Should it be a wise decision to be jet setting in the holy month of Ramadan? Well, for (probably) a once-in-a-lifetime experience, why not? And if you are planning on going at it, why not make it Hong Kong and experience Ramadan in Hong Kong? Hong Kong is predominantly known as a Chinese community with a rich culture and identity of its previous rule and history, many do not know that one of this melting pot of cultures in the world is called home to a 300,000 people-strong Muslim community.
The Underrated Muslim Culture in Hong Kong
Over one-third of that number are Chinese natives, who are descendants of those who have previously settled and built numerous Muslim facilities, making Hong Kong a Muslim-friendly destination. There is not even the slightest doubt that celebrating Ramadan on this vibrant and lively island would be impossible, but rather be one of the best fasting experiences you can ever have! Plus, their daily fasting period does not vary much from Malaysia, with a (+/-) 14 hour-long period from Fajr till Dusk.
So how convenient is it to attain Halal food options for breaking fast?
With over 50 food premises that are Halal Certified by The Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong, you will be spoilt for choice over what to savour for breaking fast or late-night suppers. From authentic Chinese to other Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines, Muslim travellers can conveniently locate these Halal eateries. Some of them are even available near main attractions in Hong Kong.
One of the most famous and ideal eateries to break your fast is at Islamic Centre Canteen (at Wan Chai) which is located inside one of the city’s five mosques, Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre. And after breaking your fast, you can go straight for your Terawikh prayer in the same building. How convenient is that?
The Six Mosques of Hong Kong for Terawikh Prayer
Ramadan will not be complete in Hong Kong without going through a Terawikh prayer with their local Muslim communities, well, at least once. Also, it would be interesting and fulfilling just to visit and perform a prayer at any of these mosques during your stay.
#1 Masjid Jamia
The first mosque ever built in Hong Kong in 1894 and expanded in 1915. Described as a very humble mosque and very convenient as it is located strategically near Old Town Central.
#2 Kow-loon Mosque
This largest mosque in Hong Kong which has three prayer halls, a madrasah school and a library for the comfort and spiritual nourishing of the community. The main prayer hall can accommodate up to 1,000 people, while the whole mosque can accommodate 3,500 people at a time during Friday prayers. During Ramadan, over 2,000 Muslims attend for breaking fast and Terawikh prayers here.
#3 Masjid Ammar & Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre
An eight-storey complex with multipurpose facilities, this mosque was previously primarily used for funeral prayers, but later opened for daily prayers as the Muslim population increased.
#4 Stanley Mosque
The fourth mosque built in Hong Kong and located at the Stanley Prison.
#5 Chai Wan Mosque
Also known as Cape Collinson Mosque and the fifth mosque built.
#6 Ibrahim Mosque
Completed in 2013, it is the sixth and latest mosque built in Hong Kong.
There are other prayer rooms available throughout Hong Kong. For easy reference, click here for more info.
How about other facilities in HK city?
Up high to the Sky
The highest Muslim-friendly facility you can find in the world is located on the 100th floor of Hong Kong’s tallest building – the International Commerce Centre (ICC) – Sky 100 Observatory Deck. With the fastest double-decker elevator in Hong Kong, it will bring you from 2 to 100th floor in just 60 seconds.
Muslim travellers, even those scared of heights will be delighted to find a spacious and clean prayer room located on the same floor, while the restaurant Café 100 offers vegetarian options.
Muslim-friendly Theme Parks – Disneyland and Ocean Park!
Other than the basic needs and necessities already covered, we just can’t let a little exciting fact remain zipped from your knowledge.
Hong Kong Disneyland is known for its reputation as the first and only Disneyland in the world to offer Halal eateries with options at Tahitian Terrace Restaurant and the Explorer’s Club Restaurant. As for Ocean Park, they do have dedicated halal cafes serving Hong Kong delights to break your fast at any of their 4 cafes – Café Ocean, Dive Into A Float (Marine World), Panda Café Food To Go (Amazing Asian Animals) and Popcorn Cart (Aqua City).
These two theme parks also cater more to their Muslim guests. Never miss a prayer while you are covering the whole park as they have prepared you the comfort of a prayer facility within their premises.
For the Hijabsters, fret not! Hong Kong Disneyland has designed a specific hijab to be worn by Muslimah guests to ensure your safety and comfort while experiencing the newest Marvel attraction featuring Ant-Man and The Wasp Nano Battle and other major rides, while Ocean Park provides hooded jacket to secure your headwear while you scream your lungs out on the Dragon.
A Gondola Lift on Lantau Island
Another local attraction worth taking note of is Ngong Ping, which is famous for their Crystal Cabin Cable Cars as well as the iconic Big Buddha which is a favourite spot for your Instagram photo backgrounds.
On top of these, Ngong Ping also boasts its own halal-certified restaurant at Ebeneezer’s Kebab and Pizzeria which offers a range of Indian and Middle-Eastern dishes for your breaking fast convenience.
Ramadan in Hong Kong, what say you?
With all of this and more to discover, Hong Kong definitely is one of few Muslim-friendly destinations you could go forward with during your Ramadan without having to wipe out your travel plans. Want your experience to be more exciting?
Come on an adventure with Tripfez Travel with the support of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, offering you the best package! With Tripfez, #manamanatrippunbest! For more Muslim tips in Hong Kong, read more here!