Traveling as a Muslim woman can be a bit of a challenge due to the need for Muslim-friendly accommodations, halal food, and prayer spaces; a holiday often requires extra planning and caution.
For global Muslim influencer Shaha Meta, with over 2.7 million followers across her social media platforms, these challenges are all too familiar. She shyly admitted that, growing up, she often left her hijab at home to avoid the curious stares and unwelcome attention she received in public.
Now happily married and raising young children, Shaha prioritizes family time, creating meaningful memories while ensuring that they can practice their faith freely wherever they go.
Finding safe, inclusive spaces where they can express their beliefs and enjoy activities together has become a top priority in her travels.
A great supporter of Halal tourism in the Philippines, Shaha Meta was one of the Muslim influencers invited by the Department of Tourism for the launch of Marhaba Boracay project.This initiative is initiated by the local government Unit of Malay, Aklan and the DOT, in partnership with Megaworld Hotels and Resorts as part of the ongoing efforts to promote Muslim-friendly tourism in the island.
“As a Muslim woman, my motivation comes from a desire to share my personal experience to break stereotypes and provide an accurate Muslimah (Muslim woman) representation on social media,” Shaha said.
“I lived in Europe for 10 years and saw how differently and unfairly Muslims are treated there. This inspired me to dream of being one of the reasons for positive change. I believe my presence on social media can help foster understanding and connection by showcasing the everyday lives of Muslim women, often dispelling misconceptions and highlighting the diversity of experiences within the community,” she added.
Shaha said she aims to empower Muslimahs through visibility, promoting a sense of belonging, and offering a space for conversations about Islam, culture, and personal journeys.
Shaha also shared her top three challenges when traveling as a Muslim woman.
“Traveling as a Muslim woman comes with several challenges. One of the biggest difficulties is adhering to modest dress codes, especially in places where local norms differ. Another factor is finding halal food can also be a significant challenge, particularly in regions where options are limited, or halal certification is difficult to verify. Also, the lack of access to prayer spaces, making it difficult to maintain regular prayers,” Shaha said, adding that there are places, however, that make the experience easier.
“Hotels like Belmont Hotel Boracay and Savoy Hotel Boracay have been incredibly helpful, as they offer 100 percent halal food in their restaurants, prayer rooms, Qiblah direction guides, and other amenities that cater to the needs of Muslim travelers. During my stay at these hotels, I felt completely safe, accepted, and at ease, knowing that my religious practices and dietary needs were respected.
How does Boracay being declared a Muslim-friendly destination in the Philippines align with your travel and experience needs?
“Boracay being declared a Muslim-friendly destination is a welcome development for Muslim families like mine, Alhamdulillah! It aligns with our needs by providing a safe and inclusive environment where we can practice our faith comfortably,” Shaha said.
“Boracay Newcoast is a destination that makes it easier for us to enjoy our vacation while adhering to our religious practices. The availability of halal restaurants and accommodations that respect Islamic values ensures we can maintain our daily rituals without compromise. This not only provides convenience but also gives us peace of mind, allowing us to fully enjoy our time in Boracay as a Muslim family,” she said.
