Malaysia 2026 Holiday Schedule & Travel Guide

Complete guide to Malaysia’s 2026 public holidays, including Thaipusam, Hari Raya, and Chinese New Year. I cover all the official public holidays, what each one celebrates, and how it can affect your travel plans.

2026 Malaysia Public Holidays Calendar

Stay on top of your travel plans with our 2026 Malaysia Public Holidays calendar. This easy guide highlights all the major holiday dates so you can plan getaways, book hotels early, and avoid peak crowds. Whether you prefer a lively trip filled with cultural events or a peaceful retreat away from the rush, this calendar will help you travel smart and enjoy Malaysia at its best.

Malaysia Public Holidays 2026 Overview

Here’s the complete list of Malaysia’s public holidays for 2026. This guide shares cultural highlights, shows how each holiday could affect your trip, and gives tips to make the most of busy periods or enjoy the festive atmosphere.

*Dates may change based on moon sightings or official announcements.

💡 Smart Tips for Planning Trips to Malaysia in 2026

• Look for long weekends that align with Singapore’s public holidays for a perfect cross-border getaway.
• Festivals like Chinese New Year and Hari Raya are unforgettable, but expect heavy traffic at land border checkpoints. Book bus or train tickets early.
• If you prefer quieter vacations, travel on the actual festival day rather than the day before or after.
• Popular shopping spots like KLCC, Pavilion, and malls in Johor Bahru get extra busy during holiday sales, so it’s best to go early to beat the rush.

Head to activity spots early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy cooler weather. You'll save both time and money on public transportation.

Major Holidays & Cultural Highlights in Malaysia

Thaipusam – February 1-2 (Selected States)

• Celebrated by: Indian community (Tamil Hindus)
• Traditions: A day of devotion honoring Lord Murugan. The most famous celebration is at Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur—devotees carry kavadi (colorful wooden/metal frames decorated with flowers and peacock feathers) or pierce their bodies with small hooks as acts of penance. Many also shave their heads and carry pots of milk to offer at the temple.
• Practical Info: Crowds are massive at Batu Caves and Penang’s Waterfall Hill Temple. Wear comfortable shoes (you’ll climb 272 steps at Batu Caves) and arrive early to avoid the worst crowds. Local shops near temples stay open, selling snacks and prayer items.

Chinese New Year – February 17-18

• Celebrated by: Chinese community
• Traditions: 2026 is the Year of the Horse, so expect decorations featuring horses, red lanterns, and spring couplets. Families gather for reunion dinners with dishes like fish (symbolizing prosperity) and dumplings (for good fortune). Children receive ang pow (red envelopes with money), and temples like Kuala Lumpur’s Thean Hou Temple host prayers and lion dances.
• Practical Info: Major cities like KL, Penang, and Ipoh have lively Chinatowns. Malls stay open late with sales, but small local shops may close for 2-3 days. Travel between cities books up fast—book flights or buses 2 months in advance.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri – March 21-23

• Celebrated by: Malay Muslim community
• Traditions: Marks the end of Ramadan (30 days of fasting). Families wake early for Eid prayers at mosques, then visit relatives with “salam Aidilfitri” (Eid greetings). The tradition of “open house” means anyone—friends, neighbors, tourists—can drop by for a feast of lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo), rendang (spicy meat curry), and kuih-muih (colorful Malay cakes).
• Practical Info: It’s the busiest travel period in Malaysia—locals head home to their hometowns, so book transport and accommodation 3-6 months early. Most shops close on the first day but reopen by the second or third day.

Wesak Day – May 31-June 1

• Celebrated by: Buddhist community
• Traditions: Honors Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing. Temples are decorated with lanterns and flower garlands. Devotees make merit by giving donations, releasing birds or fish, and participating in candlelight processions. Some also observe a vegetarian diet for the day.
• Practical Info: Crowds are moderate at major temples like Penang’s Kek Lok Si and KL’s Buddhist Maha Vihara. Most businesses operate as usual, but vegetarian restaurants are extra busy.

Deepavali – November 8-9

• Celebrated by: Indian community (Hindus)
• Traditions: Known as the “Festival of Lights,” it symbolizes good triumphing over evil. Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli (colorful powder designs) and oil lamps. Families wear new clothes, exchange sweets like laddu and barfi, and visit temples to pray. Streets in Little India areas (like KL’s Brickfields) light up with fairy lights.
• Practical Info: Little India districts are bustling with shoppers and food stalls. Book accommodation near these areas early if you want to join the celebrations. Most shops stay open, and some offer special Deepavali discounts.

National Day (Merdeka Day) – August 31

• Celebrated by: All Malaysians
• Traditions: Commemorates Malaysia’s independence from British rule in 1957. The main celebration is in KL’s Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), with a grand parade featuring military displays, cultural performances, and flag-waving. Cities and towns decorate with Jalur Gemilang (Malaysia’s national flag) weeks in advance.
• Practical Info: Dataran Merdeka gets crowded—arrive by 7 AM for a good spot. Public transport runs extra services, but roads around the square are closed. Malls and restaurants stay open, with many offering Merdeka-themed promotions.

How Malaysia’s Public Holidays Can Affect Your 2026 Trip 🌏

As locals return to their hometowns, Malaysia holidays have driven a tourism boom, and popular scenic spots will soon be fully booked. In places like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi and Genting Highlands, celebrations such as the Chinese New Year, Eid al-Fitr and Independence Day usually mean heavy traffic, crowded shopping malls, crowded tourist attractions and hotels are quickly fully booked.

Planning Your Trip

• Visa: Most nationalities (US, EU, UK, Australia, Singapore) get 30-90 days visa-free entry—perfect for festival hopping.
• Peak periods: Avoid traveling during Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Mar 21-23) and Chinese New Year (Feb 17-18) if you hate crowds—prices spike 50-100% and transport sells out fast.
• State differences: If you’re visiting Kelantan or Terengganu, note they follow Friday-Saturday weekends (most states are Saturday-Sunday), so make-up holidays work differently.

Getting Around

• Interstate travel: Book flights (AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines) or KTM trains 1-2 months in advance of the holiday. The buses are affordable, but they are also fully booked - book your seats through platforms like Easybook.
• Local transportation: In Kuala Lumpur, use the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)/Light Rail to avoid traffic congestion. In Penang or Malacca, tricycles are an interesting way to explore, especially during festivals.

Local Etiquette

• Religious respect: When visiting temples or mosques, cover your shoulders and knees. Take off your shoes before entering the prayer area.
• Festival etiquette: During the Eid al-Fitr, it is polite to accept public invitations - you don't need to bring gifts, but a small souvenir (such as a fruit) is very popular. During your stay in Tepsam, please ask for permission before taking a photo with Kavadi.
• Diet: During Ramadan, to show respect for those who fast, avoid eating and drinking in public places during the day.

Closures & Disruptions During Malaysia Holidays

Holidays in Malaysia mean fun and culture, but they also bring some distractions. Knowing what will happen can help you plan better

Government Offices & Banks

• Most government offices (immigration, post offices) and banks close for national holidays (e.g., Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, National Day). For big festivals like Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Mar 21-23), they may shut for 2-3 days straight.
• Specific state holidays (such as the Thai Festival in Kuala Lumpur) will only close the offices in these states, so if you are in Penang, you can still do the paperwork for Israel and Mikraji (Kedah, January 16th).
• Atms are usually available, but bank branches are closed. If you need, withdraw the cash before the long holiday.

Shops & Markets

• Local small shops: Many shops are closed for 1 to 3 days during major festivals. The shops in the Chinatowns of Kuala Lumpur and Penang are closed during the Lunar New Year period (February 17th to 18th). The Malay kampong (village) shops are closed on the first day of Eid al-Fitr (March 21st).
• Large shopping malls and tourist areas: They are always open, usually with longer business hours, and have holiday promotions. Shopping centers like Suria KLCC or Penang Geni Square have never been completely closed, even during Eid al-Fitr.
• Market: The vegetable market (for fresh produce) and the night market (pasar malam) will be closed for 1-2 days. For instance, the Petal Street Night Market in Kuala Lumpur is closed during the Chinese New Year but reopens the next day.

Transport Disruptions

• Traffic congestion: The most severe occurs during the Eid al-Fitr (March 20th to 24th) and the Spring Festival (February 16th to 19th) when people return home for travel. The North-South expressway is blocked, and it is expected that the travel time will be extended by 2 to 3 times (for example, it usually takes 4 hours to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, but now it takes 8 to 10 hours).
• Tickets sold out: Buses, trains and domestic flights sell out 2-3 months in advance during peak holidays. If you missed your reservation, try night buses (which are less crowded) or short-distance carpooling apps.
• Flight delays: Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Penang Airport are very busy during the holiday season. International flights should arrive three hours in advance to avoid congestion.

Road Closures

• National Day (August 31st) : The roads near Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur will be closed from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the military parade. Take the MRT to get there.
• Taipusam (February 1-2) : The roads leading to Batu Caves (KL) and Penang Waterfall Mountain Temple are close to the car - walk or take a taxi to the entrance.
• Loy kratong (if local) : Some states (such as Penang) have closed riverside roads to allow lanterns to float - check local signs.

Malaysia’s Public Holidays - Festival Food You Must Try

All festivals in Malaysia are related to food, and here are the must-try dishes for every major festival:

Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Mar 21-23)

• Lemang: Glutinous rice cooked with bamboo, soft and fragrant, served with curry meat.
• Kuih Lapis lazuli: A layered rainbow cake - sweet and fluffy, it is the main course during open visits.
• Side dish: Chopped coconut meat mixed with spices, served with rice or grilled meat.

Chinese New Year (Feb 17-18)

• Sashimi: Raw fish salad- Locals throw it high with chopsticks to symbolize "prosperity".
• Dumplings: Filled with pork or shrimp, symbolizing good luck in the New Year.
• Nian gao: Glutinous rice cake, sticky and sweet, usually fried or steamed.

Thaipusam (Feb 1-2)

• Prasadam: A blessing food in temples, usually sweet porridge or lentil rice.
• Murukku: A crispy spiral snack made of rice flour, salty and addictive, sold by street vendors near Batu Caves.

Deepavali (Nov 8-9)

• Laddu: A round ball made of chickpea flour and ghee, sweet and nutty in flavor.
• Barfi: Gummy candies based on milk, containing nuts or rich fruits and cream.
• Indian pancakes: Crispy rice pancakes served with coconut chutney and samba make for the perfect breakfast during festivals.

Wesak Day (May 31)

• Vegetarian curry: Spicy vegetable curry served with rice or grilled meat- many Buddhists eat vegetarian food on this day.
• Indian scones: Flat, flaky bread - perfect for dipping in curry, available at most stalls.

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