Ramadan
 

Hi,
We'll be in Penang at the end of May for a few months. We're wondering how Ramadan effects day to day life there. Would be great to hear what we can expect.
Thanks!

Re: Ramadan
 

To be honest: you won't notice much of it, unless you will be actively seeking signs of it. Enjoy your stay in Penang!

Re: Ramadan
 

Thanks SushiFan - Good to know. We'll be staying in a hotel for a week whilst we look for a service apartment. Really looking forward to it. Been to Penang before but only for a short visit. It's always completely different when you stay in a place for a longer period.

Re: Ramadan
 

I think the most noticeable is if you have dealings with government departments it can be a busy holiday period so a higher chance that things will move a little slower as more people on a break, visiting family especially at the end.

Re: Ramadan
 

I'd suggest that's half right. During Ramadan itself it's certainly not busy when dealing with government departments. From my experience there is an understandable slow down from the Muslim population during daytime working hours and you'll find it harder to get stuff done. Once Ramadan is over and you're into Raya celebrations you'll then find a lot of people away on holiday. Add in the general election this year a week before Ramadan and you've got a 6-7 week slow down.

Re: Ramadan
 

Thanks everyone. Shouldn't bother us too much then as we won't need to visit any government departments or get anything done. We'll be looking at various service apartments but I imagine this won't be a problem.

Re: Ramadan
 

Shouldnt be much different in Penang. Of course whether anything changes after the election is another matter entirely.

Re: Ramadan
 

Agree with the above, unless you like to eat Padang or other Malay food during the daylight hours. In other States it can be much more noticeable.