In Reply to: How bad is it during Eid el-Fitr? posted by Lisa1224 on Thursday, 28. April 2005 at 08:29 Bali Time:
Don't worry too much. Here is how it seems to me and as my friends in Bali have explained it.
During Ramadam itself (and this will apply to your holiday time)many Chinese Indonesians go to Bali for their holiday. This is because in Jakarta and much of Muslim Indonesia most restaurants etc. are closed dawn until dusk but the Chinese Indonsians are not Muslims. I think many of them are Christian in fact so this is a bit of an inconvenience to them and thus it's a good time to take the family to Bali.
All this means to you is more traffic on the road and the hotels are quite full (many offer domestic travellers special deals at this time). I try and make a point of passing the time of day with the Indonesian guests around the pool at the hotel or at breakfast because it's interesting to meet other Indonesians, not just Balinese or Bali based Indonesians. As with all nationalities complimenting them on their children is always a good ice-breaker. It won't make any noticable difference to being able to go on tours or eat in restaurants.
Idul Fitri is the celebration that comes at the end of Ramadam. Itis in effect a bit like Christmas to us. At this time many Indonesians come to Bali for a family holiday. The hotels are full and the traffic is a nightmare. I'm assuming your accomodation is booked anyway so you don't need to worry about finding a hotel (you can still find a room at this time if not. It may just not be the one you want!!)
The traffic will be gridlock at some times of day so maybe do your tours and jobs requiring transport in the early part of your stay and leave the veging out for the end. You can still get around on foot of course but taxi trips will take much longer.
I try to avoid Idul Fitri for those reasons, but the rest of Ramadam is, I find, no problem. You will have a great time. Which hotel are you staying in? Please feel free to email me if you have any queries. Like most posters on this forum I just love to see first timers enjoying Bali!!!