Malaysia
Malaysia public holidays and festivals: dates and closures
Travelers should plan around Malaysia's national holidays—most banks, government offices and many attractions close on those dates; if you need services, avoid the listed days or check local schedules. Major tourist sites like Petronas Towers and Batu Caves usually stay open, and transport runs normally.
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GuideMalaysia
Key facts
- National holidays 2026check
- New Year’s Day 1 Jan; Chinese New Year (Feb 10‑11); Labour Day 1 May; Wesak Day 22 May; Hari Raya Puasa (May 16); King’s Birthday 6 Jun; Hari Raya Haji (Jul 6); Merdeka Day 31 Aug; Malaysia Day 16 Sep; Deepavali (Oct 23); Christmas 25 Dec
- Typical closures
- Banks, post offices, public schools, government offices, most museums and many restaurants
- Exceptions
- Major tourist sites (e.g., Petronas Towers, Batu Caves) usually stay open; hotels and transport run normally
Quick answer
Avoid 1 Jan, 10‑11 Feb, 1 May, 22 May, 16 May, 6 Jun, 6 Jul, 31 Aug, 16 Sep, 23 Oct and 25 Dec for banking, government and many attractions; most tourist venues stay open.
2026 public holidays (Malaysia)
| Date | Holiday | Typical closures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day | Banks, govt offices |
| 10‑11 Feb | Chinese New Year | Banks, schools, many shops |
| 1 May | Labour Day | Public sector |
| 22 May | Wesak Day | Banks, schools |
| 16 May | Hari Raya Puasa | Banks, govt offices |
| 6 Jun | King’s Birthday | Banks, schools |
| 6 Jul | Hari Raya Haji | Banks, govt offices |
| 31 Aug | Merdeka Day | Banks, schools |
| 16 Sep | Malaysia Day | Banks, govt offices |
| 23 Oct | Deepavali | Banks, schools (some states) |
| 25 Dec | Christmas Day | Banks, govt offices |
Closures apply nationwide; some states add extra holidays (check local calendars).
What typically closes
Bank branches and ATMs (except 24‑hour machines) are shut. Post offices, government departments, public schools and most museums follow the holiday schedule. Restaurants in malls may close, while street‑food stalls often stay open.
Transport services (airlines, intercity buses, trains) run on regular timetables; however, ticket offices may be closed, so book online.
Planning tips
Check the official tourism board calendar for any state‑specific holidays before booking tours.
If you need banking, withdraw cash a day before a holiday or use 24‑hour ATMs.
Major attractions like the Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves, and theme parks usually remain open, but verify ahead.
- Carry a small amount of cash for holidays.
- Book museum tickets in advance when possible.
- Confirm restaurant opening times if you plan a special meal.
Questions people ask
What are the public holidays in Malaysia?
Malaysia’s 2026 public holidays are New Year’s Day (1 Jan), Chinese New Year (10‑11 Feb), Labour Day (1 May), Wesak (22 May), Hari Raya Puasa (16 May), King’s Birthday (6 Jun), Hari Raya Haji (6 Jul), Merdeka Day (31 Aug), Malaysia Day (16 Sep), Deepavali (23 Oct) and Christmas (25 Dec).
Which festivals are worth planning a trip around in Malaysia?
Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and the Gawai Dayak (Sarawak, check local calendar) offer street celebrations, night markets and cultural performances.
What closes on public holidays in Malaysia?
Banks, post offices, government offices, public schools and most museums close. Major tourist sites, hotels, airlines and most restaurants stay open, but verify ahead.
What are the 2026 public holidays in Malaysia?
New Year's Day (1 Jan), Chinese New Year (10-11 Feb), Labour Day (1 May), Wesak Day (22 May), Hari Raya Puasa (16 May), King's Birthday (6 Jun), Hari Raya Haji (6 Jul), Merdeka Day (31 Aug), Malaysia Day (16 Sep), Deepavali (23 Oct) and Christmas (25 Dec).
Which festivals offer street celebrations in Malaysia?
Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and the Gawai Dayak (Sarawak) feature street celebrations, night markets and cultural performances.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Malaysia
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