As newly-weds, choosing a place to celebrate the start of your new life together can be both exciting and overwhelming.

As Muslims we have a variety of travel needs, and Alhamdulillah, there are plenty of Muslim-friendly vacation spots to choose from.

It was tough narrowing the possibilities down, but remember it’s not where you go to but more about having the time to get to know your spouse, making memories that will be cherished for the rest of your lives.

Whether you’re a couple that loves adventure, food, or lounging on the beach, we hope the list below inspires you! Not a newlywed? Not a problem — these halal-friendly destinations are great for Muslim couples of all ages!

Here is our list of top 5 Muslim honeymoon destinations to consider, aside from Makkah and Madinah:

1. Malaysia

This modern Muslim country has so much to offer, and at a reasonable price for an unforgettable Muslim honeymoon.

If you want something relaxing, visit Langkawi’s white sandy beaches and lush forests. If you want something urban, visit Kuala Lumpur. Five star hotels can be booked ahead of time during off peak season for as little as $60 USD per night! Relaxing resorts, lush landscapes, and most importantly the food will make you come back for more… with all of it being halal, of course. Kuala Lumpur got the title as Southeast Asia’s food capital for a reason.

Add to all this the fact that it is a modern Muslim country, has some of the most beautiful mosques in the world, and has by far some of the happiest and friendliest people you will ever meet, and you’ve got a perfect getaway for Muslims.

2. Istanbul, Turkey

The Ottoman empire was one of the greatest periods in Islamic history. What better way to study it than by going to Istanbul and seeing it all firsthand with your loved one on your honeymoon!

A perfect mix of East and West, this city has so much to offer – the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and old Islamic relics housed in Topkapi palace are a must. Eat over 20 different kinds of kebabs, indulge in decadent baklava and Turkish delight, take a stroll over the Bosphorus bridge, or take a local ferry and hop over to Asia to check out the local scene.

Istanbul has been consistently listed in Tripadvisor’s best destinations year after year for a reason. For an extra delight, take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia and soar away into the sky with your spouse.

3. Cape Town, South Africa

In our opinion, this is one of the best cities to witness stunning natural beauty and fulfill your thirst for adventure with your significant other.

Shark diving, wild penguins, abseiling (rapelling) down Table Mountain, hiking Lion’s Head… the list goes on and on and will make your honeymoon an unforgettable experience. For the outdoors-y adventurous Muslim, this city is a must see!

Add to that the colorful Bo Kaap Muslim district and plentiful halal food, and we rank Cape Town by far one of the best cities to visit in Africa.

4. Dubai, UAE

Honestly, we were reluctant to even put Dubai on the list because of the glitz, glamour, and ostentation that this city has come to represent, but Dubai has a lot of Muslim-friendly attractions to offer.

A city that was just sand dunes a few decades ago now has the tallest building in the world, the largest mall in the world, the largest fountain in the world, the largest aquarium in the world, and even the largest airport terminal in the world. They do it big here.

You can also go sand dune riding, sand boarding, and even skydiving over Dubai’s man-made islands for a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience with your spouse on your honeymoon.

5. Maldives

With 1,200 islands and crystal-clear water, the Maldives is one of the most popular Muslim honeymoon spots.

This tropical, Muslim-majority country offers many options for where to stay and what to do. The Maldives is one of the best places in the world to go snorkeling and scuba diving. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, you can spend the day in your water bungalow and enjoy fresh halal food at your service. There’s even a beach that looks like something out of a fairy tale!

Be prepared to empty your wallet, as this is not a cheap destination.

This article is written by Huda and Zain from www.muslimtravelers.com

Image by Leena from www.withLoveLeena.com