national holiday<\/a> starts from 20th – 24th March 2026. Note that government-run organisations (like immigration and post offices), banks, etc, will be closed during this time.<\/p>\nOn Lebaran day, you\u2019ll often see family feasts that include a number of Lebaran dishes like ketupat<\/em> (rice packed in weaved leaves and shaped into a square), beef rendang<\/em>, opor ayam<\/em> (chicken braised in coconut based broth), as well as sweets like dried dates and Indonesian street-style snacks, AKA jajan pasar<\/em>. And if you\u2019re lucky, your Muslim neighbours might share their traditional delicacies with you!<\/p>\nWhat is Ramadan and what happens during the holy month?<\/h3>\n
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 \u201cRamadan\u201d means \u201cto burn\u201d, which is why the month is held during the hottest time of the year, when the sun shines the longest.<\/p>\n
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<\/em>) before sunrise, followed by a whole day of fasting (no eating or drinking), and ends at sunset with a well-deserved iftar <\/em>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.<\/p>\nTop tip:<\/strong> if you are fasting in Bali, there are some places offering special sahur<\/em> and iftar <\/em>menus.<\/p>\nRamadan etiquette you need to know in Bali<\/h3>\n
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While Bali is predominantly Hindu, Indonesia as a whole has the world\u2019s largest Muslim population, and you\u2019ll still notice Ramadan being observed across the island. Whether it\u2019s colleagues, neighbours, drivers, or local businesses, being mindful during this holy month goes a long way. Here are a few simple etiquette tips to keep in mind:<\/p>\n
1. Be respectful when eating and drinking in public<\/h4>\n
You don\u2019t have to fast if you\u2019re not Muslim, especially in Bali where restaurants and caf\u00e9s operate as usual. That said, if you\u2019re around people who are fasting, it\u2019s considerate to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking right in front of them.<\/p>\n
2. Expect adjusted schedules<\/h4>\n
Some local businesses, government offices, and services may operate on shortened hours. Meetings might shift earlier in the day, and colleagues could be lower-energy in the afternoon as they fast. Plan ahead and allow for flexibility.<\/p>\n
3. Dress respectfully when visiting local communities<\/h4>\n
If you\u2019re heading beyond tourist hubs or visiting predominantly Muslim areas, opt for modest attire. Nothing overly strict, just think covered shoulders and appropriate hemlines. Of course, it\u2019s more a respectful gesture rather than a rule.<\/p>\n
4. Join iftar respectfully<\/h4>\n
If you\u2019re invited to break fast with someone, say yes. It\u2019s a warm and generous experience. Wait for the host to begin eating, and a simple \u201cselamat berbuka puasa\u201d will always be appreciated.<\/p>\n
Top tip:<\/strong> Traffic gets ten times busier just before iftar, as people rush home to break their fast. If you\u2019re planning to head out around this time, give yourself extra travel buffer.<\/p>\nLooking forward to the Ramadan celebrations? Check out other public holidays in Indonesia<\/a> to plan your next holiday!<\/strong><\/p>\nMore FAQs About Fasting During Ramadan & Eid Al-Fitr in Indonesia<\/h2>Can we still eat around people who are fasting?<\/h3>Sure you can \u2013 but do ask first to be sure. Some folks might be \u2018chill\u2019 with people eating lunch around them, but for some, it might be too distracting. Most Muslims won\u2019t take offence, but otherwise, you could always catch up with them when they break fast at dusk.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Do you lose a lot of weight from fasting?<\/h3>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\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n<\/div>
Can you smoke during Ramadan?<\/h3>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Is it allowed to brush your teeth during fasting?<\/h3>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!<\/p>\n<\/div>
Can you feast later when you break fast after fasting the whole day?<\/h3>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 \u2013 especially avoiding fatty foods that might affect energy levels and your mood. Otherwise, you\u2019ll be in a constant state of\u2026 food coma.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Do you have to rest all day because you don\u2019t have energy from not eating?<\/h3>It\u2019s 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\u2019t they eaten all day, they had to wake up super early for sahur (the pre-fasting meal)!<\/p>\n<\/div>
Must sick people fast?<\/h3>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\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>
What is Ramadan like in Bali?<\/h3>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>
What time does iftar typically occur in Bali?<\/h3>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Are there special Ramadan events in Bali?<\/h3>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Where can I find halal dining options during Ramadan in Bali?<\/h3>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>
How do non-Muslim visitors experience Ramadan in Bali?<\/h3>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>
How does Eid Al-Fitr impact tourism in Bali?<\/h3>While Bali\u2019s 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\u2019s renowned natural beauty during this time.<\/p>\n<\/div>
How do locals in Bali celebrate Eid Al-Fitr?<\/h3>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>
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