Experiencing Ramadan in Malaysia: A Guide for Travellers

Traveloka MY
17 Jan 2024 - 5 min read

Ramadan is already in front of our eyes. Have you ever thought of visiting Malaysia during Ramadan? Wait, can you actually visit Malaysia when it’s Ramadan? The answer is, yes, you can!

Ramadan is a month when Muslims are fasting from the time of sunrise (Subuh) to sunset (Maghrib). It’s a ritual that will be done for a month. Following the end of Ramadan is the month of Syawal, when the Muslims celebrate their victory on the day of Eid Al Fitr.

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Now, you might ask, how is the situation of fasting in Malaysia? What are the Ramadan rules that you should follow when you’re in Malaysia? Are you a Muslim planning to go to Malaysia and wonder how many hours fasting in Malaysia? Well, you can get answers to all of the Ramadan in Malaysia related questions here. Keep reading!

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What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is actually the 9th month of the Hijri calendar, which depends on the movement of the moon. When Ramadan comes, the Muslims are obligated to do fasting, meaning that they don’t eat and drink from Subuh until Maghrib. For Muslims, Ramadan is considered a holy month, when God gives as much forgiveness as possible.

They do the fasting everyday for a month. When the first day of the 10th month, Syawal, comes, the Muslims will celebrate their victory in Eid Al Fitri day, a day where they come to the mosque and do the Eid prayer.

During the fasting, there are several Ramadan rules. Some things have to be avoided other than eating and drinking, like smoking or having intercourse with your spouse. Otherwise, their fasting is broken, and they need to ‘pay’ it by fasting in other months, or in some cases, actually pay a fine.

Some behaviors, like scolding, lying, or being lazy will only reduce the reward of fasting, but do not break it.

When is Ramadan 2025 in Malaysia?

Following the Hijri calendar, Ramadan in Malaysia in 2025 will start approximately on the 2nd of March. The Eid Al Fitr day itself will be on the 30th of March. If you have a plan to experience Ramadan in Malaysia, then it’s time for you to shine!

Talking about the time of Ramadan, the exact date and month will change overtime. When last year it started in April, now the holy month will be around early March.

Ramadan in Malaysia would be different from any other countries (we think every country has its typical way to celebrate Ramadan). Hence, it’s a great idea to plan for a visit to Malaysia in Ramadan month. But, of course, you need to know about some tips first before you actually go.

How is Ramadan in Malaysia?

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Actually, experiencing Ramadan in Malaysia will be quite an experience. Some festivals and Ramadan bazaars will be available during Ramadan, and they will operate from sunset until late at night. Aside from spiritually enjoying your fasting in Malaysia, your hunger will be worth it after some of the foods you buy at the market.

The time when the fasting starts and ends depends on the sunrise and sunset time, and it will be different in each country. How many hours of fasting in Malaysia? Well, it’s actually around 13 hours. It’s an average hour, even considered a short hour especially when compared to other countries that fast for up to 18 to 20 hours, like in New Zealand or the United Kingdom.

Ramadan in Malaysia will be so festive. Try praying Tarawih (a prayer that is only held during the Ramadan month) in one of the best mosques in Malaysia, like the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque. Anyway, you must visit Malaysia’s Ramadan bazaars too, like Bangsar Ramadan Bazaar, Shah Alam Ramadan Bazaar, Bukit Bintang Ramadan Bazaar, Jalan Masjid India Ramadan Bazaar, and many more!

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Tips for Visiting Malaysia during Ramadan or Fasting Season

Muslims are the majority of Malaysia’s population. So, if you’re a Muslim who plans to go during Ramadan in Malaysia, you won’t see any problem at all. You can fast in Malaysia peacefully since most of the people here fast too.

But, it won’t change the situation much. Yes, they are fasting, but they still do the regular things to do: going to the market to shop, work, school, and have fun in public places. It’s a good thing if you’re not a Muslim, because you can still experience your trip to Malaysia entirely.

Pay attention to these tips for visiting Malaysia during Ramadan season:

If you’re a Muslim, it’s time to experience fasting in Malaysia thoroughly. You can visit the mosque, especially for Tarawih prayer. Do the iftar with your beloved ones in the nicest place with a good taste of food, and try other things to do in Malaysia during the fasting season.
Book your flights, hotels, and everything earlier. Traveling to Malaysia can be a real deal around Ramadan season, because there will be so many people from outside the country going back to their family. Some will even stay longer to celebrate fasting in Malaysia.
Since there will be less people having lunch during fasting in Malaysia, it is likely for most of the restaurants to be closed. If you’re not fasting, you should consider bringing a little snack in your pocket, in case hunger suddenly attacks you.
Are you planning to go exploring the culinary world in Malaysia? This can be your time, but it can be not too. First of all, there will be markets like Ramadan bazaars that are specially held only during Ramadan in Malaysia. Of course, they will sell countless kinds of food during break-fasting time (iftar). Hence, you’re going to have the opportunity to browse for all those foods!
Like we said before, it can be not your time too. Sometimes, the food stalls, restaurants, and cafes will be super crowded especially when it’s close to sunset. Some people like to break their fast together in some nice place, explaining why most places are so hectic. If you don’t like being in a queue, maybe you can change your plan.
Cafes and restaurants won’t be able to serve alcohol since it is forbidden to do so, especially during the holy month. So, don’t expect you can enjoy alcohol, especially in the middle of the day.
If you are not a Muslim and need to go to lunch, you can go check out the neighborhoods like Chinatown or Little India. Most of the restaurants or cafes there are usually open during lunchtime.
If it’s not too much trouble, maybe you can stop eating in public during the day since there will be a huge amount of people fasting in Malaysia. Just to be respectful.
More ways to be respectful: don’t do a public display of affection (especially if it’s only your girlfriend or boyfriend) and dress modestly especially when you’re around the Mosque.
There are many people using Ramadan month to shop. It’s an opportunity to give something to the less fortunate, or even to your own family as a Ramadan gift. Some shops usually hold a special Ramadan discount. Plus, some shopping malls will be open later into the night.

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You will have an amazing experience spending Ramadan in Malaysia! In conclusion, you can still do everything in Malaysia during Ramadan season, as long as it’s not against the Ramadan rules. It will definitely be a great Ramadan in Malaysia for us all.

Best Places, Attractions to Visit & Things To Do in Malaysia

Are you planning to have an iftar together in a cafe or in a hotel buffet? Don’t worry, the best hotels in Malaysia usually have the package of the break-fasting buffet.

Try to go around the city you’re staying and get busy, so during the day, fasting won’t feel so hard. You can still visit various attractions and activities in Malaysia, even when it is Ramadan.

If you ever need anything related to your travel during Ramadan in Malaysia, you can directly check Traveloka. You can book for your flights, hotels, and explore for more inspirations of traveling in Malaysia. Get the best deal and check out for our promos consistently, which will make your best deal twice better!

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In This Article

• What is Ramadan?
• When is Ramadan 2025 in Malaysia?
• How is Ramadan in Malaysia?
• Tips for Visiting Malaysia during Ramadan or Fasting Season
• Experiencing The Ramadan Season in Malaysia by Booking Your Travel Needs in Traveloka

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Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
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Surabaya (SUB) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
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Kuching (KCH) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
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