourism Writers Workshop that I began to see these familiar streets, buildings, and landmarks in a completely new light. What started as a routine workshop in October 2022 turned into a transformative experience that reshaped my perspective on travel, sustainability, and culture. It wasn’t just about learning facts or industry trends—it was about connecting the dots between faith, heritage, and the way we travel. The places we visited weren’t distant far-off lands—they were right here, in my own home, in the heart of Klang Valley.
Day 1: Walking into Art and Culture
The first day kicked off at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM), I was immediately struck by how much there was to discover. The museum is not just a collection of artefacts; it’s a testament to the beauty and intricacy of Islamic culture, with designs and calligraphy that span centuries and continents. There’s something special about the way the museum brings history to life—each piece feels like a window into another time and place.
Our first session dove into the world of Islamic Tourism. I’ll admit, I had a vague understanding of what it was, but I hadn’t truly grasped its scope. The statistics shared by the speakers were eye-opening. The global Muslim travel market is worth over USD 220 billion, according to Mastercard-CrescentRating, and Malaysia has become one of the most sought-after destinations for Muslim travellers, attracting 26.2 million international Muslim visitors in 2019 alone. It made me realise how much potential there is for this industry, and how much we have to offer here in Malaysia.
What really stood out was the seamless integration of sustainability into tourism. The museum is a prime example of how a cultural experience can be eco-friendly. From the way they manage energy and waste to the preservation of delicate artefacts, it was a powerful reminder of how tourism and sustainability go hand in hand when done right.
Later in the day, we visited Sunway Resort. As a regular in the area, I thought I knew what to expect, but what I saw there was a whole new level of innovation. Sunway Resort has made sustainability a cornerstone of its operations, from reducing food waste to adopting energy-saving measures. The most fascinating part? How these practices are tailored to meet the needs of Muslim travellers while also keeping the environment in mind.
By the end of the day, I felt inspired. The evening session on Islamic Tourism Writing was the cherry on top. I was eager to learn how to bring the essence of these sustainable, faith-based travel experiences to life in my writing.
Day 2: Exploring Faith and Innovation
The second day was a real eye-opener. Instead of a traditional museum visit, we delved into the world of technology at Yayasan Restu, where we experienced the Rehlah Nabawiyyah exhibition. It wasn’t just a display of historical events—it was a fully immersive journey, blending technology with faith. As I walked through 3D paintings, holograms, and audio-visual effects, I felt like I was experiencing the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in a way I’d never imagined. This was Islamic tourism at its most innovative, making an age-old story relevant and accessible to a new generation.
From there, we headed to Mardhiyyah Hotel and Suites, where I got a taste of something unexpected—Halal Chinese food. Growing up in Klang Valley, Chinese cuisine has always been a staple, but seeing it reimagined to meet halal requirements was fascinating. Tung Yuen Restaurant had taken traditional dishes and made them accessible to Muslim diners, without compromising on taste or authenticity. The creativity behind it left a lasting impression on me.
The afternoon’s session on sustainability in Islamic tourism was one I’ll never forget. We discussed everything from ethical food sourcing to reducing waste in tourism operations. It was a powerful reminder that the way forward for tourism—whether Muslim-friendly or not—must be rooted in sustainability. It got me thinking about how I could make my own travels more eco-conscious.
We wrapped up the day with a tour of Mardhiyyah Hotel, which had earned the Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Recognition. It wasn’t just about providing halal services—it was about creating an ethical, sustainable space that catered to the needs of Muslim travellers. This visit helped me understand how deeply intertwined sustainability, faith, and tourism can be when done thoughtfully.
Day 3: A Walk Through History and Wellness
By the time Day 3 rolled around, I felt like I had experienced so much that it was hard to process it all. We kicked off the day with a Heritage Walk through Chinatown and Colonial Kuala Lumpur. I’ve lived here for years, but I’d never stopped to appreciate the beauty and history that surrounds us. The mix of colonial architecture and modern buildings is what makes Kuala Lumpur so unique. This walk gave me a fresh perspective on a city I thought I knew so well.
Next, we visited Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur. It was here that I learned about mosque tourism—a concept I hadn’t given much thought to before. I’d always seen mosques as places of worship, but they are also cultural and educational hubs for visitors. It made me realise just how important it is to preserve these spaces—not just for spiritual reasons, but for their cultural and educational significance as well.
To wrap up the workshop, we were able to relaxed at Teratak Spa for a Muslim-Friendly Spa Experience. After two days of learning and exploring, this was the perfect way to wind down. Imagine a spa where every treatment is designed with Muslim values in mind. It wasn’t just about relaxation—it was a holistic experience that blended comfort, faith, and sustainability. It showed me how the Muslim-friendly tourism industry is evolving to provide experiences that cater to both spiritual and physical well-being.
A New Lens on Tourism
As the workshop came to an end, I felt a sense of renewal. I had started the workshop with a general idea of Islamic tourism, but by the time we wrapped up, I had a much deeper understanding of how this sector is reshaping the travel industry. It’s not just about meeting the needs of Muslim travellers—it’s about promoting sustainability, ethics, and a respect for culture and faith. These aren’t just buzzwords; they are the future of tourism.
This journey has taught me that there’s so much more to see right here in Klang Valley than I ever thought possible. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most enriching travel experiences are the ones closest to home. And as I reflect on everything I have learned, I feel a renewed sense of purpose in my work. The stories I’ll write moving forward won’t just inform—they’ll inspire others to discover the beauty, sustainability, and faith that exist within Islamic tourism, right here in our own backyard.
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List of Places Visited and Their Details:
- Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM)
- Location: Jalan Lembah Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Website: www.iamm.org.my
- Sunway Resort Hotel
- Location: Persiaran Lagoon, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Website: www.sunwayhotels.com
- Yayasan Restu
- Location: 2A, Persiaran Damai, Seksyen 10, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Website: www.yayasansrestu.org
- Mardhiyyah Hotel & Suites
- Location: No. 1, Persiaran Perbandaran, Seksyen 14, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Website: www.mardhiyyahhotel.com
- Kuala Lumpur Heritage Walk
- Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (No specific address, but covers areas like Chinatown and Colonial KL)
- Website: www.visitkl.gov.my
- Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad
- Teratak Spa
- Location: Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Putra, 50350 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Website: www.teratakspa.com
