Ramadan 2027 in the Philippines is expected to run from Monday, 8 February to Wednesday, 10 March 2027, followed by Eid’l Fitr on Thursday, 11 March 2027. Dates remain subject to the official moon sighting announcement by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).
The Philippines is home to an estimated 6 to 7 million Muslims (with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos estimating a higher share of around 11% of the population), with the richest Ramadan traditions found in Mindanao, the Sulu archipelago, and the Muslim heart of Manila in Quiapo.
If you’re planning a trip, start with flights to Manila, compare hotels in Manila, or look at flights to Cotabato to be closer to the Bangsamoro region.
Ramadan 2027 Dates in the Philippines
The NCMF announces official Ramadan and Eid dates based on local moon sighting. Until that announcement, these are the expected dates.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| First day of Ramadan | Monday, 8 February 2027 |
| Laylat al-Qadr (estimated 27th night) | Saturday, 6 March 2027 |
| Last day of Ramadan | Wednesday, 10 March 2027 |
| Eid’l Fitr | Thursday, 11 March 2027 |
These dates are expected and subject to the official moon sighting. The NCMF confirms Ramadan only after the crescent is sighted on the 29th of Sha’ban.
Sehri and Iftar Times in Manila During Ramadan 2027
Manila lies close to the equator, so fasting hours stay steady at roughly 13 hours per day through the month. The times below are weekly estimates and should be confirmed against the NCMF prayer schedule or a local mosque.
| Week | Sehri (Fajr) | Iftar (Maghrib) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (8 to 14 Feb) | ~4:55 AM | ~6:05 PM |
| Week 2 (15 to 21 Feb) | ~4:52 AM | ~6:07 PM |
| Week 3 (22 to 28 Feb) | ~4:48 AM | ~6:09 PM |
| Week 4 (1 to 10 Mar) | ~4:43 AM | ~6:10 PM |
Cotabato City, Marawi, and Zamboanga run a few minutes ahead of Manila thanks to their eastern and southern longitude. Always check with your nearest mosque.
Ramadan Traditions Unique to the Philippines
Filipino Muslim traditions are a blend of Bangsamoro culture, South Asian and Arab Islamic influence, and centuries-old practices from Mindanao and Sulu.
Community Iftars at the Manila Golden Mosque
The Manila Golden Mosque (Masjid Al-Dahab) in Quiapo hosts free daily iftars for hundreds of worshippers across all 29 or 30 days of Ramadan. Donors fund the meals, and the grand imam leads Maghrib prayers immediately after.
Harvest Season in BARMM
Ramadan is known as “harvest season” in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Communities gather for large congregational iftars, Qur’an recitations, and charity drives that reach the most vulnerable families in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and Sulu.
Exchanging Food Between Homes
Filipino Muslim families traditionally send iftar dishes to neighbours and friends. You may receive pots of beef rendang, pastil, or sweet dodol at your door if you stay with a local host during the month.
Flexible Work Hours for Muslim Employees
The NCMF endorses flexible working hours for Muslim government employees during Ramadan, allowing earlier start times so families can prepare for iftar together.
What to Eat During Ramadan in the Philippines
Filipino Muslim cuisine is one of the most underrated food stories in Southeast Asia. Look out for these Ramadan staples.
- Pastil: shredded sautéed beef or chicken over rice, wrapped in banana leaf. A Maguindanao and Cotabato classic, often made in batches for iftar.
- Piyanggang manok: grilled chicken marinated in burnt coconut and spices, a Tausug speciality from Sulu.
- Beef rendang: slow-cooked spiced beef that crosses over from Malay influence and appears on almost every Bangsamoro iftar table.
- Palapa: a fiery Maranao condiment made from sakurab (scallion), ginger, chilli, and turmeric. A must-try with grilled fish or rice.
- Pangat: banana stewed in sweetened coconut milk, a gentle way to break the fast.
- Sindol: a sweet coconut-milk stew with purple sweet potato and jackfruit, rich and warming.
- Dodol: a dense, chewy Maranao sweet made from glutinous rice and coconut, popular during the last ten nights and Eid.
- Bakas: smoked yellowfin tuna sold in Quiapo’s Muslim quarter, often eaten with rice after Maghrib.
Best Things to Do During Ramadan in the Philippines
Visit the Manila Golden Mosque in Quiapo
Built in 1976, the Golden Mosque is the largest in Metro Manila, with capacity figures varying by source from around 3,000 to over 20,000 worshippers depending on the count method. Non-Muslims are welcome outside prayer times, and the mosque opens from 4 AM until midnight during Ramadan.
Tour Quiapo’s Muslim Heritage Quarter
The streets around Globo de Oro are lined with halal food stalls, South Asian spice shops, and modest-wear boutiques. It’s the easiest way to experience the Muslim story of the capital.
See the Grand Mosque of Cotabato
The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid in Cotabato City is the second largest mosque in the Philippines, holding up to 15,000 worshippers. Its gold domes and 43-metre minarets are at their most beautiful at Taraweeh.
Attend Taraweeh Prayers in BARMM
Marawi, Cotabato, and Zamboanga hold some of the most moving Taraweeh congregations in Southeast Asia. Travellers should dress modestly and check mosque etiquette before entering.
Shop the Ramadan Bazaars
Greenhills and Quiapo in Manila, along with public markets in Cotabato and Marawi, come alive in the late afternoon with iftar food stalls, date vendors, and modest-wear traders. Plan to arrive around 5 PM for the best selection.
Where to Visit During Ramadan 2027
| City | Best For | Plan Your Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Manila | Urban Ramadan, Golden Mosque, easy halal food | Hotels in Manila |
| Cotabato City | Grand Mosque, Bangsamoro culture, pastil capital | Flights to Cotabato |
| Zamboanga | Tausug heritage, community iftars, coastal mosques | Flights to Zamboanga |
| Marawi | Maranao traditions, dodol, deep religious atmosphere | Hotels in the Philippines |
| Cebu | Smaller Muslim community, halal hotel options, beach access | Flights to Cebu |
Ramadan Etiquette for Visitors
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques, Quiapo, and BARMM cities. Shoulders and knees should be covered for everyone.
- Women should carry a scarf for mosque visits. Most mosques provide loaners at the entrance.
- Avoid eating or drinking visibly in Muslim-majority areas during fasting hours. In non-Muslim areas like most of Manila and Cebu, daily life continues as normal.
- Greet locals with “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Assalamu alaikum”. It goes a long way.
- Ask before photographing people at prayer or during iftar. Mosques generally welcome respectful photos of the architecture.
Eid’l Fitr 2027 in the Philippines
Eid’l Fitr is expected on Thursday, 11 March 2027 and is a regular public holiday nationwide under Republic Act 9177. Eid prayers are held shortly after sunrise at major mosques, with the largest gatherings at the Manila Golden Mosque and the Cotabato Grand Mosque.
Filipino Muslims celebrate with family visits, new clothes, and shared feasts featuring beef rendang, piyanggang manok, pastil, and dodol. Street festivals and community gatherings follow across Mindanao.
Booking Tips for Ramadan 2027
- Book flights early. Muslim travellers from the GCC often fly into Manila and Cotabato during February. Lock in flights to Manila 6 to 8 weeks ahead.
- Pick hotels near Quiapo or Ermita in Manila for quick access to the Golden Mosque and halal restaurants. Compare options on Wego hotels.
- Travel light on food expectations in Luzon. Outside Quiapo and a few halal chains, halal certification is still growing. Research restaurants before you arrive.
- Register on the eTravel system within 72 hours before arrival. It’s mandatory for all visitors.
- Consider Mindanao for a deeper experience. Cotabato and Zamboanga offer a more immersive Ramadan than Manila if your travel advisory allows it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ramadan 2027 start in the Philippines?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027, subject to the moon sighting announcement by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.
Is the Philippines a good destination for Muslim travellers during Ramadan?
Yes. Mindanao, the Sulu archipelago, and the Quiapo district of Manila offer strong Muslim communities, welcoming mosques, and rich halal food traditions. Outside these areas, halal options exist but require more planning.
Where can I find halal food in Manila during Ramadan?
The Quiapo district around the Manila Golden Mosque has the densest cluster of halal restaurants, including June-Nairah Halal, Nihayah, and Arab Asian Cafe. Greenhills and some malls also host certified halal outlets.
When is Eid’l Fitr 2027 in the Philippines?
Eid’l Fitr 2027 is expected on Thursday, 11 March 2027 and is a regular public holiday nationwide. The Malacañang Palace typically issues an official proclamation confirming the date closer to the event.
Can non-Muslims visit mosques in the Philippines during Ramadan?
Yes. The Manila Golden Mosque and the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid in Cotabato welcome respectful non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times. Modest dress is required, and women should carry a scarf.
Sources
- National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF)
- Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines
- BARMM Official Website — Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
- Rappler — Manila Golden Mosque Ramadan Iftar Programme
- The Manila Times — Ramadan as Harvest Season in BARMM
- Arab News — Culinary Traditions of Filipino Muslims
- GMA News — Flexible Hours for Muslim Employees
- Philippine eTravel System
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.
