With the majority of Indonesia's population being Muslim, Ramadan is celebrated country-wide, including in Bali. Here’s what to expect if you’re heading to the island during this sacred month.
Ramadan’s a big deal for all Muslims around the world. Before the joyous Eid celebration where we put on spiffy new clothes and traditional outfits, there’s still the month of Ramadan to go through. Often referred to as the holiest month on the Muslim calendar, Muslims fast from dawn until dusk every day, abstaining from food and drink. Ramadan is also a month of reflection and repentance, so individuals will also abstain from negative thoughts and emotions like anger and impatience, and other vices too.
Approximately over 200 million Indonesian people (86.7% of the country’s total population) are Muslim, making it the country with the world’s largest population of Muslims. So if you live or work in Indonesia, it’s highly likely that you’ll know someone who will be observing Ramadan and know about some of the rules. But for the clueless sorts, there might be a lot of questions you might have… that we can answer!
RAMADAN 2023 IN INDONESIA: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
When does Ramadan start in Indonesia?
This year, Ramadan starts on 23rd March 2023. The day marks the beginning of a month-long fast for the Muslims, before ending with Lebaran (or Idul Fitri) 30 days later.
When is Lebaran, and what can we expect?
After enduring 30 days of fasting, Muslims celebrate with a day of feasting with family and friends – the celebration is called Idul Fitri or Lebaran. This year, Lebaran falls on 22nd to 23rd April 2023, but the national holiday starts from Friday, 21st April 2023, until Wednesday, 26th April 2023. Note that government-run organisations (like immigration and post offices), banks, etc, may be closed during this time.
On Lebaran day, you’ll often see family feasts that include a number of Lebaran dishes like ketupat (rice packed in weaved leaves and shaped into a square), beef rendang, opor ayam (chicken braised in coconut based soup), as well as sweets like dried dates and Indonesian street-style snacks, AKA jajan pasar. And if you’re lucky, your Muslim neighbours might share their traditional delicacies with you!
What is Ramadan and what happens during the month?
Ramadan is a holy month in Islamic tradition, during which Muslims fulfil their religious responsibility to restrain themselves from hunger, thirst, and any sinful thoughts and actions. The word “Ramadan” means “to burn”, which is why the month is held during the hottest time of the year, when the sun shines the longest.
During the whole month of Ramadan, Muslims fast for approximately 14 hours from sunrise to sunset. Each day begins with a nourishing breakfast (AKA sahur) before sunrise, followed by a whole day of fasting (no eating or drinking), and ends at sunset with a well-deserved iftar dinner. For Muslims, being able to fast is a blessing, and is often celebrated with good deeds like sharing meals with neighbours or making donations to those in need.
Top tip: if you are fasting in Bali, there are some places offering special sahur and iftar menus. Here are our top picks to give you an idea:
Ramadan Repast at Makase – daily sahur menu (3am – 5.30am) and throughout the day (12pm – 10.30pm).
Delightful Ramadan at Daily Social – daily iftar (6pm – 9pm) with uninterrupted sunset and ocean views from the rooftop.
Flavourful Ramadan at DEPOT by Aloft Bali Kuta at Beachwalk – with the “Buy 4 Get 1 Free” deal, the whole family can refuel and replenish with an iftar set menu that includes refreshing Takjil, mains and sweet desserts.
Iftar Ramadan at Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta – “Buka bersama” AKA dine together after fasting, with an all-you-can-eat buffet of authentic Indonesian dishes.
Ramadan Iftar at Ikan Restaurant – This beachfront dining destination at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali delights you with a special “buka bersama” menu throughout this holy month, featuring Indonesian favourites like Gulai Ikan Kakap and Bebek Rembang. On 18th April, swing by for a special Ramadan Kolaborasa dinner – a culinary collaboration, featuring five courses of Indonesian delicacy.
RAMADAN 2023 IN INDONESIA: WHERE TO STAY IN BALI WITH SPECIAL PACKAGES
1. Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach
Spend a Blessed Ramadan in this luxury resort, and enjoy daily sahur or breakfasts for two, in addition to the five-star facilities to keep you occupied. Think blissful spa treatments, glittering swimming pools, and golden sunsets right on Seminyak Beach.
Price: From IDR 2,450,000++ per night.
Book: Email ho[email protected] or WhatsApp +62 812 3819 9200
2. Hotel Tugu Bali
Want to spend Lebaran holiday immersed in Indonesian luxury? Head to Hotel Tugu Bali, a beachfront resort that’s all about culture, arts and history. You’ll be treated to a lavish breakfast, Hotel Tugu’s signature afternoon tea, a dinner for two, as well as a 30% discount on spa treatments at the Waroeng Djamoe Spa.
Price: From IDR 7,360,000++ for two nights, valid for KTP and KITAS holders only.
Book: Direct via the website
3. Prama Sanur Beach Bali
This holy month, Prama Sanur Beach Bali is treating those who are fasting to all the perks they deserve! Stay in a Superior Room and you’ll receive sahur and iftar for two, a free Takjil (AKA sweet treats to break fast at the end of the day), 10% discount on food and beverage, 15% discount on 90-minute spa treatments, and a space at the in-house Mosque to keep up with daily prayers. Plus, you’ll also get a complimentary late check-out, up to 2pm.
Price: IDR 1,100,000 nett per night, valid for KTP and KITAS holders only.
Book: Direct via the website or WhatsApp +62 813 3877 3571
4. Hotel Tugu Lombok
If you’re looking to escape the Lebaran holiday crowds in Bali, then an island getaway might be just what you need. Take a trip to Lombok, and you’ll find your own pristine white sands and turquoise waters, on top of all the resort perks! You can wake up to a lavish breakfast spread, the signature afternoon tea, a dinner for two, 30% discount on spa treatments, and complimentary access to water sports activities!
Price: From IDR 5,710,000++ for two nights, valid for KTP and KITAS holders only.
Book: Direct via the website
RAMADAN 2023 IN INDONESIA: FUN FACTS & FAQs ABOUT FASTING
1. So… can we still eat around people who are fasting?
Sure you can – but do ask first. Some folks might be ‘chill’ with people eating lunch around them, but for some, it might be too distracting. Most Muslims won’t take offence, so it’s always ask first just to be sure. Otherwise, you could always join them when they break fast (iftar) at dusk!
2. Do you lose a lot of weight from fasting?
Fasting is not really about weight loss. On the contrary, Ramadan might even lead to weight gain! Eating large meals in the wee hours of the morning, and then late at night with a long period of low activity in between can be bad on the metabolism. Of course, there’s always self-discipline, so most people keep the weight gain off, but at the end of the day, Ramadan is a time for celebrating with friends and family, so who cares about weight!
3. You can’t eat and drink, but you can smoke right?
No! The fasting month is all about self-discipline, which means giving up vices like smoking, drinking, and even gossiping about others. Sexual activity during the duration of the fast is also not allowed.
4. What about brushing teeth?
Brushing your teeth is perfectly fine during Ramadan. In fact, maintaining good personal hygiene is considered to be very important within the religion. Islam places emphasis on both physical and spiritual cleanliness and purification. Another day, gingivitis!
5. You fasted for a whole day, so can you feast later when you break fast?
Regardless of fasting, overeating is considered bad. Iftar is the meal to replenish and rehydrate after a whole day of not eating and drinking, so being selective about the food you eat is important – especially avoiding fatty foods that might affect energy levels and your mood. Otherwise, you’ll be in a constant state of… food coma.
6. Do you have to rest all day because you don’t have energy from not eating?
It’s better to not be sedentary all day during Ramadan, because low levels of activity can lead to weight gain. Exercising is fine during the fasting month but perhaps nothing too strenuous. On a side note, do be understanding when your friend or colleague is feeling a little lethargic during the day; not only haven’t they eaten all day, they had to wake up super early for sahur (the pre-fasting meal)!
7. Must sick people fast too?
Luckily, there are some exemptions to fasting. Fasting during Ramadan is encouraged for those who are considered well and fit enough to do so, but if you are ill or have any health conditions which may suffer from fasting, you are not obliged to fast. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are exempt, as are those on their periods. If you are travelling or on a long journey, you’re also permitted to eat and drink as normal. People in these groups are expected to make up the days missed at a later stage, if they are well enough to. It is also not necessary for young children and the elderly to fast.
