Wake up to views like this on a long weekend staycation at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur or other relaxing spots in 2022 (Photo: Unsplash)
Cover Long weekends in 2022 to wake up to views like this at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Photo: Unsplash)

Plan ahead and book your dream vacation or staycation on these national holidays in 2022

If you're already thinking of ways to maximise your annual leave in 2022, we've got your back. Here in Malaysia, we can always look forward to an abundance of state holidays, religious holidays, and other days off.

Here's a handy list of all the public holidays that coincide with a #weekend, along with which weeks to apply for a day or two of annual leave to make the most of the break. So get your travel planner ready and block out these dates for that well-deserved vacay in 2022. 

Related: 7-Day Quarantine For Returning Travellers and More Travel SOPs to Know in Malaysia     

Labour Day and Hari Raya Aidilfitri

When: May 1, 2022 (Sunday), followed by Hari Raya Aidilfitri on May 3 (Tuesday) and 4 (Wednesday)

Total days off: 5

That's right, we've got a glorious five-day weekend to look forward to in 2022. The first weekend of May is expected to be a busy one for families bound for their hometowns for Hari Raya Aidilfitri and travellers who are eager to make the most of their time off.

See also: The Most Idyllic Luxury Holiday Resorts In Malaysia

Wesak Day weekend

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Above Wesak Day falls on a Sunday in 2022

When: May 15, 2022 (Sunday)

Total days off:

Buddhist devotees mark this special holiday with a visit to one of the nation's many stunning Buddhist temples. Feeling adventurous? Take Friday (May 13) off and plan a quick getaway to Thailand or the Maldives

See also: Penang & 3 Other Best Asian Islands For A Happy Retirement In 2021

The King's birthday

When: June 6, 2022 (Monday)

Total days off: 1

In Malaysia, the Agong's birthday is national holiday, so it's our good fortune that it happens to fall on a Monday next year. With the school holidays also coincidently ending on June 7, this could be the perfect weekend to whisk the family off on a road trip to Genting Highlands or a nature retreat not far from the city. 

More: The Best Nature Retreats Within A 2-Hour Drive From Kuala Lumpur     

Hari Raya Haji

When: July 11, 2022 (Monday)

Total days off: 1 (2 for residents of Perlis or Terengganu)

Hari Raya Haji falls on a Sunday in 2022, which means a public holiday for all Malaysian states except Johor on July 11, and a holiday for the states of Perlis and Terengganu on July 12. 

More: Discover The Top 5 Malaysian Destinations To Visit In 2021

Malaysia Day

When: September 16, 2022 (Friday)

Total days off: 1

Although Malaysia's Hari Merdeka or Independence Day will happen in the middle of the week on Wednesday, Hari Malaysia follows just two weeks later with a welcome public holiday on a Friday.   

See also: 5 Food-Fuelled Adventures To Experience In Malaysia

Prophet Muhammad's birthday

When: October 9, 2022 (Sunday)

Total days off: 1

Sunday (October 9) marks the celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday, followed by a holiday the next day on Monday for all Malaysian states expect Johor, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.  

See also: Plan A Trip To Malaysia’s Desaru Coast, Named One Of The World’s Greatest Places In 2021

Deepavali

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When: October 24, 2022 (Monday)

Total days off: 1

The Hindu festival of lights falls nicely on a Monday, the ideal holiday to end a weekend of shopping, family reunions, visits to Hindu temples, and the eye-catching floor art decorations known as 'kolam'.

Related: Sweet And Savoury Diwali Snacks To Celebrate The Festival of Lights

Christmas

When: December 25, 2022 (Sunday)

Total days off: 1

With Christmas Day falling on a Sunday, the next day is a national public holiday except in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu. 

See also: KL’s Hosts and Hostesses With The Mostest And Their Timeless Tips For Memorable Parties

 

Bonus: Plan your annual leave around these remaining public holidays in Malaysia

January 18: Thaipusam (Tuesday) 

February 1: Chinese New Year Day and Federal Territories Day (Tuesday)

February 2: The second day of Chinese New Year (Wednesday)

April 19: Nuzul Al-Quran (Tuesday)

July 30: Awal Muharram (Saturday)

August 31: Merdeka Day (Wednesday) 

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