I have some info for those who don't know and questions for very experts about Ramadan in Batam.
This year, Ramadan is expected 18 June - 17 July.
In Batam, entertainment is affected but not so much. If a non-muslim tourist pays the due respect for locals and local religious habits, he can still enjoy. (Unrespectful idiots make the life harder for everyone)
Please note that I really ENJOYED one full week in Batam on Ramadan in 2013 and 2012, and I had a lot of fun, new girlfriends and no troubles in spite of difficulties. But on Ramadan the environment is different. One must know and behave wisely and differently.
This is a SUMMARY.
1) Total closure of entertainment (pubs, disco, clubs...) on the first 3 days, the middle 3 days, the final 3 days.
But I don't know if the "last 3 days" would be 17-18-19 July or 15-16-17. Neither I know what are exactly the "middle 3 days". Anybody has a precise response on this?
2) During the whole month, many working girls will obey puasa, thus they will want to be free for eating before sunrise and after sunset. (that is: if you book overnight, she leaves not later than 5am). They will be also not keen to meet you during the day.
3) During the whole month, discos will mostly close at 1:30am instead of 6am or later (not always true: I have seen Newton open at 6am many times during Ramadan). Also pubs will close earlier.
4) If you patronize booking joints, they will be apparently closed all month for all day. Some will open at night after 7pm or so.
So, these are my QUESTIONS (for any kind soul who knows):
- Assuming that Ramadan will be confirmed 18 June - 17 July, what will be exactly the 3+3+3 days of total closure?
- On the end of Ramadan, everybody leaves to go back kampung. Batam will be empty. When will most people be back? Is it safe if I go back to Batam ONE WEEK after 17 July (that is, 24 July)? Will I find enough people? or 2 weeks are necessary?
Thanks all!