It can be tough to take a holiday when your paperwork is piling up, and your workload keeps increasing. If you notice yourself having trouble falling asleep or waking up at odd hours in the night without being able to go back to sleep, you may be burnt out and need a mental break.
Taking a well-deserved break and going on a vacation or a retreat will not only clear your mind but also recharge your soul and help you regain your inspiration and motivation to work harder. Plan your long-awaited holiday ahead of time with our complete guide on Malaysian Public Holidays in 2023.
Malaysia Public Holiday 2023
Here is a summary of the upcoming Malaysian public holidays in 2023:
| Date | Day | Holiday | States | Wishes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 Jan | Sun – Mon | New Year | National except Johor,Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis& Terengganu | https://www.myweekendplan.asia/best-new-year-wishes-and-greetings/ |
| 14 Jan | Sat | YDPB Negeri Sembilan’s Birthday | Negeri Sembilan | |
| 22-23 Jan | Sun – Mon | Chinese New Year | National | https://www.myweekendplan.asia/best-chinese-new-year-wishes-and-greetings/ |
| 24 Jan | Tues | Chinese New Year | National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu | https://www.myweekendplan.asia/best-chinese-new-year-wishes-and-greetings/ |
| 1 Feb | Wed | Federal Territory Day | Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Putrajaya | |
| 5 Feb | Sun | Thaipusam | Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya & Selangor | https://www.myweekendplan.asia/thaipusam-wishes-greetings-for-friends-and-family/ |
| 6 Feb | Mon | Thaipusam | Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya & Selangor | https://www.myweekendplan.asia/thaipusam-wishes-greetings-for-friends-and-family/ |
| 18 Feb | Sat | Israk and Mikraj | Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Perlis & Terengganu | |
| 19 Feb | Sun | Israk and Mikraj | Kedah & Terengganu | |
| 4 Mar | Sat | Installation of Sultan Terengganu | Terengganu | |
| 23 Mar | Thurs | Awal Ramadan | Johor, Kedah & Melaka | |
| 23 Mar | Thurs | Sultan of Johor’s Birthday | Johor | |
| 7 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | Sabah & Sarawak | |
| 8 Apr | Sat | Nuzul Al-Quran | National except for Johor, Kedah, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah & Sarawak | |
| 9 Apr | Sun | Nuzul Al-Quran | Kelantan & Terengganu | |
| 15 Apr | Sat | Declaration of Melaka as a Historical City | Melaka | |
| 22-24 Apr | Sat – Mon | Hari Raya Aidilfitri | National | |
| 26 Apr | Wed | Sultan of Terengganu’s Birthday | Terengganu | |
| 1 May | Mon | Labour Day | National | |
| 4 May | Thurs | Wesak Day | National | |
| 17 May | Wed | Raja Perlis’ Birthday | Perlis | |
| 22 May | Mon | Hari Hol Pahang | Pahang | |
| 30-31 May | Tues – Wed | Harvest Festival | Labuan & Sabah | |
| 1-2 Jun | Thurs – Fri | Hari Gawai | Sarawak | |
| 5 Jun | Mon | Agong’s Birthday | National | |
| 18 Jun | Sun | Sultan of Kedah’s Birthday | Kedah | |
| 27 Jun | Tues | Arafat Day | Terengganu | |
| 29 Jun | Thurs | Hari Raya Haji | National | https://www.myweekendplan.asia/hari-raya-haji-wishes-for-friends-and-family/ |
| 30 Jun | Fri | Hari Raya Haji | Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis & Terengganu | |
| 7 Jul | Fri | Georgetown World Heritage City Day | Penang | |
| 8 Jul | Sat | Penang Governor’s Birthday | Penang | |
| 19 Jul | Wed | Awal Muharram | National | |
| 22 Jul | Sat | Sarawak Day | Sarawak | |
| 30 Jul | Sun | Sultan of Pahang’s Birthday | Pahang | |
| 24 Aug | Thurs | Melaka Governor’s Birthday | Melaka | |
| 31 Aug | Thurs | Merdeka Day | National | https://www.myweekendplan.asia/best-merdeka-wishes-and-greetings/ |
| 16 Sep | Sat | Malaysia Day | National | |
| 17 Sep | Sun | Malaysia Day | Kelantan & Terengganu | |
| 28 Sep | Thurs | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | National | |
| 7 Oct | Sat | Sabah Governor’s Birthday | Sabah | |
| 14 Oct | Sat | Sarawak Governor’s Birthday | Sarawak | |
| 3 Nov | Fri | Sultan of Perak’s Birthday | Perak | |
| 11 Nov | Sat | Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday | Kelantan | |
| 12 Nov | Sun | Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday Holiday | Kelantan | |
| 12 Nov | Sun | Deepavali | National except Sarawak | https://www.myweekendplan.asia/50-best-deepavali-wishes-and-greetings/ |
| 13 Nov | Mon | Deepavali | National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Sarawak & Terengganu | https://www.myweekendplan.asia/50-best-deepavali-wishes-and-greetings/ |
| 11 Dec | Mon | Sultan of Selangor’s Birthday | Selangor | |
| 24 Dec | Sun | Christmas Eve | Sabah | |
| 25 Dec | Mon | Christmas Day | National | https://www.myweekendplan.asia/best-christmas-wishes-and-greetings/ |
Planning Your Long Holidays For 2023:
1. January 2023
- 1/1/2023 – 2/1/2023; Sunday – Monday; 3 days (including Saturday)
- 14/1/2023; Saturday; 2 days (including Sunday)
- 22/1/2023 – 24/1/2023; Sunday – Tuesday; 4 days (including Saturday)
For the New Year and Chinese New Year holidays, you would have a long weekend to enjoy a short trip with your friends and family. You can also consider taking an extra day’s leave on Friday if you want a more extended break. During your extended holiday, you should go for a tropical island staycation at Langkawi Island to experience its beautiful beaches, local culture and delicious cuisine. While there, you can check out these 10 best places to visit in Langkawi, where you can visit historical sites and enjoy flora and fauna in the wildlife park.
2. February 2023
- 1/2/2023; Wednesday; 1 day
- 5/2/2023 – 6/2/2023; Sunday – Monday; 3 days (including Saturday)
- 18/2/2023 – 19/2/2023; Saturday – Sunday; 2 days
There is only a day’s holiday for Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya in the middle of the week for Federal Territory Day. If you are staying within these areas, you should try pampering yourself at a five-star luxury hotel in Klang Valley. Luxury hotels such as the Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur has a rooftop bar that overlooks a spectacular view of the city skyline and offers pampering sessions at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa.
For those staying in Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya, and Selangor, you would have a long weekend break due to the Thaipusam holidays. It would be lovely to drive up for a retreat at Fraser’s Hill. Here, you can enjoy a traditional English breakfast at the Fraser Hill Smokehouse, hike up Bishop Trail or admire the plants at Glasshouse Fraser’s Hill. Check out these 8 best things to do in Fraser’s Hill.
3. March 2023
- 4/3/2023; Saturday; 2 days (including Sunday)
- 23/3/2023; Thursday; 1 day
If you are staying in Johor, Kedah, and Melaka, Awal Ramadan on 23rd March is a public holiday. Coincidentally, the Sultan of Johor’s Birthday also falls on the same day. However, this holiday only applies to the state of Johor. As the holiday falls on a Thursday, you can consider taking leave on Friday, which will leave you with four days of holiday.
With four days, you can consider these 8 best staycations in Serendah and enjoy beautiful private retreats such as the Sekeping Serendah, uniquely designed within natural surroundings. Alternatively, if you are not taking Friday off, you can consider spending your day off having fun with your family and friends. Check out these best things to do in Johor and Melaka, or go cafe hopping around Sungai Petani.
4. April 2023
- 7/4/2023; Friday; 3 days (including Weekends)
- 8/4/2023 – 9/4/2023; Saturday – Sunday; 2 days
- 15/4/2023; Saturday; 2 days (including Sunday)
- 22/4/2023 – 24/4/2023; Saturday – Monday; 3 days
- 26/4/2023; Wednesday; 1 day
Good Friday falls on the 7th April, a long weekend holiday for Sabah and Sarawak. There are also three days of public holidays for Hari Raya Aidilfitri throughout Malaysia. Try taking an extra day off to extend your holidays and go on a staycation in Genting Highlands. Genting Highlands is famous for its luxurious hotels, such as the Grand Ion Delemen Hotel, which offers an intimate urban resort experience. While you are there, check out these 9 best things to do in Genting Highlands.
26th April is the Birthday of the Sultan of Terengganu. However, it falls on a Wednesday, which is only a public holiday for individuals staying in Terengganu. As you have one day off, you can consider taking your mind off work and relaxing at these 8 best staycations in Terengganu.
5. May 2023
- 1/5/2023, Monday; 3 days (including Weekends)
- 4/5/2023; Thursday; 1 day
- 17/5/2023; Wednesday; 1 day
- 22/5/2023; Monday; 3 days (including Weekends)
- 30/5/2023 – 31/5/2023; Tuesday – Wednesday; 2 days
The 1st and 4th of May, which are Labour Day and Wesak Day, respectively, are national holidays. However, the 17th of May is only a public holiday for Perlis as it is the King of Perlis’s birthday. The 22nd of May is Hari Hol, a public holiday for the State of Pahang. Finally, the public holidays from the 30th to the 31st of May apply only to Labuan and Sabah.
If you have a long weekend for a vacation, consider a lakefront holiday at one of the 8 best lakefront hotel staycations in Malaysia. For individuals staying in Perlis who only have one day off, you can check out these 9 best places to visit in Perlis, and for those staying in Pahang, you can check out these 8 best things to do in Raub, Pahang.
6. June 2023
- 1/6/2023 – 2/6/2023; Thursday – Friday; 4 days (including Weekends)
- 5/6/2023; Monday; 3 days (including Weekends)
- 18/6/2023; Sunday; 2 days (including Saturday)
- 27/6/2023; Tuesday; 1 day
- 29/6/2023 – 30/6/2023; Thursday – Friday; 4 days (including Weekends)
Sarawak will be celebrating Hari Gawai from the 1st to the 2nd of June, and it will be a total of four holidays in a stretch, thanks to the weekends. If you are staying in Sarawak, it is time to take a break from work and go on a well-deserved vacation. Treat yourself to a plane ticket to Malaysia’s west coast and stay at one of the 8 best staycations in Port Dickson, a town south of Kuala Lumpur.
For long weekend vacations, such as on Agong’s Birthday, you can go for an adventure in Janda Baik and camp in style at the Tiarasa Escape Glamping Resort or have a picnic by the riverside Janda Baik. For shorter getaways, enjoy the breathtaking views and fresh air while going on a staycation at one of the best golf resorts in Malaysia.
7. July 2023
- 7/7/2023 – 8/7/2023; Friday – Saturday; 3 days (including Sunday)
- 19/7/2023; Wednesday; 1 day
- 22/7/2023; Saturday; 2 days (including Sunday)
- 30/7/2023; Sunday; 2 days (including Saturday)
The excellent news for Penangites is that Georgetown World Heritage City Day falls on a Friday, which means you would have three days of holiday. Take this opportunity to go turtle watching at Pulau Perhentian and stay at one of the 8 best staycations in Pulau Perhentian. On the other hand, Awal Muharram is a national holiday that falls in the middle of the week. As you have only a day off, take a break and make some popcorn while enjoying these 10 best movies on Netflix.
8. August 2023
- 24/8/2023; Thursday; 1 day
- 31/8/2023; Thursday; 1 day
Merdeka Day falls on a Thursday, and if you can take Friday off, you will have four days for a relaxing trip. Check out these 10 best nature retreats in Malaysia where you can reconnect with nature and forget the everyday stressors in your life. For individuals residing in Melaka, you can spend your single off day on Melaka’s Governor’s Birthday by taking part in family activities in Melaka, such as going on a visit to Zoo Melaka or going cafe hopping at these 9 best cafes in Melaka.
9. September 2023
- 16/9/2023 – 17/9/2023; Saturday – Sunday; 2 days
- 28/9/2023; Thursday; 1 day
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday is a national holiday that falls on a Thursday. If you do not have many days of leaves left as it is almost the end of the year, why not check out these best things to do at a location nearby such as Kuala Kubu Bharu, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah, Port Dickson, and Kuala Lumpur. You can also go for a short staycation at the best colonial hotels if you are staying in Penang and Melaka.
10. October 2023
- 7/10/2023; Saturday; 2 days
- 14/10/2023; Saturday; 2 days
We have good news for you if you are staying in Sabah or Sarawak and working on Saturdays in October. The Sabah and Sarawak Governor’s Birthdays fall on the 7th and 14th of October, respectively. This means you have a weekend free to participate in fun family activities in Sabah, such as meeting the orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan, Sabah; or visiting Jong’s Crocodile Farm in Siburan, Sarawak. Check out these 10 best places in Sarawak.
11. November 2023
- 3/11/2023; Friday; 3 days (including Weekends)
- 11/11/2023; Saturday; 2 days (including Sunday)
- 12/11/2023 – 13/11/2023; Sunday – Monday; 3 days (including Saturday)
It is a three-day break for the Deepavali holidays for all states in Malaysia except for Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Sarawak, and Terengganu. Check out these 8 best luxury staycations in Ipoh for some vacation ideas. For those staying in Perak, you will have a holiday on the 3rd of November, a Friday. Spend your three days off enjoying a staycation on Penang Island. Penang is famous for its rich cultural diversity; to top it off, you can enjoy a gastronomic Penang hawker food adventure while you are there.
12. December 2023
- 11/12/2023; Monday; 3 days (including Weekends)
- 24/12/2023 – 25/12/2023; Sunday – Monday; 3 days (including Saturday)
We all look forward to Christmas every year. Most places will have beautiful decorations to add to the festive mood. In addition, shopping malls will have huge discounts, and work will start to slow down as everyone would usually be in a holiday mood. If you need a vacation but are on a budget due to all the holiday shopping, do not worry. Check out these budget-friendly staycations in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.
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