Taiwan Muslim Travel Guide: Article 2 - Halal Accommodation Muslim-Friendly Environment (MFE) Muslim-Friendly Tourism (MFT)
Securing accommodation that meets Islamic requirements is a top priority for Muslim travelers. Taiwan's commitment to inclusive tourism means a growing number of hotels and resorts are certified under the Muslim-Friendly Environment (MFE) and Muslim-Friendly Tourism (MFT) programs. This article provides a detailed breakdown of certified accommodation and essential booking tips for a worry-free stay.
Understanding MFE and MFT Certification
Taiwan's certified hotels are audited by organizations like the Chinese Muslim Association (CMA) to ensure they meet the specific needs of Muslim guests:
MFT (Muslim Friendly Tourism): Generally means the facility can cater to basic Muslim needs (e.g., Qibla direction, Prayer Mat).
MFE (Muslim Friendly Environment): Often implies a higher standard, especially regarding hygiene, food handling (separate utensils for Halal meals), and a commitment to Halal principles.
Key Muslim-Friendly Services to Expect
When booking a certified hotel, you should be able to rely on the following provisions:
In-Room Prayer Essentials: Provision of a Prayer Mat and a clearly marked Qibla direction (pointing to Mecca).
Hygiene/Ablution (Wudu): Rooms or public restrooms with a hand bidet/sprayer or washlet/bidet seat—a crucial detail for performing Istinja and Wudu.
Halal Catering:
Halal Breakfast (or Meal): Must be requested in advance. The hotel ensures the food is prepared with Halal-certified ingredients and separate utensils.
Mini-Bar Policy: Option to request the removal of alcoholic beverages from the guest room mini-bar.
Certified Muslim-Friendly Hotel Recommendation
Cosmos Hotel Taipei
Located near Taipei Main Station, this hotel offers halal-certified meals and is close to prayer facilities.
This luxury hotel provides Muslim-friendly services, including halal food options upon request.
A Muslim-friendly hotel located in the Xinyi District, near Taipei 101, with halal meal options and a welcoming atmosphere for Muslim travelers.
Located near Ximending and Taipei Main Station. Offers pork-free breakfast options and staff familiar with halal requirements. Excellent for travelers who want easy access to shopping and MRT.
Agoda Trip.com
Hotel Royal Beitou Taipei (北投老爺酒店)
MFT
Hot spring resort with certified Halal service standards.
Beitou Hot Spring Resort Taipei
Muslim travelers looking for a relaxing hot spring experience can enjoy private rooms and pork-free meals upon request. Staff are used to international guests and can make arrangements with prior notice.
Provides prayer mats upon request, Qibla direction indicators in rooms, and helpful staff who can assist Muslim guests in locating nearby mosques or halal-certified eateries.
Offers prayer mats, Qibla direction signage, and even has a designated prayer room that can be requested in advance. There is also a female-only floor, staffed exclusively by women, which provides additional comfort for solo female Muslim travelers. During religious seasons like Ramadan, the staff have been known to help guests arrange transport to local mosques for Taraweeh prayers or Eid celebrations.
Agoda Trip.com
The Lalu, Sun Moon Lake (日月潭涵碧樓)
MFT
High-end resort with Muslim-friendly meal arrangements.
Agoda Booking Trip.com
Nantou Tai-Yi Ecological Leisure Farm
City Suites (Kaohsiung Chenai)
Eastern Taiwan
Lakeshore Hotel Hualien (煙波大飯店花蓮館)
MFE
Quality lodging near major Eastern Taiwan attractions.
Agoda Booking Trip.com
Zen Ocean B&B (禪海行館-花蓮)
MFE/MFT
Muslim-friendly B&B experience for a quieter stay.
Agoda Trip.com
Silks Place Taroko
Situated in the stunning Taroko National Park, this hotel accommodates Muslim guests with halal-friendly food options and serene surroundings for a peaceful stay.
Agoda Trip.com
Note: For the most current and complete list, always consult the official "Salam Taiwan" website or contact the Taiwan Tourism Administration.
Essential Notes for Muslim Accommodation in Taiwan
Even at certified hotels, your communication is key to a comfortable stay. Keep these points in mind during booking and check-in:
Advance Notice for Meals is Mandatory: Halal breakfast is a customized service, not a standard offering. You must confirm your need for Halal meals at least 24-48 hours before check-in. Without this notice, the kitchen may not have time to prepare segregated ingredients or meals.
The "Halal/MFE" Designation Varies: An MFT hotel may only provide prayer amenities, while an MFE hotel is more likely to provide certified Halal dining options. Always clarify the level of Halal catering.
Check Location vs. Masjid: For easy access to Jumu'ah (Friday prayer) or community gatherings, consider hotels located near major mosques (Taipei Grand Mosque, Taichung Mosque, etc.) or large transport hubs (like Taipei Main Station) which have dedicated prayer rooms.
Water Facilities Check: Upon check-in, verify that your room’s restroom includes a hand sprayer or bidet seat for Wudu. If not, inform the front desk—they may be able to move you to a room that does, or provide alternative arrangements.
Mini-Bar Cleanout: If the hotel does not automatically remove alcohol from the mini-bar, ask them to do so upon arrival.
Understanding MFE and MFT Certification
Taiwan's certified hotels are audited by organizations like the Chinese Muslim Association (CMA) to ensure they meet the specific needs of Muslim guests:
MFT (Muslim Friendly Tourism): Generally means the facility can cater to basic Muslim needs (e.g., Qibla direction, Prayer Mat).
MFE (Muslim Friendly Environment): Often implies a higher standard, especially regarding hygiene, food handling (separate utensils for Halal meals), and a commitment to Halal principles.
Key Muslim-Friendly Services to Expect
When booking a certified hotel, you should be able to rely on the following provisions:
In-Room Prayer Essentials: Provision of a Prayer Mat and a clearly marked Qibla direction (pointing to Mecca).
Hygiene/Ablution (Wudu): Rooms or public restrooms with a hand bidet/sprayer or washlet/bidet seat—a crucial detail for performing Istinja and Wudu.
Halal Catering:
Halal Breakfast (or Meal): Must be requested in advance. The hotel ensures the food is prepared with Halal-certified ingredients and separate utensils.
Mini-Bar Policy: Option to request the removal of alcoholic beverages from the guest room mini-bar.
[Muslim Friendly] Yehliu, Jiufen & Shifen Day Tour
[Muslim-Friendly] Sun Moon Lake & Alishan 3-Day Tour from Taipei
[Muslim-Friendly] National Palace Museum Day Tour in Taipei City
Certified Muslim-Friendly Hotel Recommendation
The list below compiles key certified hotels across Taiwan by region.
photo by Hotel Royal-Nikko Taipei (台北老爺大酒店)
Northern Taiwan
Hotel Royal-Nikko Taipei (台北老爺大酒店)
MFE
Halal breakfast by a CMA-certified kitchen (must pre-order); full in-room prayer amenities.
Hotel Royal-Nikko Taipei (台北老爺大酒店)
MFE
Halal breakfast by a CMA-certified kitchen (must pre-order); full in-room prayer amenities.
Agoda Booking Trip.com
Grand Hyatt Taipei (台北君悅酒店)
MFT / MFE
Premium location, attentive service (e.g., alcohol removal on request).
Agoda Booking Trip.com
Amba Taipei Songshan
Grand Hyatt Taipei (台北君悅酒店)
MFT / MFE
Premium location, attentive service (e.g., alcohol removal on request).
Agoda Booking Trip.com
Amba Taipei Songshan
Amba Taipei Ximending
Cosmos Hotel Taipei
MFT
Located near Taipei Main Station, this hotel offers halal-certified meals and is close to prayer facilities.
Grand Hyatt Taipei
MFT
This luxury hotel provides Muslim-friendly services, including halal food options upon request.
MFT
A Muslim-friendly hotel located in the Xinyi District, near Taipei 101, with halal meal options and a welcoming atmosphere for Muslim travelers.
MFT
Located near Ximending and Taipei Main Station. Offers pork-free breakfast options and staff familiar with halal requirements. Excellent for travelers who want easy access to shopping and MRT.
Agoda Trip.com
Hotel Royal Beitou Taipei (北投老爺酒店)
MFT
Hot spring resort with certified Halal service standards.
Beitou Hot Spring Resort Taipei
MFT
Muslim travelers looking for a relaxing hot spring experience can enjoy private rooms and pork-free meals upon request. Staff are used to international guests and can make arrangements with prior notice.
MFT
Provides prayer mats upon request, Qibla direction indicators in rooms, and helpful staff who can assist Muslim guests in locating nearby mosques or halal-certified eateries.
MFT
Offers prayer mats, Qibla direction signage, and even has a designated prayer room that can be requested in advance. There is also a female-only floor, staffed exclusively by women, which provides additional comfort for solo female Muslim travelers. During religious seasons like Ramadan, the staff have been known to help guests arrange transport to local mosques for Taraweeh prayers or Eid celebrations.
MFT
Located near Fengjia Night Market. Offers pork-free breakfast and is close to several Muslim-friendly restaurants. Hotel staff can help identify halal food nearby.
Agoda Trip.com
The Lalu, Sun Moon Lake (日月潭涵碧樓)
MFT
High-end resort with Muslim-friendly meal arrangements.
Agoda Booking Trip.com
Nantou Tai-Yi Ecological Leisure Farm
(台一休閒農場)
MFT
MFE Farmstay experience with certified Halal dining.
MFE Farmstay experience with certified Halal dining.
West Lake Resortopia (西湖渡假村)
MFT
Certified leisure and resort facilities.
Agoda Trip.com
Southern Taiwan
Han Hsien International Hotel (高雄漢來大飯店)
MFE
Comprehensive prayer amenities and specialized Halal catering.
Agoda Booking Trip.com
The Grand Hotel Kaohsiung (高雄圓山大飯店)
Certified leisure and resort facilities.
Agoda Trip.com
Southern Taiwan
Han Hsien International Hotel (高雄漢來大飯店)
MFE
Comprehensive prayer amenities and specialized Halal catering.
Agoda Booking Trip.com
The Grand Hotel Kaohsiung (高雄圓山大飯店)
City Suites (Kaohsiung Chenai)
City Suites (Kaohsiung Pier2)
Eastern Taiwan
Lakeshore Hotel Hualien (煙波大飯店花蓮館)
MFE
Quality lodging near major Eastern Taiwan attractions.
Agoda Booking Trip.com
Zen Ocean B&B (禪海行館-花蓮)
MFE/MFT
Muslim-friendly B&B experience for a quieter stay.
Agoda Trip.com
Silks Place Taroko
MFT
Situated in the stunning Taroko National Park, this hotel accommodates Muslim guests with halal-friendly food options and serene surroundings for a peaceful stay.
Agoda Trip.com
Note: For the most current and complete list, always consult the official "Salam Taiwan" website or contact the Taiwan Tourism Administration.
List of MFE & MFT Hotels
Northern Taiwan (Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan)
II. Central Taiwan (Taichung, Nantou, Miaoli, Yunlin)
III. Southern Taiwan (Kaohsiung, Tainan)
IV. Eastern and Outer Islands (Hualien, Taitung)
| English Name / 飯店名稱 (Hotel Name) | City / County | Certification Level | Key Muslim Service Notes |
| Grand Hyatt Taipei (台北君悅酒店) | Taipei City | MFT / MFE | Luxurious, high service standards; Halal meals available upon request. |
| The Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei (台北福華大飯店) | Taipei City | MFT | Often cited for its commitment to Muslim-friendly services. |
| Hotel Royal Beitou (北投老爺酒店) | Taipei City | MFT | Hot spring resort with certified Halal service standards. |
| amba Taipei Ximending (台北西門町意舍酒店) | Taipei City | MFE | Modern hotel in a bustling area; known for Halal dining in-house or nearby. |
| amba Taipei Songshan (台北松山意舍酒店) | Taipei City | MFE | Convenient access and certified amenities. |
| Palais de Chine Hotel Taipei (君品酒店) | Taipei City | MFT | Offers certified dining services in its restaurants. |
| Madison Taipei Hotel (慕軒飯店) | Taipei City | MFT | Provides amenities and certified Halal dining options. |
| The Riviera Hotel (華泰王子大飯店) | Taipei City | MFT | Certified for basic Muslim traveler needs. |
| Green World Hotel ZhongXiao (綠世界飯店忠孝館) | Taipei City | MFE | Certified for Muslim-friendly facilities. |
| HOTEL COZZI Minsheng Taipei (和逸飯店民生館) | Taipei City | MFT | Certified for Muslim-friendly facilities. |
| Ambassador Hotel Taipei (台北國賓大飯店) | Taipei City | MFE | Provides a welcoming environment and Halal food upon request. |
| Chateau de Chine Hotel Taoyuan (桃園翰品酒店) | Taoyuan City | MFE | Excellent option for transit or stays near the airport region. |
| COZZI Blu Taoyuan (和逸飯店桃園) | Taoyuan City | MFT | Certified for Muslim-friendly services. |
| Hotel Cham Cham Taipei (趣淘漫旅-板橋) | New Taipei City | MFT | Located in Banqiao district; provides key Muslim-friendly amenities. |
| English Name / 飯店名稱 (Hotel Name) | City / County | Certification Level | Key Muslim Service Notes |
| The Lalu, Sun Moon Lake (日月潭涵碧樓) | Nantou County | MFT/MFA | High-end resort with Muslim-friendly meal arrangements. |
| Fleur De Chine Hotel (日月潭雲品溫泉酒店) | Nantou County | MFE | Luxury resort with special Halal meal arrangements. |
| Tai-Yi Ecological Leisure Farm (台一休閒農場) | Nantou County | MFE | Leisure farmstay experience with certified Halal dining. |
| West Lake Resortopia (西湖渡假村) | Miaoli County | MFE/MFT | Large resort with certified facilities and services. |
| The Sun Hot Spring & Resort (日光溫泉會館) | Taichung City | MFE | Hot spring resort with certified Muslim-friendly environment. |
| Janfusun Resort Hotel (劍湖山渡假大飯店) | Yunlin County | MFE | Certified resort facilities (check for latest Halal catering status). |
| English Name / 飯店名稱 (Hotel Name) | City / County | Certification Level | Key Muslim Service Notes |
| The Grand Hotel Kaohsiung (高雄圓山大飯店) | Kaohsiung City | MFE | Iconic hotel with certified facilities and service standards. |
| Han-Hsien International Hotel (漢來大飯店) | Kaohsiung City | MFE | Provides prayer amenities and specialized Halal catering. |
| HOTEL COZZI Zhongshan Kaohsiung (和逸飯店高雄中山館) | Kaohsiung City | MFA | Certified Muslim-Friendly Accommodation (Breakfast Included). |
| City Suites Kaohsiung Chenai (城市商旅-真愛館) | Kaohsiung City | MFE | Modern hotel with certified services. |
| Ambassador Hotel Kaohsiung (高雄國賓大飯店) | Kaohsiung City | MFE | Known for its welcoming service and Halal options. |
| Fairy Lake Liesure Farm (仙湖休閒農場) | Tainan City | MFA | Certified Muslim-Friendly Accommodation (MFA). |
| Cambridge Hotel (劍橋大飯店) | Tainan City | MFT | Certified for Muslim-friendly services. |
| English Name / 飯店名稱 (Hotel Name) | City / County | Certification Level | Key Muslim Service Notes |
| Lakeshore Hotel Hualien (煙波大飯店花蓮館) | Hualien County | MFE | Quality lodging near major Eastern Taiwan attractions. |
| Promisedland Resort & Lagoon (理想大地渡假飯店) | Hualien County | MFE | Large resort providing Muslim-friendly dining services. |
| Zen Ocean B&B (禪海行館) | Hualien County | MFE/MFT | Certified Muslim-friendly B&B experience. |
| Fullon Hotel Kaohsiung (福容大飯店高雄) | Kaohsiung City | MFT | Certified for Muslim-friendly services. |
| Chihpen Century Hotel (知本世紀酒店) | Taitung County | MFT | Certified for Muslim-friendly services (Hot Spring area). |
Essential Booking Protocol
Follow these steps for a guaranteed comfortable stay:
Search & Identify: Select a hotel from the official certified list.
Use the "Special Requests" Box: When completing your booking on any platform, use the special request section to state your needs clearly in a consolidated manner:
"I am a Muslim guest. Please confirm that a Halal Breakfast can be arranged for [Number] people, and please ensure a Prayer Mat and the Qibla direction are in the room. Thank you."
Mandatory Follow-up: Email or call the hotel directly 2-3 days before arrival. This ensures your specific needs are logged in their system, especially the kitchen preparation for Halal meals.
Essential Notes for Muslim Accommodation in Taiwan
Even at certified hotels, your communication is key to a comfortable stay. Keep these points in mind during booking and check-in:
Advance Notice for Meals is Mandatory: Halal breakfast is a customized service, not a standard offering. You must confirm your need for Halal meals at least 24-48 hours before check-in. Without this notice, the kitchen may not have time to prepare segregated ingredients or meals.
The "Halal/MFE" Designation Varies: An MFT hotel may only provide prayer amenities, while an MFE hotel is more likely to provide certified Halal dining options. Always clarify the level of Halal catering.
Check Location vs. Masjid: For easy access to Jumu'ah (Friday prayer) or community gatherings, consider hotels located near major mosques (Taipei Grand Mosque, Taichung Mosque, etc.) or large transport hubs (like Taipei Main Station) which have dedicated prayer rooms.
Water Facilities Check: Upon check-in, verify that your room’s restroom includes a hand sprayer or bidet seat for Wudu. If not, inform the front desk—they may be able to move you to a room that does, or provide alternative arrangements.
Mini-Bar Cleanout: If the hotel does not automatically remove alcohol from the mini-bar, ask them to do so upon arrival.
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