Ramadan

Hello,
I've just rather belatedly realised that Im going to be in Indonesia for the entire month of Ramadan. We're arriving in Medan on 11th September, then going just to Toba, flying to Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bromo, Bali Lombok, Labuanbajo, Kimodo and hopefully as far as Ende. Is anyone maybe living there who could tell me what to expect re opening hours. Im worried that restaurants/transport will be closed or less frequent. Nothing we can do about it now but it would be interesting to know. We'll be on Bali for Eid so that might be nice. Is there a big celebration?
Thank you in advance
Jeni

Hi,
It won't be an issue at all on Samosir Island at Lake Toba - almost 100% Christian population.

In other places, you might find that some restaurants are closed, but there is usually almost always something open. Be aware too that in some places people get a bit annoyed if you eat on the streets during daylight hours. It's best to be a bit discreet. Many restaurants also have curtains closed during daylight hours so as not to offend fasters. That doesn't mean that they are closed, just being polite. On the plus side, there are often a fabulous range of hawkers come evening time. Cakes and special treats aplenty.

Mosques are generally MUCH more active during Ramadan so if you're a light sleeper, try to choose accommodation not too close to mosques. There are more frequent calls to prayer etc. broadcast over loudspeakers and it can get REALLY loud. Also don't be freaked out by the sirens that some mosques use to announce that it's officially time to stop eating.

The biggest problem that you might find is once Ramadan actually ends. TRANSPORT can be a NIGHTMARE for up to 2 weeks following the end of Ramadan. Everyone travels home to their village to celebrate with their families and transport can be very hard to find. Planes, boats, buses are all packed. Many people also choose to go on holidays at this time so it can be tricky to get accommodation as well, or you might find it's more expensive. It's worked out well for you that you'll be in Bali at this time because accommodation won't be an issue but transport getting there might be. If you can, I'd plan to spend that time travelling around Bali before moving further East.

And YES, great celebrations for Lebaran. Less so in Bali where the muslim population is a definite minority, but it's celebrated nonetheless. It's a really fun time to be in Indonesia.
Enjoy your trip!

Hello Jeni, as cerita said, finding food will not be a problem. But transport & accomodation definitely will; the probems usually start a few days BEFORE Lebaran/Idul-fitri/Eid & about a couple of weeks after! It will be an experience for you though.

Jeniring -- Thanks for bringing this up!

We are leaving for Bali in a few days, and will be there until Sept. 11th.

We were planning to travel via air to Yogya, and then back over land via train/buses and ferry back to Bali stopping over in Bromo. We haven't scheduled that portion, because we were going to book the fight when we get there, and we were planning to do that portion of the trip leaving Bali for Yogya around Sept 1, visiting Borubodur on Sept 2, and the spending the next 3-4 days (Sept 3-6/7) en route back to Bali --

Will those travel dates be ok in east Java? Is it early enough before Ramadan not be be impacted, or should we leave for Yogya earlier?

Should we anticipate any major transportation disruptions in any areas of Bali in the week leading to our departure (Sept 6-11)?

Thanks for any input,

Michelel

Hi LAkittee, you'll be right. Lebaran this year falls on the 12/13th October.

whew --- thanks!!! At least one extra thing I don't have to worry about (considering we will be traveling with a young child) :)

Hadn't even occured to me!

How about Java and Lombok?

Sounds like Bali will be fine.

My flights are booked now anyway...Into Jakarta on 27th Sept, out of Bali on the 19th Oct. Taking in Java > Bali > Lombok

Thanks everyone, I seriously cant wait. 19 days to go , and counting....................As long as I can get a beer in Bromo I'll be happy. (-:

Hi Manic, transport logistics within Java would be a real headache the nearer you get to Lebaran & even at least a week AFTER that! Imagine millions of Javanese Muslims on the move! Lombok is also predominantly Muslim but population-wise is only a tiny fraction of Java's.