In Reply to: going in 3 weeks, a few questions posted by eve on Sunday, 29. July 2007 at 09:21 Bali Time:
Yes, the month of Ramadhan will finish on the eve of 13th October, however this could change, because they follow the islamic lunar calendar and the religious leaders will decide a couple of days before that time when it will actually end. It depends on which type of Islam you follow, but we wont go into that now.
About eating during the daylight hours, they will not mind for foreigners to eat, there maybe a few more shops closed than normal. Malls and shoppings area will still run normally.
Most will still stay open, however they might seem closed. Maybe the curtains will be closed but people will still be inside eating. Thats what they do in Indonesia anyway. I hope I am not confusing you :)
If for example your doing a day tour, dont worry about taking a snack or sip of water. They will tell you to go ahead and not to worry :) Ask they are they fasting and they'll tell you yes or no. They will be used to it. Dont feel guilty :)
Usually the first week of fasting is very difficult for the moslems, people are lazy, grumpy and tire easily..but after the first few days everything runs as normal :)
The fasting lasts from about 4.30am till 6pm when the sunsets, where everyone will stop and take a sweet drink and a snack. Then about 7pm they'll have their proper meal then sleep. Or some people wont sleep until the early morning prayer call about 2-3am.. they have SAUR (the dawn meal) then pray...and fast again until sunset :)