BORACAY INTRODUCES MUSLIM-DEDICATED BEACH TO TOURISTS

(SPOT.ph) This September, Boracay is introducing a new experience for Muslim travelers—a dedicated beach located within the Boracay Newcoast, a 150-hectare township by Megaworld Corporation.

The concept of a Muslim-dedicated beach was proposed during the Boracay Diplomatic Visit and Business Forum held in April. Ambassadors from various Southeast Asian nations—including Islamic countries like Malaysia and Brunei—pointed out the need for a private area where Muslim women could enjoy the beach in alignment with their religious practices.

Responding to this suggestion, Malay local government officials collaborated with Megaworld to set aside a small cove specifically for this purpose. The area will still be open to other hotel guests and walk-in visitors, Harold Geronimo, Megaworld VP for Public Relations, tells SPOT.ph, but it's a more secluded place where Muslim women can enjoy more privacy.

"Mark your calendars for September 10, 2024. We look forward to sharing this unique experience with you all," the Malay-Boracay Tourism Office said in a Facebook post.

Also read: The Best Things to See and Do in Boracay in 48 Hours

The push for a Muslim-friendly Boracay

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has been actively promoting halal-certified accommodations and services as part of the National Tourism Development Plan for 2023-2028. 

"Some Muslims can swim in public, but other Muslims will prefer swimming in [a private area]… At present, they don’t have a choice," DOT Undersecretary for Muslim Affairs Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar was quoted as saying in Philippine News Agency. "When we opened the idea to the mayor of Aklan, he said it’s good timing because Megaworld has a coast area doon na pwedeng gawing private cove for Muslim women."

Notably, Boracay Newcoast houses the Savoy Hotel, one of the few hotels in the Philippines that has recently earned a Halal kitchen certification, making it a key player in the DOTr's push to make Boracay a more Muslim-friendly destination.

"So, tugma-tugma na siya lahat na meron kang private cove for Muslims, then a hotel that has a Halal kitchen, and then there’s another airline that wants to partner with DOT also for Halal-friendly airline," Valderrosa-Abubakar said.

In addition to the private cove, Valderrosa-Abubakar said the Boracay port will be redesigned to include a prayer room and an ablution area for Muslims.

Also read: LOOK: This McDo Branch in Zamboanga Is Home to Muslim Prayer Rooms

2024-09-03T04:05:29Z dg43tfdfdgfd