Ramadan 2027 in Brunei is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027 and end on Tuesday, 9 March 2027, followed by Hari Raya Aidilfitri on or around Saturday, 13 March 2027, pending the official moon sighting by Brunei’s religious authorities.
The Abode of Peace is one of Southeast Asia’s most spiritually immersive Ramadan destinations.
Expect flights to Bandar Seri Begawan to fill quickly, hotels in Bandar Seri Begawan to host generous sungkai buffets, and a sultanate-wide rhythm built around tarawih prayers, family meals, and quiet, mosque-centred evenings. Royal Brunei Airlines is the main carrier linking the country to the wider world.
Ramadan 2027 Dates in Brunei
Brunei follows moon sighting confirmed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kementerian Hal Ehwal Ugama). The dates below are expected and may shift by a day.
| Event | Expected Date (2027) |
|---|---|
| First Day of Ramadan (Awal Ramadhan) | Monday, 8 February 2027 |
| Last Day of Ramadan | Tuesday, 9 March 2027 |
| Lailatul Qadr (likely odd nights) | 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 Ramadan |
| Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Day 1) | Saturday, 13 March 2027 |
Sehri and Iftar Times in Bandar Seri Begawan
Imsak (the cut-off for sehri) falls roughly 10 minutes before Fajr. Iftar is called here by the local name sungkai and begins at Maghrib. The weekly estimates below are based on standard calculation for Bandar Seri Begawan and are for planning only.
| Week | Imsak (approx.) | Sungkai / Iftar (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (8 to 14 Feb) | 5:20 AM | 6:30 PM |
| Week 2 (15 to 21 Feb) | 5:20 AM | 6:31 PM |
| Week 3 (22 to 28 Feb) | 5:19 AM | 6:31 PM |
| Week 4 (1 to 9 Mar) | 5:16 AM | 6:30 PM |
For daily, official sungkai times, check the Ministry of Religious Affairs Brunei Ramadan timetable, which is published ahead of Awal Ramadhan each year.
Ramadan Traditions Unique to Brunei
The Sungkai Cannon and Beduk Drum
The breaking of fast is announced by the thunder of a cannon and the beat of the beduk, a traditional wooden drum at the main mosques. Locals often pause, listen, and then share the first sip of water together.
Community Sungkai and Charity
Sungkai in Brunei is deeply communal. Mosques host free iftar for worshippers, and royal and government-run charitable programmes distribute thousands of meals to the needy throughout the month.
Nightly Tarawih at the Grand Mosques
Every mosque in the sultanate holds tarawih prayers after Isha. The two most visited are the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, both of which glow under floodlights after sunset.
Shortened Work and School Hours
Offices and schools across Brunei run reduced hours during Ramadan. Expect most businesses to open later in the morning and close mid-afternoon so people can rest before sungkai.
What to Eat During Ramadan in Brunei
Sungkai in Brunei is a serious affair. Markets, bazaars, and hotel buffets spill over with local and Malay-Indonesian favourites from about 4 PM each day.
- Nasi Katok: Brunei’s beloved rice, fried chicken, and sambal combo. Stalls ramp up production for sungkai, and queues form well before Maghrib.
- Ambuyat: The national dish of glossy sago starch twirled on bamboo sticks and dipped into tangy cacah sauces. A soulful, slow-paced sungkai option.
- Satay and Grilled Ikan Bakar: Skewered beef and chicken satay, plus fire-grilled fish marinated in sambal, are sungkai staples at every bazaar.
- Roti John: A warm, egg-and-minced-meat stuffed baguette grilled on a hot plate. A quick, filling iftar bite.
- Kuih-muih: Traditional sweet and savoury snacks like kuih lapis, kuih cincin, and kelupis steamed rice rolls.
- Air Gelagah: Fresh sugarcane juice served over ice, a classic drink to open sungkai.
Best Things to Do During Ramadan in Brunei
Shop for Sungkai at Pasar Gadong
Pasar Gadong (Gadong Night Market) in Bandar Seri Begawan is the country’s biggest Ramadan food hub. Over 150 stalls sell curries, satay, kuih, and fresh produce. Arrive by 4:30 PM to browse before sungkai.
Pray Tarawih at Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
The iconic golden-domed Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque on the lagoon is a must-visit after Maghrib. Muslim visitors can join tarawih; non-Muslim tourists should note the mosque is closed to sightseers during Ramadan religious events, so plan photo walks around the outside.
Visit the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
Brunei’s largest mosque, Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, seats 5,000 worshippers and is spectacular under Ramadan floodlights. Muslim visitors can join congregational prayers. Non-Muslim visitors should confirm visiting hours in advance, as Ramadan access is limited.
Book a Hotel Sungkai Buffet
Brunei’s top hotels put on elaborate halal-certified sungkai buffets throughout Ramadan. The Ministry of Religious Affairs requires all Ramadan-themed buffets to carry valid Halal certification, so guests can dine with confidence.
Explore Kampong Ayer by Water Taxi at Sungkai
Kampong Ayer, the historic water village, is a beautiful place to catch golden hour before iftar. Water taxis run from the waterfront near the Yayasan Complex for a few Brunei dollars per ride.
Where to Experience Ramadan in Brunei
| Destination | Why Visit | Plan Your Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Bandar Seri Begawan | Capital city, grand mosques, Pasar Gadong, hotel sungkai buffets | Hotels in BSB |
| Kuala Belait | Quieter oil-town vibe, local Ramadan markets, coastal mosques | Flights to Brunei |
| Tutong | Small-town sungkai bazaars, traditional Malay kampong atmosphere | Flights to Brunei |
| Temburong | Rainforest retreats, quiet mosques, excellent for spiritual reflection | Base in BSB |
Ramadan Etiquette for Visitors
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public between imsak and sungkai. The rule applies to everyone, Muslim or not, and fines are enforced.
- Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees at minimum, especially near mosques and government buildings.
- Keep background music and videos quiet in public spaces out of respect for those fasting.
- Greet locals with “Selamat Berpuasa” (Happy Fasting) during Ramadan and “Selamat Hari Raya” during Eid.
- Tip hotel and restaurant staff generously; many are working long hours around sungkai.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr) 2027 in Brunei
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is expected to fall on Saturday, 13 March 2027, marking the end of Ramadan. It is Brunei’s most important public holiday, and most shops and restaurants stay closed for the first one to three days.
The highlight is the Istana Nurul Iman Open House, where His Majesty the Sultan welcomes the public into the royal palace from the second day of Hari Raya. Gates typically open at 9 AM with greeting sessions from 10 AM to noon and 2 PM to 4 PM.
Booking Tips for Ramadan 2027
- Book flights 3 to 4 months ahead. Compare flights to Bandar Seri Begawan early, as GCC and ASEAN routes fill closer to Ramadan.
- Lock in hotels before January. The best halal-certified sungkai buffets at Bandar Seri Begawan hotels sell out fast for the final ten nights.
- Fly Royal Brunei Airlines for non-stop convenience from Dubai, Jeddah (seasonal), London, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.
- Complete your e-Arrival Card at imm.gov.bn within 72 hours of your flight to BWN.
- Track your flights on the Wego flight tracker for live status updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ramadan 2027 start in Brunei?
Ramadan 2027 in Brunei is expected to start on Monday, 8 February 2027, pending moon sighting by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
When is Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2027 in Brunei?
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is expected to fall on Saturday, 13 March 2027. The exact date is confirmed by moon sighting at the end of Ramadan.
Can non-Muslim tourists eat in public during Ramadan in Brunei?
No. Eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited for everyone, including non-Muslim visitors. Meals can be taken inside hotel rooms or private restaurants that have screened dining areas.
Are Brunei’s mosques open to non-Muslim visitors during Ramadan?
Access is limited during Ramadan. The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is typically closed to sightseers on religious event days, and visiting hours elsewhere may be shortened. Muslim visitors are welcome for prayers at all times.
Where is the best place to experience sungkai in Brunei?
Pasar Gadong (Gadong Night Market) in Bandar Seri Begawan is the top spot for an authentic, affordable sungkai, with over 150 food stalls. Hotel buffets at major Bandar Seri Begawan properties offer a more elaborate option.
Sources
- Ministry of Religious Affairs, Brunei Darussalam
- Brunei Tourism: Ramadan in Brunei
- Brunei Tourism: Hari Raya Aidilfitri
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brunei: Visa Information
- Brunei Immigration Department: e-Arrival Card
- Brunei Tourism: Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
- Public Holidays Asia: Brunei Hari Raya Aidilfitri Dates
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
