Start planning your best holidays in Malaysia for the upcoming year!
Whether you’re looking to make the most of your annual leave or wish to avoid the crowds during peak travel times, a well-planned vacation can leave you with unforgettable memories.
With its rich cultural diversity and breathtaking landscapes, Malaysia offers the perfect destination for your 2024 getaways.
Let’s explore the long weekends for the best holidays in Malaysia for 2024 to help you plan your Malaysian vacation adventures!
Contents
1. Long Weekends
In 2024, there will be six long weekends.
Yes, 1, 2, 3,4, 5 and 6!
These long weekends allow you ample opportunities to escape the work routine and embark on exciting adventures.
The long weekends include New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, Agong’s birthday, Hari Raya Haji, Awal Muharram, and Malaysia Day/Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.
Each holiday brings its own unique significance and cultural experiences.
Mark these dates on your calendar to maximize your vacation plans.
New Year’s Day: 31 December to 1 January (Saturday to Monday)
– Except for those living in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu.
data-preserver-spaces=”true”>Chinese New Year: 10 February to 12 February (Saturday to Monday)
– Those living in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu will not get an off day on 12 February for the Chinese New Year.
Agong’s birthday: 1 June to 3 June (Saturday to Monday)
Hari Raya Haji: 15 June to 17 June (Saturday to Monday)
Awal Muharram: 6 July to 8 July (Saturday to Monday)
– Those living in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu will not get an off day on 8 July for Awal Muharram.
Malaysia Day/Prophet Muhammad’s birthday: 14 September to 16 September (Saturday to Monday)
2. Extra Long Weekends with Annual Leaves
If the long weekends aren’t enough for your travel aspirations, don’t worry!
Using your annual leaves strategically, you can create seven extra long weekends throughout the year.
Plan your trips to coincide around Thaipusam, Nuzul Al-Quran, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Labour Day, Wesak Day, Deepavali, and Christmas to enjoy extended breaks and explore Malaysia’s diverse beauty.
On top of that, you can use your annual leaves on these dates to get seven extra long weekends:
Thaipusam: 25 January to 28 January (Thursday to Sunday)
– Take leave on Friday, 26 January
– Only applicable to Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya, and Selangor.
Nuzul Al-Quran: 28 March to 31 March (Thursday to Sunday)
– Take leave on Friday, 29 March
– Those living in Johor, Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah, and Sarawak will not get an off day on 28 March for Nuzul Al-Quran.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri: 10 April to 14 April (Wednesday to Sunday)
– Take leave on Friday, 12 April
Labour Day: 1 May to 5 May (Wednesday to Sunday)
– Take leave on Thursday, 2 May, and Friday, 3 May
Wesak Day: 22 May to 26 May (Wednesday to Sunday)
– Take leave on Thursday, 23 May, and Friday, 24 May
Deepavali: 31 October to 3 November (Thursday to Sunday)
– Take leave on Friday, 1 November
Christmas: 25 December to 29 December (Wednesday to Sunday)
– Take leave on Thursday, 26 December, and Friday, 27 December
We love holidays in Malaysia.
3. Regional Holidays
Living or working in specific states and federal territories provides additional holidays or extended weekend opportunities.
States like Johor, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Melaka, Penang, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, and Terengganu offer unique celebrations and cultural experiences.
Make the most of these regional holidays to immerse yourself in the local traditions and festivities.
In addition to the national public holidays, if you are living or working in these respective states and federal territories, you get to enjoy these holidays (with or without taking extra leave days):
NEGERI SEMBILAN
YDPB Negeri Sembilan's birthday: 13 January to 15 January (Saturday to Monday)
Israk and Mikraj: 8 February to 11 February (Thursday to Sunday)
- Take leave on Friday, 9 February
JOHOR*
Awal Ramadan: 12 March (Tuesday)
- Take leave on Sunday, 11 March, and Monday, 12 March
Sultan of Johor's birthday: 23 March (Saturday)
Merdeka Day: 30 August to 1 September (Friday to Sunday)
KEDAH*
Israk and Mikraj: 8 February to 11 February (Thursday to Saturday)
Awal Ramadan: 12 March (Tuesday)
- Take leave on Sunday, 11 March, and Monday, 12 March
Sultan of Kedah's birthday: 16 June (Sunday)
Hari Raya Haji: 17 June to 18 June (Monday and Tuesday)
Merdeka Day: 30 August to 1 September (Friday to Sunday)
KUALA LUMPUR, LABUAN, and PUTRAJAYA
Federal Territory Day: 1 February to 4 February (Thursday to Sunday)
- Take leave on Friday, 3 February
Harvest Festival (Labuan): 30 May to 3 June (Thursday to Monday)
MELAKA
Awal Ramadan: 9 March to 12 March (Saturday to Tuesday)
- Take leave on Monday, 11 March
Declaration of Melaka as a historical city: 13 April to 15 April (Saturday to Monday)
Melaka governor's birthday: 24 August (Saturday)
KELANTAN*
Hari Raya Haji: 15 June to 18 June (Saturday to Tuesday)
Merdeka Day: 30 August to 1 September (Friday to Sunday)
Sultan of Kelantan's birthday: 29 September to 30 September (Sunday and Monday)
PENANG
George Town World Heritage City Day: 6 July to 8 July (Saturday to Monday)
Penang governor's birthday: 13 July (Saturday)
PAHANG
Sultan of Pahang's birthday: 27 July to 30 July (Saturday to Tuesday)
- Take leave on Monday, 29 July
Hari Hol Pahang: 22 May to 26 May (Wednesday to Sunday)
- Take leave on Thursday, 23 May, and Friday, 24 May
PERAK
Sultan of Perak's birthday: 1 November to 3 November (Friday to Sunday)
PERLIS
Israk and Mikraj: 8 February to 11 February (Thursday to Sunday)
- Take leave on Friday, 9 February
Raja Perlis' birthday: 17 May to 19 May (Friday to Sunday)
Hari Raya Haji: 15 June to 18 June (Saturday to Tuesday)
SABAH
Good Friday: 29 March to 31 March (Friday to Sunday)
Harvest Festival: 30 May to 3 June (Thursday to Monday)
Sabah governor's birthday: 5 October (Saturday)
Christmas Eve: 21 December to 24 December (Saturday to Tuesday)
- Take leave on Monday, 23 December
SARAWAK
Good Friday: 29 March to 31 March (Friday to Sunday)
Hari Gawai: 1 June to 3 June (Saturday to Monday)
Sarawak Day: 20 July to 22 July (Saturday to Monday)
Sarawak governor's birthday: 12 October (Saturday)
SELANGOR
Sultan of Selangor's birthday: 11 December to 15 December (Wednesday to Sunday)
- Take leave on Thursday, 12 December, and Friday, 13 December
TERENGGANU*
Israk and Mikraj: 8 February to 11 February (Thursday to Saturday)
Installation of Sultan Terengganu: 2 March to 4 March (Saturday to Monday)
Merdeka Day: 30 August to 1 September (Friday to Sunday)
Hari Raya Haji: 15 June to 18 June (Saturday to Tuesday)
Sultan of Terengganu's birthday: 26 April to 28 April (Friday to Sunday)
Arafat Day: 15 June to 17 June (Saturday to Monday)
*These states follow the Sunday to Thursday work week. Weekends fall on Friday and Saturday.
4. Destination Ideas
Malaysia boasts a myriad of captivating destinations to suit every traveler's preferences.
From pristine beaches and lush rainforests to bustling cities and historical landmarks, the country offers diverse experiences.
Consider exploring the breathtaking islands of Langkawi or Tioman, delving into the cultural heritage of George Town and Penang, or embarking on an adventure in the lush jungles of Borneo.
5. Planning Tips
To make the most of your holidays in Malaysia in 2024, here are some planning tips:
Book Early
Popular destinations can fill up quickly during peak travel, so booking your accommodations and flights well in advance is wise.
Create an Itinerary
Plan your activities and attractions to optimize your time and take advantage of must-visit spots.
Stay Flexible
While having a plan is essential, leave some room for spontaneity. You might stumble upon hidden gems that must be added to your radar.
Consider Sustainable Tourism
Be mindful of the environment and local communities during your travels. Support eco-friendly practices and respect the local culture and customs.
Pack Smart
Pack according to the weather in Malaysia or your planned activities. Include essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and reusable water bottles.
Holidays in Malaysia
The year 2024 presents an exciting opportunity to explore the wonders of Malaysia, with numerous long weekends and regional holidays to take advantage of.
Planning ahead and making the most of your annual leaves can create an enriching and memorable vacation experience.
Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Malaysia has it all.
So, start planning your dream holidays in Malaysia now, and prepare to make 2024 a year full of cherished memories!
Disclaimer: Please note that holiday dates and regional holidays are subject to changes and should be verified closer to the travel dates.
