Malaysia is notoriously known for the abundant number of public holidays throughout the year, but we’re here to help you make the most of 2023’s long weekends and mid-week breaks. And with the country and world opening up and returning to some new normalcy after the coronavirus pandemic, travel is back on the cards, and we are more than ready to get back out exploring this gorgeous world!
If you’ve got the standard 14 to 18 days of annual leave to use, take 16 days off and you’ll be able to get multiple long breaks this year alone adding up to about 58 days for taking on new and exciting adventures.
So, besides a guide on how to max out your calendar, we’ve thrown in some inspiring travel ideas below to make 2023 your year!
New Year’s Day
Public holiday: Monday, 2 January 2023
Apply for leave on: Tuesday, 3 January 2023
Long weekend duration: Four days
To begin the New Year right, how about getting out of the city and reconnecting with nature? For some travel inspiration, check out our highland hopping guide to Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hill, and Cameron Highlands for your long weekend! How does exploring a fairy tale like Mossy Forest sound?
Chinese New Year
Public holiday: Sunday, 22 January to Tuesday, 24 January 2023
Apply for leave on: Friday, 20 January 2023 or Wednesday, 25 January 2023
Long weekend duration: Five days
Looking for a unique staycation with the family for your long weekend? Look at these humble but beautiful stays in Sekinchan and Kuala Selangor, especially the wonderfully colourful Kuala Selangor Cabin Camp, where you’ll have heaps of activities to make lifelong memories with your kids.
Thaipusam
Public holiday: Monday, 6 February
Long weekend duration: Three days
Okay, this is a long weekend, but not the longest one, so maybe a day trip from Kuala Lumpur with the family is just what you need! Head to the coastline at Bukit Batu Putih for a Hawaiian-like setting and enjoy the ocean breeze!
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Public holiday: Saturday, 22 April to Tuesday, 25 April 2023
Apply for leave on: 26 to 28 April 2023
Long weekend duration: Nine days
Crikey! Now, this is what you call a long weekend! You’ll have plenty of time to head to the land down under – Australia. As an Aussie myself, I recommend checking out the sunshine state of Queensland to sunbathe on golden sand beaches, hike through rainforests to stunning waterfalls, and dance the nights away at lively nightclubs.
Perhaps, join an environmentally-friendly Australian Intrepid tour to easily travel around the vast country and make new friends, or take a look at this article for a more family-friendly experience in Victoria. There’s truly something for everyone!
Labour Day & Wesak Day
Public holiday: Monday, 1 May and Thursday, 4 May 2023
Apply for leave on: 2, 3, and 5 May 2023
Long weekend duration: Nine days
With over a week off, why not escape to Thailand for an ethical elephant experience at Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand? Just two hours outside of Bangkok, you can either volunteer to care for the elephants for a week or stay at the inclusive I-Love-Phants lodge and join hands-off day tours around the sanctuary to learn about the plight of the Asian elephant and other wildlife. Not only is this a great experience, but you will be making a difference in many lives.
Now, you’ll probably notice that this long break is literally the week after one with two days off as well. If you want to be cheeky, you could apply for leave for both weeks for an EXTRA LONG break that comes up to a whopping 16 DAYS of merrymaking! With a break that long, you may want to even consider a trip to Europe — perhaps it’s time to tick the Italian opera off your bucket list.
Agong’s Birthday
Public holiday: Monday, 5 June 2023
Apply for leave on: Tuesday, 6 June 2023
Long weekend duration: Four days
Make the most of this long weekend and fly to Phuket, Thailand, for a holiday in paradise! What better way to enjoy some quality family time than renting a private villa with a secluded beach or pool? Check out the best beachfront villas and start packing!
Hari Raya Haji
Public holiday: Thursday, 29 June 2023
Apply for leave on: Friday, 30 June 2023
Long weekend duration: Four days
Want to get out again amongst nature in an eco-friendly and sustainable way? Look at these award-winning Airbnbs in Malaysia to inspire your long weekend getaway! You could find yourself in a treehouse, by the beach, or in a converted bus – either way, you’ll be able to rest and recharge!
Awal Muharram
Public holiday: Wednesday, 19 July 2023
Apply for leave on: 17, 18, 20, and 21 July 2023
Long weekend duration: Nine days
Put that annual leave to good use and head over to Europe for a magical summer vacation! You could tour London, England on a double-decker bus with a rooftop bar – Prosecco anyone?! — dance through the white and blue streets of Mykonos, Greece singing to Mamma Mia, or eat your way through Italy! Maybe even join a Contiki tour to make new friends to explore all day and party all night with through Europe.
Merdeka Day
Public holiday: Thursday, 31 August 2023
Apply for leave on: Friday, 1 September
Long weekend duration: Four days
Grab your girls and head over to Singapore for a long weekend full of fun and new memories! If you’ve already been to Singapore, check out this list of exciting new attractions you must experience – have you ever jumped into a sea of sprinkles?
Deepavali
Public holiday: Sunday 12 November 2023
Apply for leave on: Tuesday, 14 November 2023
Long weekend duration: Four days
Need even more Instagram content? Make your way to the charming Penang for this long weekend to stay in some of the most historic and Instagrammable hotels while also being able to explore the endless street art and eat all of the delicious and famous food of the region.
Christmas Day
Public holiday: Monday, 25 December 2023
Long weekend duration: Three days
Don’t feel like cooking and cleaning this Christmas? Enjoy festive fine dining at one of these luxurious hotel restaurants instead!
We’ve also got this condensed guide to the long weekends that you can easily download and save on your phone. Just remember to refer to it before applying for your leave!
Here’s to an adventurous and exciting 2023 – happy exploring!
