06/07/2025

NATIONAL 4 ON SUNDAY JULY 6, 2025

Huge potential in spiritual tourism

PETALING JAYA: In an age where spiritual tourism is booming, a Malaysian-based meditation retreat is reminding visitors that true transformation goes far beyond a weekend of relaxation. The Satipatthana Meditation Retreat, rooted in Buddha’s teaching of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, provides a rigorous yet compassionate path to insight and inner freedom. “The goal is not only to relax or de-stress but also to cultivate direct insight into impermanence, suffering and non-self, ultimately leading to inner freedom,” said Shi Ne Ling Monastery’s retreat organisers. “Unlike wellness retreats that may focus on temporary calm or external therapies, this practice nurtures profound self-awareness through moment-to-moment observation, leading to a deep understanding of reality and freedom from attachment.” Interest in the retreat has grown steadily, reflecting what many see as a rising global longing for peace and clarity in stressful times. “Our recent retreats in Malaysia filled quickly, with participants from 15 regions including Malaysia, Singapore, China, Australia, Canada, the US, the UK and more. We believe this is due to rising global stress and a deepening longing for inner peace.” According to the organisers, participants arrive with many motivations. “Some come to understand PETALING JAYA: Malaysia holds immense untapped potential to become a global hub for spiritual tourism, thanks to its multicultural and multi religious heritage, said Universiti Teknologi Mara tourism economics expert Prof Dr Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah. “With Islam as the official religion, alongside large ‘With Islam as official religion, large populations of Buddhists, Christians, Hindus and indigenous animists, Malaysia can offer multi-religious experiences’ █ BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

harmony, not division, through interfaith festivals or guided heritage trails.” He pointed to George Town’s World Heritage Site as a positive example, celebrating multicultural religious architecture through tours that feature mosques, temples and churches. He said government support would be essential in shaping Malaysia’s spiritual tourism identity. “The Islamic Tourism Centre plays a leading role in standardising Muslim-friendly tourism certification, training and marketing.” He called for greater collaboration between state governments and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to include Buddhist and Hindu temples and indigenous healing centres under an inclusive spiritual tourism agenda. He said Malaysia could learn from Bhutan’s spiritual model, Bali’s rich storytelling, Japan’s Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes or Saudi Arabia’s modernised pilgrimage infrastructure.

practices not commercialised or turned into mere spectacles, preserving their authenticity and meaning. To avoid diluting sacred meaning, he suggested co designing tourism experiences with faith leaders and community custodians, alongside implementing ethical guidelines for tour operators. “Over-commercialisation risks turning sacred rituals into spectacles, which can offend local communities. “Spiritual tourism can serve as a sustainable income stream, particularly through community-based tourism, providing opportunities to host retreats, sell crafts and share cultural narratives.” As an example, he cited Kampung Stay Desa Murni in Temerloh, which integrates Islamic hospitality, prayer facilities and homestay experiences. “Inclusivity can be achieved through plural branding, for example ‘spiritual journeys of Malaysia’ instead of faith specific framing. “We need to showcase are

Kadazan-Dusun rituals offer unique spiritual experiences tied to nature, sustainability and local wisdom. If I’m not mistaken, Kim Kardashian took this package some time ago.” Mohd Hafiz said Malaysia could further strengthen its position by developing a clearer storytelling strategy and destination identity, similar to leading spiritual tourism hubs such as India, Bhutan and Bali. “Countries like India and Bhutan have long-established reputations tied to ancient spiritual traditions, while Bali thrives through its seamless fusion of culture, spirituality and aesthetics.” He said improvements in amenities and accessibility at spiritual sites would enhance visitor experiences. “Malaysia has yet to develop a unifying narrative for spiritual tourism across all faiths, and some sites like Gua Charas could benefit from better facilities.” Mohd Hafiz also recommended thoughtful contextualisation to ensure indigenous or religious

themselves, to be free from suffering and find true happiness. Others wish to gain deeper spiritual understanding or learn how to face life’s challenges with wisdom and without suffering.” Far from being reserved for advanced practitioners, the programme is open to beginners too. “For beginners, we ask that they have some prior exposure, such as having listened to at least 30 teaching sessions.” The teachers adjust instructions to match each participant’s spiritual maturity rather than following a rigid formula. The retreat also welcomes visitors of all faiths. “Our only aim is to support all beings in freeing themselves from suffering, without any commercial agenda. “A quiet environment surrounded by trees and minimal distractions helps the mind settle. When the mind experiences joy, it is easier for concentration to arise. Once practice deepens, even in noisy or chaotic environments, the mind can remain peaceful and joyful. “We provide basic, clean and sufficient facilities for sleeping and eating, while upholding the five precepts and noble silence during meals.” For further details and registration, participants may contact the organiser at shineling.retreat@gmail.com or WhatsApp +6018-919 9096. – By DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM populations Christians, and indigenous animists, Malaysia offers a pluralistic landscape for spiritual seekers.” He added that Malaysia’s natural settings, from rainforests to highlands and islands, further enhance its appeal for spiritual retreats and reflection. “The Langkawi Unesco Global Geopark is not only a natural heritage site but also a venue for yoga, wellness and leisure retreats. It’s quite similar to Batu Caves and other spiritual sites.” He highlighted the growing interest in wellness and mindfulness tourism, aligned with Malaysia’s spa and eco retreat offerings, citing the Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat in Perak as a popular choice among both local and international visitors. He said Malaysia’s indigenous communities also offer authentic experiences that could appeal to global travellers. “The Orang Asli traditions and Borneo’s Dayak and of Buddhists, Hindus

Meditation retreat centre growing in popularity

SPORTING SPIRIT ... National athletes taking part in various activities in conjunction with Athletes Day organised by the National Sports Council at Bukit Jalil National Stadium yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Summer camp to boost AI-related skills ARAU: The AI Summer Camp TVET Se-Malaysia 2025

on Friday. Meanwhile Faizuddin Centre of Educational Excellence chairman and executive director Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Kamarudin Hussin said the programme was the result of the support of the Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council, Institut Visual Informatik and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. – Bernama

would focus on graduate readiness and marketability. “This programme will raise participant reskilling and upskilling. It is hoped that they will benefit from this programme, especially in the AI field,” he said at the programme that was officiated by Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail at Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Polytechnic

programme will serve as a platform for future polytechnic and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institute graduates to boost their skills in artificial intelligence. Polytechnic Education and Community College Department director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Zahari Ismail said the programme