Anas Ahmadi, Muhammad Turhan Yani, Darni, Abdul Aziz Khoiri, Mohd Adi Amzar Muhammad Nawawi, Yulianeta, Humaira Ahmad
Numerous studies have examined tourism fiction and films. However, few researchers have addressed spiritual tourism within these media. To address this gap, the present study examines the portrayal of spiritual tourism in Asian Fiction and Film, focused on Indonesia and Malaysia. Employing a qualitative approach, this research analyzed 11 works of fictions and 10 films from Indonesia and Malaysia. The findings indicate that: (1) Islamic themes predominantly shape the portrayal of spiritual tourism in both Indonesian and Malaysian fiction and films; (2) the prominence of Islamic themes reflects Islam’s status as the dominant religion in both countries; (3) spiritual tourism in these works is portrayed as a form of spiritual prestige among Muslims; and (4) promotional efforts for Indonesian and Malaysian tourism bolster the representation of spiritual tourism in fiction and film. This study contributes to the literature on tourism, fiction, film, and spiritual perspectives. © 2025, Adonis and Abbey Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia; Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia; Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Indonesia; University of Management and Technology, Pakistan
