Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) promotes and showcases Malaysia’s diverse Islamic Tourism and Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) experiences to both local and international tourists.

For tourism industry players, it’s a great platform for them to exhibit the best of their Muslim-Friendly products and services and to reach out to the ever-growing Muslim tourist market….

I was blessed to be able to join their Media Familiarisation trip recently along with influencers, and members of the media from Japan, China and Indonesia, held in conjunction with their Islamic Tourism Month (ITM) 2024 from August 16th to September 30th, 2024. 

Our Media Familiarisation Trip began with the Magical Kampung Baru Tour – we actually had an amazing walking tour (despite the humidity) and experienced a Magical Kampung Baru, the one and only Malay village in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, where old traditions live smack in the middle surrounded by modern skyscrapers!

Our Tour Guide Fuad Fahmy brought us on a walking tour of the village, and we got to explore and indulge in some delicious food at the Warong Mak Nenek and sampled various local delicacies along the way including some freshly made kuih bangkit….

Come explore and learn about Kampung Baru in a way you have never seen before and excite your senses!

This was followed on with a great experience at KL Tower – THE must-visit place in Kuala Lumpur if you want the most incredible views of Kuala Lumpur including breathtaking views of Malaysia’s three other towers – Petronas Twin Towers, the Tun Razak Exchange and also the Merdeka 118!!! 

What can be better than viewing them from KL Tower, one of the world’s tallest telecommunications tower in the world… and my favorite activity whenever I am at KL Tower would be to visit the glass-floored Sky Box, suspended over 300 meters above the ground!!!! It is always such and exhilarating experience and also take a stroll around the tower with the  Tower Walk 100…

Walking along the edge of KL Tower about 100 feet above the ground, is definitely an unforgettable adventure with the incredible views and fun experience… have a sit at the edge and enjoy the breeze and view if you (dare) can!!!

But if you want to really take your own sweet time and enjoy the best views across Kuala Lumpur, visiting ARAS, the revolving restaurant for a relaxed and much better experience. ARAS, offers a unique blend of taste, ambiance and the most amazing sights of Kuala Lumpur…. Just grab your favourite food, sit back at your table and take in the sights over an extended period as the restaurant slowly changes the view as you watch.

I definitely recommend the restaurant for the view. The selection of food on the buffet was also extensive and of great quality.

We then departed to Shah Alam’s Selangor International Islamic Arts Complex, where we got to learn and try our hand on some Jawi Calligraphy writing and admire the beautiful Jawi scripts which were turned to art pieces too…

Built on a 14-hectare site in the city of Shah Alam, this spiritual sanctuary is the heart of Islamic arts heritage in Selangor, with exhibitions on Islamic calligraphy, architecture, interior design, paintings and Quran manuscripts.

It serves as the exhibition and production centre for Yayasan Restu (Restu Foundation), a non-profit organization formed in 1987 that aims to revive, preserve and promote Islamic arts and culture.

Yayasan Restu also dedicates itself to the reproduction and illustration of artwork based on Islamic design motifs as well as the Quran.

I enjoyed the gallery displays the Quran manuscripts and Islamic calligraphy exhibits. Some of these texts have been beautifully inscribed and decorated by Malaysian calligraphers and artists using traditional cultural designs and patterns found in mosques and palaces from around Malaysia and motifs found in everyday Malay culture.

We then ended our short day long trip at the Mardhiyyah Hotel & Suites for great food and a hotel tour..

It was fun getting to watch Chef Patrick from Tung Yuen Chinese Restaurant cooking up a storm (or rather just a plate of yummy buttered prawns) at Royale Songket restaurant before adjourning to a sumptuous dinner at Tung Yuen Chinese Restaurant

Throughout the month, ITM 2024 will be featuring a series of activities and promotions aimed at both local and international tourists, as well as entrepreneurs. 

The event includes exclusive offers across various categories such as Accommodation; Tour Packages; Spa and Wellness; Food and Beverage; Attractions, Events, and Exhibitions; Mosque Open Days; Mosque Programs; Training and Seminars; Shopping; and Health Tourism.

A key highlight of ITM 2024 is the showcase of ITC’s hotel partners who have received the prestigious Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR). This recognition, an extension of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s (MOTAC) star rating system, is the world’s first Islamic tourism-related certification issued by a government agency.

Among the exciting promotions available during ITM 2024 are:

● Accommodation: Enjoy up to 40% off at Lavender Inn Permas in Masai, Johor, or a 25% discount at ERYA by Suria Hotel in Bentong, Pahang.

● Spa & Wellness: Indulge in a 50% discount on beauty and wellness packages at Tuah Teja Spa in Penang.

● Travel Packages: Obtain specially discounted holiday packages to explore Malaysia’s nature, heritage, culture, cuisine, and more.

● Events and Exhibitions: Connect and convene with experts in the 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference (4th WITC).

● Mosque Open Day: Discover beyond the beauty and history of Malaysia’s iconic mosques, and participate in family friendly local activities.

ITM 2024 is also introducing an exciting TikTok Challenge with prizes worth RM50,000 for the most creative and talented TikTokers. 

Participants simply need to enjoy their vacation or visit ITM’s participating partners, record and share their experiences on TikTok with captivating posts and hashtag #experienceITM2024. 

Prizes include Umrah packages for two, various holiday packages, and prepaid cards.

For more information about ITM 2024 and to explore the full range of promotions and activities, please visit itm.itc.gov.my.

For anyone keen on attending the 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference (4th WITC) , it will be held on 12 and 13 Sept 2024 at the Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel…