Ramadan 2025: Indonesia to Begin Fasting on 1 March, While Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Start on 2 March

Travellers heading to Southeast Asia during Ramadan 2025 will find that the holy month begins on slightly different dates across the region. Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, has confirmed that fasting will start on Saturday, 1 Mar 2025, following a successful sighting of the crescent moon in Aceh, its westernmost province. Meanwhile, neighbouring Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei will begin Ramadan a day later, on Sunday, 2 Mar, based on astronomical calculations and crescent sighting observations.

Also read: Sunnah Foods During Ramadan For Muslim Travellers

Different methods, different dates

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The variation in start dates stems from the different moon sighting methodologies used by each country. Indonesia, like many other nations, relies on direct Rukyatul Hilal (crescent sighting) to determine the beginning of the Islamic month. On the evening of Friday, 28 Feb 2025, religious authorities in Aceh were able to confirm the moon’s presence, signalling the start of Ramadan the following day.

On the other hand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei follow a combination of hisab (astronomical calculations) and Rukyatul Hilal. Officials, including Malaysia’s Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal and Singapore’s Mufti, announced that there was no confirmed sighting of the crescent moon on the same evening. Brunei’s official announcement, broadcasted via Radio Televisi Brunei, also confirmed the absence of the new moon, leading to the decision to begin fasting on March 2nd instead.

What this means for travellers

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For Muslim travellers in Indonesia, this means that Ramadan will begin a day earlier, with the first Tarawih prayers (special night prayers) taking place on the evening of 28 Feb. In contrast, visitors in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei will experience the first night of Tarawih on 1 Mar, followed by the first day of fasting on 2 Mar.

This slight difference in dates is not uncommon in the Muslim world and adds to the rich diversity of Islamic traditions across Southeast Asia. Travellers planning to visit multiple countries during Ramadan should be mindful of these variations, especially when it comes to meal times, business hours, and special religious events.

Also read: Muslim Traveller’s Guide to Preparing For a Healthy Ramadan 2025

Experiencing Ramadan in Southeast Asia

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Ramadan is a fascinating time to visit Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Each country has its own unique traditions, from Indonesia’s bustling Ramadan street markets known as Pasar Ramadan to Malaysia’s lively food bazaars offering local delicacies like murtabak and bubur lambuk. In Singapore and Brunei, mosques and community centres host nightly iftar (breaking of the fast) gatherings, where locals and visitors alike can share a meal and experience the spirit of the holy month.

Regardless of where one begins Ramadan in Southeast Asia, the essence of the month remains the same—spiritual reflection, community bonding, and delicious food shared at sunset. Whether starting on 1 Mar or 2 Mar, travellers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the warmth and hospitality that define Ramadan in the region.