Georgetown Penang and Java for about 3 weeks in April May or June 2016.
 

I'm trying to work in with our house/dog sitter, who also has plans around this time.
We can either take 14 April to 6 May or 24 May to mid June. My problem with the second option is Ramaden starts on 6 or 7 June this year. We do like a drink while on holiday, and wonder what the implications are for Ramaden in Central Java.

It's my understanding that alcohol is no longer sold at 7-11 or equivalent, and that's not a problem, but can we get a beer with lunch ?

When we were in Java over Ramadan last year it was very difficult to get a beer anywhere except central Yogyakarta which had a small area of bars and restaurants which served alcohol. Even staying in a big Ibis hotel in Jakarta it was dry. When I asked for a beer in the bar they told me they had emptied all the refrigerators for Ramadan, but if I wanted, they would sneak one in if I slanted to come back in a couple of hours!

Most of the restaurants we visited had stickers over the beer section on menus and, even where they didn't and we asked for a beer, they sad "sorry no beer - its Ramadan"

Quite frankly, much as I loved the area, I wish we had missed visited at a different time. There for virtually the whole month, the call to prayers over the ubiquitous PA systems every day at 4 am got very wearing after only a few days!

We managed to get around with no travel issues but I imagine it could be difficult right at the start to get trains, planes etc. Marmot is better placed to advise.

Re Ramadan in Java: Hotel restaurants won't be affected. You can order beer, wine or whatever you like all day, all night.

For free standing restaurants the situation varies. Some, especially those run by Muslims, will be closed during daylight hours, and when they are open after sunset, they may or may not serve beer. Some, especially those run by Chinese or Westerners, will stay open but will have curtains covering the windows. If they serve alcohol during the day they will keep a low profile.

I'm not sure if super markets or wine stores will sell alcohol at any time during Ramadan. It's allowed but may not be politically correct. Java is becoming increasingly conservative and every year the Ramadan prohibitions get turned up a notch. Parts of Malaysia are also quite strict, but I think this applies more to the east coast than the west.

I would also note that May 5&6 are public holidays in Indonesia which will most likely bleed into the weekend. Temples, monuments and any popular attractions will be very, very busy.

I cross posted with Crellston. I'm surprised to hear that the Ibis in Jakarta wouldn't serve alcohol during Ramadan. They are a French company! As I said it seems all of Java is getting more conservative.

I agree, though, if you can avoid travelling in Java during Ramadan, do. It's not the best time for the country or the population. As the month wears on, everyone gets increasingly tired and edgy. The 4:00 AM call to prayer goes out every day of the year. It's just hyperactive during Ramadan.

The crunch time for transportation is at the end of Ramadan, when millions of people travel back to their home towns and villages for the big Islamic holidays.

Thank you both for your considered replies.
I suspected that the increasing conservatism in Muslim Indonesia might be an issue for DH, especially around Ramadan.

After a lengthy discussion with DH about what to expect, it's likely we'll now consider plan B - Sri Lanka, or plan C - Vietnam (for the third time) for this trip.

Thanks again, there's nothing like getting first hand info.

sartoric, I am sorry that Java won't work for you this time.

Have you not been to Sri Lanka? That was one of our favorite trips, and we talk about returning.

Happy planning!

Kathie, no we haven't been to Sri Lanka.
I loved India, DH not as much, but I think I can convince him on SL for this trip.
The weather is tricky, we would be going late May - mid June for about 3 weeks.
Lots to research !

The plan has changed. I think Sri Lanka will be just too hot in late May.
I've started a new thread to change countries, and would appreciate any input.