Your Guide to Long Weekend Holidays in Malaysia (2026)
As Malaysians, we’re truly privileged. Not just because of our incredible food from our multicultural society, but with the many festive seasons that give us the luxury of long weekends and well-earned holidays from the 9-6 hustle.
It’s time to rehat (rest) and we’ve got just the thing you need.
Save or screenshot the calendar in this blog post to learn how to stack Malaysian public holidays with weekends and a couple of days of annual leave to maximise your time away from the office.
What To Do During Long Weekends? (Energy Gainers, Not Drainers!)
It can be very tempting to sit at home and scroll on your phone during a long holiday. Before you know it, you’ve spent three days in the same PJs with eight hours of screen time per day (yes, we’ve all been there, you’re not alone!).
This time, you can plan ahead with the calendar above. Schedule your fun instead of waiting for it to come to you.
Here are some ways to recharge over a long weekend:
Book a Short Getaway
A stretch of 3-5 days out of the office is perfect for a short-distance trip or to visit neighbouring countries like Thailand, Singapore, or Vietnam for a change of scenery without the stress of intense travel planning.
Sometimes, new streets and a different breakfast menu are all you need to feel refreshed.
Go on a Road Trip
Hit the road and let the journey be part of the fun. Drive north to Penang for good food (stop by Ipoh and have more food!) or head south to Johor and get the best of both worlds – historical sites and clear water beaches.
Road trips are perfect for slow mornings, snack stops, and playlists to jam to with a group of friends in the car.
Play Tourist in Your Own City
No bookings or big budget required. This takes all the pressure off planning, allowing you to go with the flow.
Explore a neighbourhood you usually rush through, try a cafe you’ve always walked past, or visit a local museum.
Shift your perspective slightly and see familiar streets through a new lens, you might be surprised by what you’ve been missing out on!
Try Stay-at-Home Analogue Hobbies
Not just because they’re trending, but because unplugging from the digital world and going screen-free helps us reconnect with the childlike wonder that’s always been within us.
Remember when a sheet of paper and a pencil were enough? We could pour our inner world onto a page and feel satisfied just by creating something.
This nostalgia doesn’t have to stay in the past, you can bring it into your long weekends and reconnect with a long-lost hobby such as journaling, reading, water-colouring, model building or piecing together a jigsaw puzzle.
Do Nothing
Yes, you have our permission (although you don’t need it!).
Rest is productive. Sleep in, stare out the window, lie on the floor of a park (touch some grass, literally) or simply exist without a plan (and no, this doesn’t include scrolling on your phone for hours).
Long weekends don’t need to be filled to be meaningful. Sometimes, doing nothing is exactly what your body is asking for.
Love Customising Your 2026 Long Holiday Dates? You’ll Love Customising Your Travel Insurance Too.
With Etiqa TripCare 360 Insurance, you can tailor your travel plan to suit your adventure by choosing from three tiers (Silver, Gold, or Platinum).
Want extra peace of mind? Add optional add-ons such as coverage for COVID-19 or even Adventurous Activities, so whether you’re relaxing on the beach or chasing thrills on your trip, you’re covered every step of the way.
The information contained in this blog is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as advice on any matter. Etiqa accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from reliance on information contained in the article. This information is correct as of 4th February 2026
The benefit(s) payable under eligible product is(are) protected by PIDM up to limits. Please refer to PIDM’s TIPS Brochure or contact Etiqa General Insurance Berhad or PIDM (visit www.pidm.gov.my). I Member of PIDM.
