Planning your travels around Malaysia’s public holidays in 2025? Whether you're a local looking for long weekend escapes or a visitor hoping to immerse yourself in the country’s vibrant cultural atmosphere, aligning your trips with festive dates is a clever way to experience Malaysia at its most lively.

Here’s everything you need to know about Malaysia’s public holidays in 2025, along with handy tips to make the most of your annual leave.

Read more: 7 Most Beautiful Islands in West Malaysia

Table of Content

1. National Public Holidays in Malaysia (2025)
2. Long Weekends in 2025: When to Travel
3. Best Destinations to Visit
4. Travel Tips for Malaysian Public Holidays

Malaysia Public Holidays 2025: Travel Ideas & Long Weekend Planner

Malaysia Public Holidays 2025: Travel Ideas & Long Weekend Planner

Malaysia observes both national and state-level public holidays. While federal holidays are celebrated nationwide, state holidays vary depending on each state’s unique history, culture, and religion.

National Public Holidays in Malaysia (2025)

Date	Day	Holiday
Jan 1	Wednesday	New Year’s Day
Jan 25–26	Saturday–Sunday	Thaipusam*
Jan 29	Wednesday	Federal Territory Day*
Feb 1	Saturday	Chinese New Year
Feb 2	Sunday	Chinese New Year (Day 2)
Feb 3	Monday	Substitution Holiday (CNY)
Apr 14	Monday	Nuzul Al-Quran
Apr 21–22	Monday–Tuesday	Hari Raya Aidilfitri (estimated)
May 1	Thursday	Labour Day
May 10	Saturday	Wesak Day
May 30	Friday	Harvest Festival (Kaamatan)*
Jun 1–2	Sunday–Monday	Gawai Dayak*
Jun 7	Saturday	Agong’s Birthday
Jun 16	Monday	Hari Raya Haji (estimated)
Jul 7	Monday	Awal Muharram
Aug 31	Sunday	Merdeka Day
Sep 1	Monday	National Day Observed
Sep 16	Tuesday	Malaysia Day
Oct 6	Monday	Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
Oct 25–26	Saturday–Sunday	Deepavali (estimated)
Dec 25	Thursday	Christmas Day

1. *Applicable in certain states only
2. Note: Islamic holidays are subject to lunar sightings and may shift slightly. Always refer to the official calendar closer to the date.

Long Weekends in 2025: When to Travel

If you’re strategic with your leave days, you can enjoy multiple long weekends in 2025. Here are a few dates to mark on your calendar:

1. Chinese New Year: Take Friday, Jan 31 off and enjoy a 4-day break.
2. Hari Raya Aidilfitri: Take Apr 23–25 off for a 9-day getaway.
3. National Day: Aug 31 falls on a Sunday, with a replacement holiday on Mondaym making it a perfect short trip opportunity.
4. Christmas: Dec 25 falls on a Thursday. Take Friday off for a 4-day escape.

Best Destinations to Visit

Planning a trip around Malaysia’s public holidays in 2025? Make the most of your time off by aligning your travels with the country's most colourful celebrations. From spiritual pilgrimages and cultural street parades to kampung festivities and city-wide fireworks, each holiday offers a unique way to explore Malaysia’s rich traditions and diverse landscapes.

Read also: Where to Find Rafflesia in Malaysia

Thaipusam (January): Batu Caves, Selangor

There’s no better place to experience Thaipusam than Batu Caves. Marvel at the vibrant kavadi processions, rhythmic drumming, and displays of devotion set against towering limestone cliffs. It’s a truly awe-inspiring cultural moment worth witnessing at least once in your lifetime.

Chinese New Year (February): Penang or Melaka

For a deeply festive experience, head to George Town or Melaka’s heritage streets where lion dances, lantern-lit nights, and open house feasts bring the city to life. It’s the perfect season to witness how tradition and celebration intertwine in Malaysia’s historic towns.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri (April): Kedah, Kelantan & Johor

Celebrate Hari Raya the traditional way by venturing into the serene kampungs of northern and southern Malaysia. Expect warm welcomes, home-cooked rendang, and the soothing sight of oil lamps flickering under starry skies. A soulful escape wrapped in tradition and hospitality.

Merdeka Day (August): Kuala Lumpur

Celebrate Malaysia’s independence right in the capital. From patriotic parades to dazzling fireworks at Dataran Merdeka, KL is bursting with national pride and energy. It’s a great time to reflect on the country’s journey and to join the vibrant festivities.

Deepavali (October): Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur

Experience the Festival of Lights in the heart of KL’s Little India. Wander through Brickfields to enjoy kolam art, traditional sweets, and bright sarees that line every street. The air is rich with incense, music, and joy - it’s Deepavali in full splendour.

Cameron Highlands offer a short and sweet escape from the city and heat that is perfect for a refreshing weekend getaway surrounded by cool air, lush greenery, and endless cups of tea.

A vibrant burst of colour, culture and community - Pasar Siti Khadijah in Kota Bharu is where local flavours and Kelantanese charm come alive.

Travel Tips for Malaysian Public Holidays

1. Book early: Flights, trains, and hotels tend to sell out fast during long weekends and major festivals.
2. Expect traffic: If you’re travelling by road, avoid peak hours and start your journey early.
3. Pack respectfully: Modest clothing is appreciated, especially during religious celebrations.
4. Stay local: If travel isn't on the cards, explore your own city’s markets, festivals, or food fairs. There’s always something happening!

With such a diverse cultural calendar, Malaysia offers unique experiences almost every month. You could be hiking in Sabah, café-hopping in Penang, or immersing yourself in a local festival. The public holidays in Malaysia 2025 are the perfect excuse to pack your bags and explore.

Don’t forget to tag your travel moments with #RollingGrace or @rollinggrace. We’d love to see where your journey takes you.