RAMADAN: All Muslims are... by Krystynn
RAMADAN:All Muslims are required to fast during the Holy Month of Ramadan (a lunar month of 29 or 30 days, which falls 11 days earlier each year, depending on sightings of the moon). During this period, ALL Muslims must abstain totally from food, drink, sex (yes) and tobacco from dawn to sunset. Non-Muslims should respect this practice and wherever possible avoid infringing these laws in front of Muslims, since this is considered utterly rude. We don't want people to think we're a bunch of uncouth, brash tourists/travelers who are also members of VT, do we? Practically speaking, when Ramadan falls during the summer months, the abstentions become a test of endurance. Often shops and restaurants will open much earlier and close during the afternoons and in smaller towns some will close altogether, but some
businesses do open at night. Straight after sunset most, if not all, Muslims will break their fast, and little business or travel will be practical for the visitor at this time.
So, if you come to Indonesia during this period, you may find the streets generally empty... And resorts like BALI will be like a ghost town. My advice? If you can, DON'T vacation during the entire month long Ramadan period.
