IslamiCruise Part 1: A Voyage for the Soul in Halong Bay
Imagine beginning your day with pre-dawn prayers on the deck of a luxury cruiser, the silence broken only by the gentle lapping of water against the hull. All around you, thousands of limestone karsts rise majestically from emerald waters, their peaks shrouded in the morning mist.
This is the essence of the IslamiCruise to Halong Bay, Vietnam; a journey that promises not only to dazzle the senses but also to nourish the soul.
I had the privilege of joining the 56th edition of this unique voyage, organised by IslamiCruise aboard the splendid Golden Cruise, and discovered a holiday that redefines the meaning of a spiritual getaway.
For most of us, Halong Bay is a bucket-list destination, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its thousands of limestone karsts. We’ve all seen the photos, but experiencing it poses a familiar challenge: finding truly halal options in a non-Muslim country.
IslamiCruise’s hospitality began at KLIA, and from the moment we landed in Hanoi, the meticulous care became more evident. The bus journey, which usually takes about two to three hours to Halong Bay, is often a mundane part of any tour, but it was immediately elevated.
A tazkirah (sermon) was delivered by our accompanying scholar right there on the coach, weaving the element of faith into our very first moments in Vietnam.
Upon our arrival aboard the Golden Cruise, we were greeted by the call to prayer echoing across the deck. We gathered for our first congregational prayer against the breathtaking backdrop of the bay, a profoundly moving start to our voyage.
The first two days were spent navigating these serene waters. Our daily schedule was a masterful blend of worship and recreation. The days began well before sunrise with Qiyamulail, the voluntary late-night prayers, followed by the dawn prayer in congregation.
Our guest preacher, Ustaz Muhamad Abdullah Al-Amin, shared his “Forensic of the Soul” module, inviting self-reflection through the Quran and Hadith.
Zaharah Mohd Nadzri, a retired teacher from Port Dickson whom I met on board, shared with me, “The experience of praying together on the ship, surrounded by this incredible scenery, has had a very deep impact. It’s calming and utterly unique.”
Between these moments of spiritual enrichment, we explored the wonders of Halong Bay. The highlights for me were undoubtedly:
- Titop Island: The climb to the island’s summit was rewarded with a stunning 360-degree panorama of the bay.
- Exploring Hang Luon Cave by Paddle Boat: We had the chance to navigate our own boats through spectacular water-carved tunnels in the limestone cliffs.
- The Pearl Farm: A fascinating visit to learn about the intricate process of pearl cultivation.
- Sung Sot Cave: Also known as Surprise Cave, the largest cave in Halong Bay, with dramatic limestone formations, with cultural significance tied to a legend of the hero Thanh Giong.
One of the most significant benefits of this cruise is the assurance of 100% halal cuisine. This was echoed by Dr. Razak Daud and Associate Professor Dr. Siti Suraiya Md. Noor, a couple from Kota Bharu who were on their fifth Islamic Cruise.
“The most important thing for us is the guarantee of halal food, which is often difficult to be sure of when travelling,” explained Dr. Siti Suraiya. “But another advantage is the sense of brotherhood, the ukhuwah, that develops.”
This wonderful sense of community was fostered through relaxed social events, such as a Vietnamese spring roll-making demonstration and a celebratory Gala Dinner.
The trip truly caters for everyone, as Aidel Ezhar, a medical student, pointed out: “This package is ideal for young people too, because it’s not just religious programmes; there are also crafts, adventure sports, and group activities.”
As our ship made its way back to port, there was a shared sense of peace. We had arrived seeking a holiday but found a ‘floating sanctuary’; a unique space where faith, community, and one of the world’s greatest natural wonders co-exist in perfect harmony.
Our journey continues for another two nights in Hanoi. There, we experienced and explored the city with a few other amazing activities. Watch this space for next part of our travel piece!
Gaya Travel Magazine team members express our heartfelt gratitude to IslamiCruise for making the writer’s experience possible and smooth-sailing.
About The Author
Leave a Reply