Skip to main content

If you’re planning on holidaying in Bali during the months of May and June 2019, you’d be forgiven for missing the fact that it’s will be during Ramadan. Unlike the rest of Muslim-majority Indonesia, Bali is a predominantly Hindu island, so Ramadan in Bali doesn’t really affect the local pace of life.

What does bear considering though is lebaran, or the end of Ramadan, which falls between June 03 – 07, 2019. This is the highly anticipated public holiday when Muslims across Indonesia head home to celebrate the end of fast with their families. Here is what to expect from the end of Ramadan in Bali!

What is Ramadan?

Before we get down to the nitty-gritty of Ramadan in Bali, here’s a quick glossary of the terms used:

  • Ramadan = The Muslim month of fasting, taking place May 05 – June 04 , 2019
  • Idul Fitri / Eid al-Fitr = Religious holiday marking the end of Ramadan, taking place June 05 – 06, 2019
  • Lebaran = The popular name for the Idul Fitri holiday in Indonesia, taking place June 03 – 07, 2019
  • Mudik = The migration of urban dwellers to their family homes in the villages to celebrate lebaran together

Though Idul Fitri only spans two days, the Indonesian government generally grants a few extra holidays.

Traffic during Ramadan

One of the most important things to consider during Ramadan in Bali is traffic and logistics. At the end of Ramadan, people are heading both in and out of the island.

For lebaran, Bali’s Muslim community heads out to visit family on the neighbouring islands.

At the end of lebaran, the same people return back to Bali. This mean that both the beginning and end of lebaran cause heavy traffic between Bali and Java. Because of the mass exodus to and from Bali during lebaran, it’s best to avoid travelling during the peak of the mass commute.

Another thing to consider is the people celebrating lebaran in Bali. The long weekend is a popular time for Indonesians to spend a mini-holiday in Bali. The number of domestic flights increase as well as road travel between Bali and neighbouring island of Java. This means streets in South Bali might get really crowded and getting a table at restaurants may be more challenging than usual.

Dining During Lebaran in Bali

Since the end of Ramadan in Bali is all about coming together to celebrate, most restaurants and resorts offer special lebaran packages during the long weekend. Restaurants might get crowded during lebaran, so it’s good to head out early.

Sunset Corner Restaurant Tanah Lot Seseh Bal

Ramadan Sales in Bali

Good news for shopaholics: a lot of shops have a big sale during the end of Ramadan in Bali. The perfect excuse to go shopping, big time!

International and local brand stores in malls like Beachwalk and Bali Mall Galeria will have big sales. You can expect to find discounted items in stores like Zara, H&M, 69 Slam… and many more.

The big surf outlets in Kuta on Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai are also offering massive discounts on international surf brands like Quiksilver, Roxy and Rip Curl.

Beachwalk Bali
Location: Jalan Pantai Kuta, Kuta
Bali Mall Galeria
Location: Jalan By Pass I Gusti Ngurah Rai, Simpang Dewa Ruci, Kuta
Bali Surf Outlet
Location: Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai, Kuta

Other Things to Consider during Ramadan in Bali

Restaurants and resorts in Bali will stay open as per usual during both Ramadan and lebaran. Some of the smaller local warungs and other family-owned businesses will be closed as their Muslim owners head out to spend Idul Fitri with their families.

Banks in Bali will be closed during Idul Fitri and some of the smaller money exchange points as well as ATMs might run out of cash during the holiday. This also means that the exchange rate will drop slightly during lebaran.

All in all, Ramadan and Idul Fitri shouldn’t cause too much of a hassle during your Bali holiday. Just get ready for the crowds during lebaran, take advantage of the holiday offers and sales and enjoy!

Ministry of Villas offers over 700 hand-selected villas in BaliContact our villa specialists to find the perfect villa in Bali – including last-minute deals for lebaran!

Leave a Reply