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.

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!

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.

Following the Hijri calendar, Ramadan in Malaysia in 2026 will start approximately on the 18th of February. The Eid Al Fitr day (Hari Raya Aidilfitri) itself is expected to fall on the 20th or 21st 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 over time. While in 2025 it started in early March, for 2026 the holy month moves forward to mid-February.

Note: These dates are subject to the official moon sighting confirmation by the Office of the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal of Malaysia.

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.

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!

The heart of the action is Kampung Baru, a traditional Malay village amidst modern skyscrapers. Here, the Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru is famous for distributing its legendary Bubur Lambuk (spiced porridge) for free. As evening nears, the nearby Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR) bazaar becomes a buzzing hive of activity, packed with people hunting for traditional Malay attire and street food like Ayam Percik.

For a spiritual experience, the National Mosque (Masjid Negara) is the most popular site, hosting thousands for evening Terawih prayers under its iconic blue dome. The atmosphere in the city is electric, blending deep religious devotion with a massive nightly street food celebration that lasts well into the night.

In George Town, the Kapitan Keling Mosque serves as the spiritual centre, where the call to prayer echoes through historic colonial streets. The island’s culinary reputation shines at the Seberang Jaya bazaar, unique for its fusion of Malay and Indian-Muslim flavours. A popular local tradition is breaking fast by the sea at the Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque, offering a serene sunset view.

Ramadan in Melaka is defined by communal spirit at Dataran Pahlawan, where locals gather for a massive outdoor picnic to break their fast. The Melaka Straits Mosque is the highlight for religious activities; its gold dome glows over the sea during nightly prayers. The bazaars here are the best place to find regional specialities like Asam Pedas and Putu Piring.

Langkawi offers a laid-back island Ramadan, with the Kuah Town bazaar being the busiest spot for fresh seafood and Kedah delicacies. The Masjid Al-Hana, near the waterfront, is the main gathering point for community prayers. The unique charm here is grabbing iftar snacks from the market and heading to a quiet beach to watch the sunset before eating.

In Sabah’s capital, the Asia City bazaar is the go-to spot for Bornean treats like Nasi Kuning and grilled fish. The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, famous for its lagoon setting, is the most popular site for Terawih prayers. The atmosphere is exceptionally inclusive, with large communal iftars held along Likas Bay overlooking the South China Sea.

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:

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.

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!