11 Long Weekends In Malaysia For 2018: Here’s How To Maximise Them

NormanJB · Post time 4-1-2018 09:06 AM

Edited by NormanJB at 4-1-2018 09:08 AM

We already know that Malaysia has a reputation as a country with among the most public holidays in the world.

Well, for 2018 we can add to that the fact that we have a bumper crop of long weekends as well.

As soon as the official public holiday list for 2018 was released, Malaysians have already started planning their weekend getaway for the year ahead.

To help our readers stretch those many public holidays even further, Malaysian Digest has compiled a list of long weekends for the year 2018 that will surely benefit our readers when they plan out their next island getaway or a road trip to the Pearl of the Orient.

A Rundown Of This Year’s National And State Holidays

But how often have we overlooked the window of opportunity (i.e. the long weekend that beckons) due to our busy schedule coupled with our need to catch up on our sleep?

Lifestyle portal pamper.my was way ahead when it reported on how to stretch an initial 5 long weekends into a total of 11 by taking leave on the gap days which falls on corresponding Mondays.

With a little more ingenuity and careful planning, Malaysian Digest also discovered that by taking advantage of the various state level holidays, Malaysians can even stretch a three day weekend into a massive five day break!

With majority of these holidays falling on Friday, Sunday or Monday, Malaysians can look forward to these long weekends with glee provided they properly plan their annual leaves, as per the holidays below:

December 30 (Saturday), December 31 (Sunday) and January 1 (Monday): New Year’s Weekend

Applicable to Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Federal Territories (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan)

January 14 (Sunday): Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan’s Birthday

Only applicable to Negeri Sembilan

January 21 (Sunday): Sultan of Kedah’s Birthday

Only applicable to Kedah

January 31, (Wednesday): Thaipusam

Applicable to Johor, Perak, Penang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Federal Territories
TIP: Individuals in the relevant state can apply leave on February 1 (Thursday) and February 2 (Friday) to enjoy a five-day weekend

February 1 (Thursday): Federal Territory Day

Only applicable to Federal Territories
TIP: Individuals in Federal Territories can apply leave on February 2 (Friday) to enjoy a five-day weekend

February 16 (Friday) and February 17 (Saturday): Chinese New Year

Applicable to all states
TIP: Individuals can apply leave on February 15 (Thursday) or February 19 (Monday) to enjoy a five-day weekend OR apply leave on February 19 (Monday) to enjoy a four-day weekend

March 4 (Sunday): Anniversary of Installation of Sultan of Terengganu

Only applicable to Terengganu

March 17 to March 25: School Holidays

Applicable to all states

March 23 (Friday): Sultan of Johor’s Birthday

Only applicable to Johor
TIP: Johoreans can apply leave on March 22 (Thursday) or March 25 (Sunday) to enjoy a three-day weekend OR on both dates to enjoy a four-day weekend

March 30 (Friday): Good Friday