Guide to Malaysia’s Public Holidays and Long Weekends in 2025

As the curtains slowly draw on 2024, it’s the perfect time to look ahead and start plotting those much-needed breaks for the upcoming year. Whether you dream of serene beach retreats, vibrant city escapades, or cultural immersions, understanding how to maximize Malaysia’s public holidays and long weekends in 2025 can transform your fleeting breaks into substantial escapes.

Ready to explore how you can stretch your weekends and sync your vacation days with Malaysia’s public holidays for some epic adventures? Read on to find out how to optimize your calendar for the best getaways in 2025. If you’re looking forward to making the most of your time off, here’s your ultimate guide to the public holidays in Malaysia for 2025, primarily focusing on maximizing those long weekend days.

Public Holidays and Long Weekends in Malaysia 2025

Malaysia offers numerous opportunities to enjoy extended breaks by strategically pairing public holidays with weekends. Here’s how you can plan ahead:

January 29-30: Chinese New Year

Celebrate the start of a new lunar year with a potential 5-day break. With the public holidays falling on Wednesday and Thursday, consider taking Friday off to enjoy a long stretch from January 29 to February 2. This is especially convenient as February 1 also marks the Federal Territory Day, celebrated in Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya.

February 11: Thaipusam

This culturally rich festival is a public holiday in several regions, including Kuala Lumpur and Penang. In 2025, Thaipusam falls on a Tuesday. You can enjoy a four-day weekend from February 8 to 11 by taking Monday off.

March 18: Nuzul Al-Quran

Falling on a Tuesday, you can easily bag a four-day weekend by taking leave on Monday, March 17.

March 31-April 1: Hari Raya Aidilfitri

This significant festival offers another opportunity for a four-day weekend if celebrated on Monday and Tuesday. Check out everything about Hari Raya Open House in Malaysia

April 18: Good Friday

Enjoy a three-day break in April with Good Friday, providing a peaceful long weekend from April 18-20.

May 1: Labour Day

Labour Day falls on a Thursday in 2025. Take Friday off and extend your break until Sunday, May 4.

May 12: Wesak Day

With Wesak Day landing on Monday, another three-day long weekend awaits in May.

June 2: Agong’s Birthday

Celebrate the Malaysian King’s birthday on a Monday and enjoy a three-day weekend.

June 27: Awal Muharram

This holiday on a Friday paves the way for a relaxed three-day weekend in June.

September 1: Merdeka Day

Though July and August lack long weekends, September kicks off with Merdeka Day on Monday, followed by Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday on Friday, September 5, and Malaysia Day on Tuesday, September 14 (with Monday off for a long weekend).

October 20: Diwali

This festival of lights on Monday extends your weekend in October.

December 25: Christmas

End the year with a festive long weekend, as Christmas on Thursday allows you to take Friday off and enjoy a four-day holiday.

How to Spend Your Long Weekends in Malaysia

These long weekends are perfect for exploring Malaysia’s diverse attractions. For those seeking quick getaways, destinations like Langkawi for its pristine beaches, Penang for its cultural heritage and culinary delights, and Cameron Highlands for its cool climate and tea plantations are ideal. For road trip enthusiasts, driving along the East Coast to enjoy scenic coastal views or heading to the historical city of Malacca can be pretty rewarding. Adventure seekers can indulge in activities like diving in Sipadan, hiking in Mount Kinabalu, or exploring the vast caves in Gunung Mulu National Park. For dining, Malaysia boasts a range of restaurants offering everything from traditional Malaysian dishes to international cuisine, particularly in Kuala Lumpur and George Town, known for their vibrant food scenes.

For those interested in cultural exploration, plan your visits around local festivals to experience Malaysia’s vibrant traditions and community celebrations. Whether it’s a city getaway or a retreat into nature, Malaysia’s public holidays in 2025 provide plentiful opportunities to relax, recharge, and explore.

Get more information on activities here –

1. Waterparks in Malaysia
2. Family Vacation Ideas
3. Shopping Malls in Malaysia
4. Top Places to Visit in Malaysia
5. Natural Wonders in Malaysia

Planning Ahead

Plan and book your trips early to take advantage of these opportunities. Consider travel packages or special deals offered during public holidays. By planning ahead, you will save on costs and avoid the last-minute rush and the stress that often comes with it. Malaysia has the perfect bus, train, and road connectivity. Book your train reservations and bus tickets to avoid the long weekend rush.

Get ready to make 2025 a memorable year with well-planned long weekends and public holidays in Malaysia!