Top 8 Muslim-Friendly Islands in Southeast Asia Ranked by National Geographic

Southeast Asia is a paradise for travellers seeking more than just sandy beaches. Each island has its own story, shaped by centuries of culture, history, and natural beauty. For Muslim travellers, this region offers not only stunning sights but also halal food options, welcoming communities, and prayer facilities to make your journey seamless. From temple-rich Java to the adventurous landscapes of Cát Bà Island, here are eight Muslim-friendly islands that belong on your travel bucket list.

Also read: Malaysia Launches Muslim-Friendly Cruise Ship This November

1. Koh Chang, Thailand

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Best for: Beach lovers

Tucked away in Thailand’s eastern Gulf, Koh Chang, or “Elephant Island,” is the country’s third-largest island, yet it is far quieter than Phuket or Koh Samui. The island is a haven for beach lovers, offering something for every taste. White Sand Beach is the most popular spot, lined with backpacker bars, seafood stalls, and calm turquoise waters perfect for a morning swim. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, Klong Prao Beach has larger resorts and plenty of space to lounge. Lonely Beach, despite its name, is lively at night with local music and DJ sets.

Beyond the beaches, adventure awaits: cascading waterfalls such as Klong Plu and Than Mayom are perfect for a refreshing jungle hike, while the Mu Ko Rang National Park offers snorkelling and diving among vibrant coral reefs. Renting a scooter to explore local fishing villages like Bang Bao adds a charming off-the-beaten-path element to your trip.

For Muslim travellers, Koh Chang has a small but welcoming Muslim community. Halal options like Sulaiman Restaurant and Iyarin Halal Food serve Thai-style curries, seafood, and fried rice without alcohol, and the Klong Prao Mosque provides a clean and peaceful space for prayers. The ideal time to visit is between November and April, when the seas are calm and the weather is sunny. Many resorts are also happy to provide prayer mats upon request.

2. Penang, Malaysia

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Best for: Food lovers

Penang is nothing short of a food paradise. Nicknamed Malaysia’s culinary capital, it’s a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, and Indian-Muslim influences, offering halal options at almost every corner. GeorgeTown’s heritage streets are a must-see, not just for the food but also for the history and street art.

Embark on a street food crawl and try char koay teow at Ali’s Char Koay Teow, nasi kandar at Deen Maju, and sweet cendol at Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul. Don’t miss Kimberley Street Food Night Market for local bites like koay teow soup and duck kway chap. Take the funicular railway up Penang Hill for panoramic views of the island, or stroll along Batu Feringghi Beach for a relaxing evening.

For halal dining, Michelin-starred Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery serves delicious Nasi Ulam, combining Peranakan heritage with home-style cooking. Penang is also rich in Islamic heritage; the Kapitan Keling Mosque, built in the 1800s, is open to visiting Muslims for daily prayers and even guided tours, making it easy to combine culture, sightseeing, and spirituality. The best time to explore Penang is December to March, when the weather is dry, but visiting during Ramadan gives you the added bonus of lively night bazaars serving halal delicacies.

3. Cát Bà Island, Vietnam

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Best for: Adventure seekers

Cát Bà Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay archipelago, is the perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts. The island is dominated by dramatic limestone cliffs rising from emerald waters, making it ideal for hiking, climbing, and kayaking.

Butterfly Valley is renowned for rock climbing, offering routes for both beginners and advanced climbers, while Ngu Lam Peak rewards hikers with stunning 360-degree views of the bay. Kayak through the quiet lagoons of Lan Ha Bay or explore hidden caves and bioluminescent waters at night for a truly magical experience. Boat tours to Viet Hai Village or Monkey Island let you experience a quieter, rustic side of Cát Bà.

Muslim travellers will find halal food options limited, but seafood and vegetarian restaurants such as Green Mango and Yummy Restaurant are accommodating and can prepare meat-free meals upon request. Mosques are absent on the island, but the serene beaches offer perfect spots for private prayers; just bring a travel mat and compass app for direction. The best season for visiting Cát Bà is from April to November, avoiding the peak holiday crowds in July and August.

4. Komodo, Indonesia

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Best for: Wildlife lovers

Komodo National Park is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and is famous worldwide as the natural habitat of the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on Earth. The park encompasses the islands of Komodo, Rinca, and Padar, each offering unique experiences.

Rangers lead safe treks to spot dragons in the wild, while Pink Beach is ideal for snorkelling in crystal-clear waters tinged with blush-coloured sand. Hikes to Padar Island’s viewpoint reward visitors with one of the most iconic panoramic views in Southeast Asia. Island-hopping tours reveal uninhabited islets, coral reefs, and chances to see manta rays in their natural environment.

Halal food is easily found in Labuan Bajo, the town serving as the gateway to the park. Restaurants like Warung Muslim Labuan Bajo and Nasi Campur Muslim offer Indonesian staples prepared without alcohol. The Labuan Bajo Grand Mosque provides a welcoming space for prayers before embarking on tours. For wildlife spotting and optimal weather, plan your trip between April to June or September to October, avoiding the peak summer months.

5. Panay, Philippines

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Best for: Festivals and culture

Panay Island, often overlooked in favour of Boracay, is a vibrant hub of Filipino culture and festivals. Kalibo, on the north coast, is home to the Ati-Atihan Festival in January, dubbed the “Mother of All Filipino Festivals,” where tribal dances, feathered costumes, and street parades fill the streets. A week later, Iloilo City celebrates the Dinagyang Festival, featuring elaborate floats, light shows, and cultural pageantry.

Beyond the festivals, Panay offers historical experiences through old churches, Spanish colonial sites, and museums in Iloilo and the Jaro District. Muslim travellers will find halal dining at Al-Diyar Halal Eatery and Arabian Nights Café in Iloilo City, and prayer facilities at Iloilo Grand Mosque. The festivals are concentrated in January, but Panay’s scenic landscapes, beaches, and mountain drives are accessible year-round.

6. Isla Verde, Philippines

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Best for: Diving and marine life

Isla Verde, located between Luzon and Mindoro, is a diver’s paradise and is part of one of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions. The waters are home to over 1,700 species of fish, 300 species of coral, and countless other marine creatures. Diving or snorkelling here offers encounters with colourful reef fish, sea turtles, and nudibranchs in every shade imaginable. Island-hopping tours explore secluded coves and sandbars, while relaxing lunches on the beach provide a taste of local Filipino seafood.

Halal food is limited on the island itself, so most travellers base themselves in Batangas City before or after diving, where restaurants such as Arabia Nights Restaurant and Brew & Bite Halal Café are available. Prayer facilities like Batangas Grand Mosque ensure Muslim travellers can maintain their routines. Isla Verde is best for day trips, but overnight stays in Batangas or Puerto Galera make the journey more comfortable.

7. Java, Indonesia

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Best for: Temples and heritage

Java, Indonesia’s most populous island, is a treasure trove of temples, volcanoes, and cultural heritage. Borobudur Temple, an eighth-century Buddhist monument, is the world’s largest, featuring a stepped pyramid design, intricate reliefs, and a monumental stupa. Nearby, the Prambanan Archaeological Park showcases over 240 Hindu temples with detailed carvings illustrating the Ramayana epic.

Beyond temples, Yogyakarta is a cultural hub with royal palaces, batik workshops, and traditional arts. For adventure seekers, hiking Mount Merapi, an active volcano, is a thrilling experience. Halal dining options are abundant in Java, from street warungs to fine dining, including Gudeg Yu Djum for signature jackfruit stew and Warung Handayani for satay and soto. Jogokariyan Mosque in Yogyakarta is famed for its community warmth, welcoming visitors to prayers and sometimes even meals. The best time to visit Java is May to September, and during Ramadan, you can experience lively night markets and community iftars.

8. Don Khong, Laos

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Best for: Slow travel and cycling

Don Khong, the largest of Laos’ “4,000 Islands” in the Mekong River, is a haven for travellers seeking peace and slow living. Rice paddies, Buddhist temples, and riverside cottages dot the landscape, offering an authentic glimpse of Laotian village life. Cycling is the best way to explore the island, with a 25-kilometre loop road connecting temples, farms, and quiet riverside spots. A boat ride along the Mekong provides a chance to spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins and see the tranquil river scenery.

Halal food is limited, but vegetarian Lao dishes like laap tofu and sticky rice are widely available, and travellers can bring their own halal meals. While there are no mosques on Don Khong, the riverside provides serene, private spots for prayer. The cool, dry season from November to March is the best time to visit.

Also read: The Ultimate Halal Travel Bucket List: 50 Experiences to Have Before You’re 30

Final thoughts

From Thailand’s sun-kissed beaches to Vietnam’s adventure-filled islands, Indonesia’s temple trails, and the vibrant festivals of the Philippines, Southeast Asia offers a wealth of experiences for Muslim travellers. Each island provides a mix of breathtaking scenery, cultural immersion, and practical Muslim-friendly amenities like halal food and prayer spaces. Whether you’re diving, hiking, cycling, or exploring heritage sites, these islands promise unforgettable memories and seamless travel for every Muslim adventurer.