Ramadhan

It’s the Ramadhan month again. For travelers to Malaysia, there are few things that I think it is good to know about Ramadhan.

What is Ramadhan? Ramadhan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. In the Western calendar, there is no fixed date, it moves forward about 10 days each year. This year Awal Ramadhan (beginning of Ramadhan) falls on the 22 Aug 09. All Muslim will fast from dawn to sun set during the whole month of Ramadhan. At the end of the Ramadhan is Syawal where Muslim in Malaysia celebrates Hari Raya. During the fasting, Muslim are refrain from drink, eat, sexual and other evil deeds. They will get up before dawn to Sahur (eat) and then perform the prayer. They will break fast after the Maghrib prayer. Ramadhan is a holy month, where Muslim are to practice patience, modesty, spirituality, self disclipine and empathy to those less fortunate. Children, pregnant women, nursing mother, women on menstrual, elderly, critical ill and mentally ill are exempted from fasting.

What do a travel needs to know when traveling in Malaysia during Ramadhan? Well, I think the first thing is to Respect their religious practice. Avoid drinking and eating in front of a Muslim during their fasting period.

For many resort and hotel, generally it is the low season for room booking. This is because most Muslim would not travel or go for holiday during the Ramadhan. So, for many budget travelers, it is one of the best times to grab a good deal. However, if you wish to book for banquet function, it could be hard to reserve place. This is because many corporate firms and government bodies would hold buka puasa (break fast) session during the Ramadhan to have better bond among employees or customers.

Getting food before break fast can be hassle, if you travel to remote places. Of course, normal fast food chain, malls, hotel dining, restaurant manned by non-Muslims would function as usual. Many Muslim restaurants would not be selling food during the fasting period. They would only operate before and / or after the break fast. However, if you are a food lover, I strongly encourage you to visit one of the Ramadhan market / Bazaar Ramadhan, which only available during the fasting month. Muslim would shop for food to prepare for the break fast session after sun set. Many non-Muslim Malaysian would also shop at the market for the specialty that solely available during the Ramadhan. It is the best place to get a feel of the local culture. Try the kuih-muih (local dessert), kurma (dates), ayam percik (chicken), kuih raya and more…

If you are less adventure about hunting food on the street, no worries, you can still taste many unique local cuisines in restaurant and hotels that offer buka puasa buffet or special dining menu during the month of Ramadhan.

Except for the food, I personally feel that it is a good time to do shopping during Ramadhan. Many retailers would offer promotion or sales for the upcoming Raya celebration. Also you’ll get the chance to see more of the beautiful traditional custom of the Malay community in Malaysia. Baju kurung, kebaya, batik, songket, songkot are some of the apparel fashion you should look out for.

Well, that what I know about Ramadhan and traveling during Ramadhan. If you ask me, I would still say Ramadhan is a good time to visit Malaysia. The room rates are generally lower, you’ll get to taste the special food of Ramadhan, shopping are aplenty (and lots of deals and offer around), and it offer a chance to learn about the culture of Malaysia. So why wait, it is just another good chance to come and experience the Malaysia hospitality!

Additional info:
This year Hari Raya Puasa falls on the 20 and 21 Sep 09. Hari Raya Puasa is a public holiday throughout Malaysia.