Planning a short getaway from Singapore in 2027? Keeping track of Malaysia public holidays 2027 calendar can help you pick the best dates for a quick trip to Johor Bahru, Penang, Malacca or even Sabah and Sarawak.
Malaysia has a mix of federal and state-specific public holidays, so the dates can vary depending on where you are travelling. Some Islamic holidays are also based on the lunar calendar and may be adjusted following official confirmation.
Here is the full calendar including key state holidays, long weekend opportunities and travel tips for Singaporeans.
Malaysia has 15 days of public holidays listed for 2027 with additional state-specific holidays.
Current 2027 calendars place Hari Raya Aidilfitri on 10–11 March, Hari Raya Aidiladha on 17 May, Awal Muharram on 6 June and Maulidur Rasul on 15 August. These dates should still be checked against official announcements closer to the holiday.
Date | Day | Public Holiday | Coverage |
1 Jan 2027 | Friday | New Year's Day | Most states and federal territories, except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Terengganu |
6 Feb 2027 | Saturday | Chinese New Year | All states and federal territories |
7 Feb 2027 | Sunday | Chinese New Year, Day 2 | All states and federal territories |
10 Mar 2027 | Wednesday | Hari Raya Aidilfitri | All states and federal territories* |
11 Mar 2027 | Thursday | Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Day 2 | All states and federal territories* |
1 May 2027 | Saturday | Labour Day | All states and federal territories |
17 May 2027 | Monday | Hari Raya Aidiladha | All states and federal territories* |
20 May 2027 | Thursday | Wesak Day | All states and federal territories |
6 Jun 2027 | Sunday | Awal Muharram | All states and federal territories* |
7 Jun 2027 | Monday | Birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Agong | All states and federal territories |
15 Aug 2027 | Sunday | Maulidur Rasul | All states and federal territories* |
31 Aug 2027 | Tuesday | National Day | All states and federal territories |
16 Sep 2027 | Thursday | Malaysia Day | All states and federal territories |
28 Oct 2027 | Thursday | Deepavali | Most states and federal territories, with state exceptions |
25 Dec 2027 | Saturday | Christmas Day | All states and federal territories |
Note: Islamic holiday dates are subject to official confirmation.
Several major public holidays are observed across Malaysia, including Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Labour Day, Hari Raya Aidiladha, Wesak Day, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday, National Day, Malaysia Day and Christmas.
However, it is important not to assume that every holiday applies in exactly the same way in every state. For example, New Year's Day is not observed in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Terengganu, while Deepavali has state-level exceptions.
Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, 6 February and Sunday, 7 February 2027.
The weekend timing makes this an important date for Singaporeans planning a trip to Malaysia. A replacement holiday may apply when the Sunday holiday falls on a weekly rest day, depending on the relevant employment and state arrangements.
For travellers, expect particularly busy periods around Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Malacca, with higher demand for hotels, restaurants and transport.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is currently expected on Wednesday, 10 March and Thursday, 11 March 2027.
As one of Malaysia's biggest festive periods, this is a popular time for Malaysians to travel home and spend time with family. Roads, airports and intercity transport can become much busier around the holiday period.
If you are travelling from Singapore, I would suggest booking your accommodation and transport early, especially if you are planning to travel beyond Johor Bahru.
Labour Day falls on Saturday, 1 May 2027.
Because Saturday arrangements can depend on an employee's designated weekly rest day, Singaporeans should not automatically assume that a Monday replacement applies to everyone. Check the applicable state and employment arrangement before planning your leave around this date.
Hari Raya Aidiladha is expected on Monday, 17 May 2027.
Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Terengganu also observe a second Hari Raya Haji holiday on Tuesday, 18 May according to published state schedules.
This makes the period particularly useful for travellers heading to the east coast or northern states.
Wesak Day falls on Thursday, 20 May 2027.
If you want to turn this into a longer break, taking Friday off can give you four consecutive days away from work when combined with the weekend.
Malaysia's National Day, or Hari Merdeka, falls on Tuesday, 31 August 2027.
The day marks Malaysia's independence and is celebrated with patriotic events, decorations and public activities across the country.
Malaysia Day falls on Thursday, 16 September 2027.
Taking Friday off can turn this into a four-day break, making it a useful date for a short trip to Kuala Lumpur, Penang or Malacca.
Deepavali falls on Thursday, 28 October 2027.
It is a public holiday in many Malaysian states and federal territories, but not every state observes it. Sarawak, for example, does not list Deepavali as a state public holiday, so always check your destination rather than relying on the nationwide calendar.
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Malaysia's states and federal territories have their own additional holidays. These can include Rulers' Birthdays, Governors' Birthdays, state anniversaries and religious festivals. Here are some notable dates to know:
Date | Holiday | State / Territory |
6 Jan | Israk and Mikraj | Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Perlis, Terengganu |
14 Jan | Birthday of YDPB Negeri Sembilan | Negeri Sembilan |
22 Jan | Thaipusam | Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya |
1 Feb | Federal Territory Day | Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Labuan |
20 Feb | Independence Declaration Day | Melaka |
24 Feb | Nuzul Al-Quran | Several states and federal territories |
23 Mar | Sultan of Johor's Birthday | Johor |
26 Mar | Good Friday | Sabah, Sarawak |
30 Mar | Sabah Governor's Birthday | Sabah |
26 Apr | Sultan of Terengganu's Birthday | Terengganu |
16 May | Hari Arafah | Kelantan, Terengganu |
18 May | Second Hari Raya Haji | Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Terengganu |
22 May | Hari Hol Pahang | Pahang |
30–31 May | Harvest Festival | Sabah, Labuan |
1–2 Jun | Hari Gawai | Sarawak |
20 Jun | Sultan of Kedah's Birthday | Kedah |
7 Jul | George Town World Heritage City Day | Penang |
10 Jul | Penang Governor's Birthday | Penang |
11 Jul | Hari Hol Almarhum Sultan Iskandar | Johor |
22 Jul | Sarawak Day | Sarawak |
30 Jul | Sultan of Pahang's Birthday | Pahang |
24 Aug | Melaka Governor's Birthday | Melaka |
29–30 Sep | Sultan of Kelantan's Birthday | Kelantan |
9 Oct | Sarawak Governor's Birthday | Sarawak |
5 Nov | Sultan of Perak's Birthday | Perak |
11 Dec | Sultan of Selangor's Birthday | Selangor |
24 Dec | Christmas Eve | Sabah |
Note: The exact state holiday calendar can include replacement days and additional state-specific arrangements, so check the destination state's latest gazette before finalising your travel plans.
For Singaporeans, public holiday can be a great opportunity to squeeze in a quick Malaysia getaway without using too many annual leave days. Some dates include:
Holiday | Date | Day | How to Extend the Break |
New Year's Day | 1 Jan | Friday | 3-day weekend in states that observe it |
Chinese New Year | 6–7 Feb | Saturday–Sunday | Check replacement arrangements |
Hari Raya Aidilfitri | 10–11 Mar | Wednesday–Thursday | Take Friday off for a longer break |
Hari Raya Aidiladha | 17 May | Monday | 3-day weekend |
Wesak Day | 20 May | Thursday | Take Friday off for 4 days |
Awal Muharram + Agong's Birthday | 6–7 Jun | Sunday–Monday | Replacement arrangements may create a longer break |
National Day | 31 Aug | Sunday | Take Friday off for 4 days |
Malaysia Day | 16 Sep | Thursday | Take Friday off for 4 days |
Christmas | 25 Dec | Saturday | Check replacement arrangements |
The most important thing is to distinguish between a public holiday falling on a Saturday and one falling on a weekly rest day. They are not always treated the same way. Under Malaysian employment rules, a public holiday falling on a designated rest day can trigger a substitute paid holiday, but the exact arrangement depends on the applicable rules and work schedule.
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Malaysia's public holidays are also a chance to experience different parts of the country at their liveliest.
Kuala Lumpur is one of the easiest choices for Singaporeans looking for a city break.
During Chinese New Year, areas around Chinatown and major shopping malls are often decorated for the festive season. During Hari Raya, Kampung Baru and other parts of the city take on a different atmosphere, with festive food and bazaars.
For National Day, you can look out for celebrations around central Kuala Lumpur, while Brickfields is a popular area to explore during Deepavali.
Year-round attractions include:
If you are visiting in January, Thaipusam falls on 22 January 2027, making Batu Caves a particularly interesting place to experience one of Malaysia's major Hindu festivals.
Penang is a good choice if your idea of a holiday involves plenty of food, heritage buildings and café hopping.
George Town becomes especially lively during festive periods, while Chinese New Year is a great time to explore the city's temples, clan houses and traditional food culture.
You can also visit:
Penang also has its own state holidays, including George Town World Heritage City Day and the Birthday of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang.
If you have several days available, Sabah is a good option for a longer public holiday trip.
You can combine Kota Kinabalu with:
Sabah also has its own holidays, including Harvest Festival and the Birthday of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah.
Sarawak is another destination better suited to a longer break.
Kuching makes a convenient base for exploring local food, heritage areas and nearby nature attractions. If you travel around Hari Gawai, which falls on 1 and 2 June 2027, you can experience one of Sarawak's major cultural celebrations.
For Singaporeans, Johor Bahru is one of easiest destinations to reach. You can cross via Woodlands or Tuas and spend the weekend shopping, eating or exploring the city. Popular options include:
Johor also has several state-specific holidays, including the Sultan of Johor's Birthday and Hari Hol Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.
Malacca works well for a two- or three-day trip.
Walk around Jonker Street, explore the historic centre, try local dishes such as chicken rice balls and Nyonya food, and spend an evening along the Malacca River.
It is especially suitable if you want something slower-paced than Kuala Lumpur.
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Malaysia's public holidays are a chance to experience more than just an extra day off. Different festivals can give each destination a completely different atmosphere, from Chinese New Year decorations to Hari Raya bazaars and Deepavali celebrations.
Holiday | Dates | Where to Consider | What to Experience |
Thaipusam | 22 Jan | Kuala Lumpur, Penang | Batu Caves and festive religious celebrations |
Chinese New Year | 6–7 Feb | Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Malacca, Johor Bahru | Decorations, festive food and cultural celebrations |
Hari Raya Aidilfitri | 10–11 Mar* | Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Johor Bahru | Ramadan bazaars, Hari Raya food and festive atmosphere |
Hari Raya Aidiladha | 17 May* | Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Johor Bahru | Local festive traditions and food |
Hari Gawai | 1–2 Jun | Sarawak | Dayak culture and Gawai celebrations |
National Day | 31 Aug | Kuala Lumpur | Merdeka celebrations and patriotic events |
Malaysia Day | 16 Sep | Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Sarawak | Malaysia Day celebrations and local events |
Deepavali | 28 Oct | Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Malacca | Indian cultural celebrations and festive decorations |
Christmas | 25 Dec | Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru | Christmas decorations, shopping and festive dining |
*Islamic dates are subject to official confirmation.
Choose Kuala Lumpur for major national celebrations, shopping mall decorations and plenty of dining options.
Head to Penang or Malacca for heritage streets, local food and festive atmosphere.
Consider Sarawak during Hari Gawai for a cultural experience that is quite different from a typical Singapore weekend trip.
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Malaysia does not have one identical holiday calendar for every state. Check the specific state before assuming that shops, attractions or offices will be closed.
If you are travelling during Chinese New Year, Hari Raya or another major festive period, compare hotels early rather than waiting until the last minute.
The Woodlands and Tuas crossings can become very busy when Singaporeans and Malaysians travel at the same time.
If possible, consider travelling outside the busiest periods and allow extra time for immigration.
Cards and e-wallets are widely accepted in Malaysia, but cash can still be useful for smaller food stalls, markets and local businesses.
Some smaller businesses may close during major festive periods, while larger attractions and shopping malls may operate on special hours.
Always check before making a trip specifically for a particular attraction.
Hotels, buses, flights and popular restaurants can be busier around major public holidays.
If you are travelling with family or a group, booking ahead can make the trip much easier.
Public holidays are not only about getting an extra day off. They can also be a great time to experience Malaysia's different cultures.
You may find festive decorations, special menus, bazaars, performances, and local celebrations that are not available at other times of the year.
Malaysia can feel very different during a major festive period. Shopping malls may have elaborate decorations, restaurants can become crowded and popular attractions may have longer queues. Some smaller businesses may also close so that owners and staff can celebrate with their families.
At the same time, these periods can be some of the most interesting times to visit. Chinese New Year brings red decorations, lion dances and festive food. Hari Raya brings bazaars and traditional Malay dishes. Deepavali brings colourful decorations and celebrations in areas with large Indian communities.
So while public holidays can mean more crowds, they can also give Singaporean travellers a chance to experience Malaysia at its most festive.
