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 is a big deal for all Muslims around the world. It’s often referred to as the holiest month on the Muslim calendar, and Muslims will 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. Then, at the end of Ramadan is the joyous Eid Al-Fitr celebration (AKA “lebaran” in Bahasa Indonesia), where families will gather in spiffy new clothes to feast with loved ones.
More than 200 million Indonesian people (86.7% of the country’s total population) are Muslim, making Indonesia 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. To help you understand the rules and to answer any questions you might have, here’s all you need to know about Ramadan 2025 in Indonesia.
Ramadan 2025 In Indonesia: All You Need To Know
When does Ramadan start in Indonesia?
This year, Ramadan starts on 1st March 2025. 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 Eid Al-Fitr, 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 in Indonesia. This year, Lebaran falls on 30th March 2025, but the national holiday starts from 30th March 2025 until 8th April 2025. 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 broth), 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 holy 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.
FAQs About Fasting During Ramadan & Eid Al-Fitr in Indonesia
1. Can we still eat around people who are fasting?
Sure you can – but do ask first to be sure. 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, but otherwise, you could always catch up with them when they break fast 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. At the end of the day, Ramadan is a time to fulfil a religious responsibility, and to celebrate with friends and family, so who cares about weight!
3. Can you smoke during Ramadan?
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. Is it allowed to brush your teeth during fasting?
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. Not today, gingivitis!
5. Can you feast later when you break fast after fasting the whole day?
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?
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 from fasting, 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 older people to fast.
8. What is Ramadan like in Bali?
In Bali, Ramadan is observed by the local Muslim community with quiet reflection, communal iftar meals, and nightly prayers. Although Bali is predominantly Hindu, you can still experience respectful celebrations and cultural diversity during the holy month of Ramadan.
9. What time does iftar typically occur in Bali?
Iftar, the evening meal to break the fast, is held at sunset. In Bali, as in the rest of Indonesia, Muslims gather with family and friends to share iftar, often enjoying a blend of local Indonesian food and Middle Eastern cuisines.
10. Are there special Ramadan events in Bali?
Yes, while Bali is known for its Hindu traditions, several areas with significant Muslim communities host Ramadan markets and cultural events during the holy month. Check local event calendars for Ramadan-specific activities.
11. Where can I find halal dining options during Ramadan in Bali?
Bali is home to a growing number of halal-certified restaurants. Look for eateries and cafes with the halal certification on display, and those that provide iftar buffets and special Ramadan menus to suit your dietary needs.
12. How do non-Muslim visitors experience Ramadan in Bali?
Non-Muslim visitors in Bali can respectfully observe Ramadan by sampling halal cuisine, and learning about local customs. Many hotels and restaurants offer special Ramadan packages to help you experience the cultural richness of the season.
13. What should I know about Ramadan etiquette in Bali?
When visiting Bali during Ramadan, it’s important to be respectful. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours in areas with a significant Muslim presence, and dress modestly out of respect for local traditions.
14. How does Eid Al-Fitr impact tourism in Bali?
While Bali’s tourism continues year-round, the Eid period sees a unique blend of festive celebrations and quieter tourist spots. Visitors can enjoy both cultural experiences and the island’s renowned natural beauty during this time.
15. How do locals in Bali celebrate Eid Al-Fitr?
Eid Al-Fitr in Bali is marked by festive prayers, family gatherings, and feasting. Local mosques and community centres host special Eid prayers, and families celebrate with traditional Indonesian dishes, reflecting both religious devotion and cultural heritage. Top tip: for a more festive celebration, head to Lombok or Java, where Islam is the predominant religion.
Looking forward to the Ramadan celebrations? Check out other public holidays in Indonesia to plan your next holiday!