ILOILO CITY – The first-ever Muslim-friendly beach in the country opened on Tuesday, September 10, at world-famous Boracay Island.
A Muslim-friendly beach opened in Boracay Island on September 10. (Department of Tourism-Philippines)
The private beach at the Boracay Newcoast of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts called marhaba (Arabic for hello) serves Muslim travelers and families based on Islamic laws.
“The launch of marhaba – an inclusive area for Muslim travelers – is a first for Boracay and in the Philippines. This initiative directly responds to the feedback from our Muslim guests,” said DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco at the launching.
Marhaba is an initiative of the DOT and the local government unit (LGU) of Malay town, Aklan province under Mayor Frolibar Bautista.
DOT Undersecretary for Muslim Affairs Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar said the beach has been requested by Muslim diplomats.
Having a Muslim-friendly beach in Boracay enables Muslim women and their children to swim comfortably, Frasco said. “We reaffirm our commitment to transforming the Philippines into a destination for everyone to enjoy.”
DOT data showed that Muslim visitors to the country are increasing. Arrivals increased 120 percent in 2023 with 496,724 visitors.
There are 270,000 Muslim visitors from January to June 2024.