Plan to Visit Malaysia in 2026

Planning for 2026 is going to pay off big time

With a full calendar of public holidays and plenty of long weekends lined up, the year is shaping up to be one of the best chances to recharge, travel, and spend quality time with loved ones. Imagine avoiding last-minute stress because hotels, tickets, and tours were booked months earlier, or enjoying a perfectly timed family road trip that fits right into the school break. That’s exactly what this 2026 Malaysia Public Holiday and Long Weekend Guide is here for: a simple way to see when the breaks fall and how you can turn them into memorable getaways.

Complete List of Malaysia Public Holidays 2026

Here’s the full breakdown of Malaysia’s national public holidays in 2026, along with smart ways to stretch them into long weekends. Keep this list bookmarked because it is the kind of calendar you will want to glance at whenever planning a leave or a quick escape.

If you are eyeing longer breaks in 2026, make a note of February, May, June, and September. These months come with 5-day holidays such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Haji, Awal Muharram, and Malaysia Day. They are the perfect chances to go beyond a quick staycation and turn the time off into a proper getaway, whether that means exploring a new city abroad or enjoying a longer domestic adventure.

Festive periods like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and Christmas always see high demand. It is not just hotels and flights that fill up quickly, but also attraction tickets, guided tours, and festive dining packages. Booking early helps you secure better rates and guarantees your spot at popular experiences before they sell out.

To make planning easier, the following guide lays out ideas for 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day getaways, so you can match each holiday to the trip that fits best.

Best 3-Day Trip Ideas (Short Getaways)

Penang 3-Day Itinerary: Food, Street Art & Hidden Gems

Day 1: Street Art, Heritage Flavours, and Gurney Drive Nights

Start your morning in Georgetown, wandering through the famous murals and steel-rod sculptures that turn alleyways into open-air galleries. Stop for kopi or desserts in heritage cafés, and don’t miss Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol to cool down.

In the afternoon, drop by the Wonderfood Museum.This playful museum takes Penang’s food heritage and magnifies it with more than 100 oversized food replicas, from giant bowls of laksa to towering char kway teow. It is fun, quirky, and endlessly photo-worthy.

Plan for one to two hours so you can read the food stories, enjoy the interactive displays, and capture photos without rushing.

As evening arrives, head to Gurney Drive Hawker Center to try street food, where sizzling char kway teow, Penang laksa, and satay fill the air with flavour.

Day 2: Rainforest Trails and Butterfly Magic

Rise early and take the train or car up Penang Hill. Spend the morning at About 800 metres above sea level, The Habitat Penang Hill offers a rainforest retreat above the city. Visitors can walk the Langur Way canopy, cross the Curtis Crest treetop walk, and follow trails that blend wild rainforest with curated educational stops. Sometimes the forest feels alive with whispers: rare flora, bird calls, or simply the hush of greenery.

Early morning or late afternoon brings softer light and fewer people. Pairing this visit with sunrise or sunset views on Penang Hill makes it even more memorable. Booking your ticket in advance is a good idea, as weekends can get busy.

After lunch, make your way to Entopia Butterfly Sanctuary in Teluk Bahang. Entopia is more than a butterfly farm, it is a micro-ecosystem where more than 13,000 butterflies from 120 species roam in domes and outdoor gardens. Afternoons are a good time to see butterflies resting or basking. On Thursday to Sunday evenings, Entopia by Night transforms the space with soft lighting, nocturnal insects, and ambient music.

Advance booking is recommended, especially for the night sessions, since capacity is limited. A ticket not only gives you access but also helps you slow down and enjoy Penang’s natural side at your own pace.

Day 3: Thrills, Trails, and a Taste of Adventure

Kick off the day at ESCAPE Theme Park in Teluk Bahang, a forest playground where rope courses, water slides, obstacle challenges, and lush greenery come together. With more than 35 rides and activities of varying difficulty, the park welcomes kids, teens, and adults who want to feel like kids again.

Begin at Adventureplay, the dry zone, where you can zip-line across treetops, climb, and test your strength on obstacle courses built for all ages and abilities. Challenge your balance, race friends on rope swings, or jump from dizzying heights with proper safety gear provided.

Move on to Waterplay, home to the park’s most famous attractions. Slide down the Guinness World Record tube water slide, float lazily along the river, or race friends at Speed Racer. For more adrenaline, try the diving towers or extreme waterslides that send you rushing at incredible speeds.

ESCAPE is also home to Southeast Asia’s longest zip coaster and the world’s longest tube slide, so thrills are guaranteed from start to finish.

Pro tips: Arrive early to cover both zones before crowds grow. Entry uses facial recognition, so be ready to register a selfie. Wear comfortable shoes and quick-dry clothes, especially if you plan to explore Adventureplay and Waterplay on the same day.

Essential Travel Tips for Penang 3-Day Itinerary

The best times to explore Penang are in the mornings and late afternoons, when the streets are cooler and less crowded, making it perfect for mural walks and food hunts. Book attraction tickets for popular spots like ESCAPE Theme Park, The Habitat Penang Hill, and Entopia Butterfly Sanctuary in advance, especially during weekends and school holidays. Comfortable shoes are a must since much of Georgetown is best enjoyed on foot, and carrying a light umbrella or rain jacket helps with sudden tropical showers. Don’t forget to pace your trip with a mix of energetic activities and quieter stops in cafés or museums so you can truly savour Penang without feeling rushed.

Where to Stay in Penang?

Where you stay in Penang will shape how each day unfolds. A base in Georgetown works best if your plans revolve around street art walks, café hopping, and evening food hunts, since everything is within easy walking distance. For those who prefer misty mornings, quiet surroundings, and convenient access to nature attractions, hillside resorts near Penang Hill or boutique lodges around Teluk Bahang are a better fit. If you want more flexibility, a mid-island location like the new Penang Marriott Hotel makes it easy to split your time between the city’s heritage core and the greener, more laid-back parts of the island.

Langkawi 3-Day Itinerary: Island Bliss & Sky Heights

Day 1: Wildlife, Underwater Worlds & Dinner Cruise

Your first full day in Langkawi is all about nature and a relaxing evening on the water. In the morning, a wander through Langkawi Wildlife Park sets the tone, parrots calling out, colorful birds flying close enough to make you laugh, and deer gently nudging for a snack.

It’s playful, a little chaotic, but such a fun way to ease into the day.

Later, the heat outside gives way to the cool tunnels of Underwater World Langkawi. The moment you look up and see sharks and rays gliding right overhead, time slows.

Penguins shuffle along, tropical fish dart past, and for a while, you forget you’re on an island.

By evening, the pace shifts. The Sunset Cruise & Private Yacht Dinner is all calm waters and pastel skies. There’s something about being on deck as the sun dips, the sea glowing gold and pink, that makes dinner feel like a celebration. It’s the kind of moment you tuck away as one of the best parts of the trip.

Day 2: Island Hopping Splash & Wildlife Encounters

The second day is all about the sea. Boarding the boat, there’s a little excitement in the air, the kind that comes before a day of island hopping. The first stop, Pulau Dayang Bunting, feels almost otherworldly. Swimming in the lake with cliffs towering all around, you catch yourself thinking how different it feels from any other beach.

Then comes the thrill of eagle watching at Pulau Singa. Dozens of them circling, swooping, catching fish in a single flash, it’s one of those scenes that makes everyone on the boat go quiet for a moment. By the time you reach Pulau Beras Basah, the day has softened into easy rhythms: sun, sand, turquoise waters, and a bit of snorkeling.

On the ride back, with salty hair and a warm breeze on your face, you realise these small island stops are the heart of Langkawi’s charm. And if you find yourself wanting even more, Paradise 101 Langkawi is another island escape worth checking out, parasailing, water sports, even zip-lining if you’re up for it.

Day 3: Sky High Views, 3D Wonders & Splash Time

The last day is for going big. Taking the SkyCab, the cable car climbs slowly, and suddenly the whole island opens up beneath you. The rainforest looks endless, the ocean stretches far, and if the sky is clear, you might even glimpse the coast of Thailand. At the top, it’s a mix of awe and laughter, especially when you dive into SkyRex, SkyDome, and the playful illusions at the 3D Art Museum.

And then, if you’re not quite ready to wind down, Splash Out Langkawi is the perfect finale. Families race down rainbow slides, kids squeal in the splash zones, and even the adults end up floating lazily along the river, soaking up the last of the island sun. It’s pure joy, the kind that leaves you grinning even as you pack your bags.

Essential Travel Tips for Langkawi 3-Day Itinerary

Mornings and late afternoons are the best times to explore Langkawi, with softer light, cooler air, and fewer crowds. To avoid disappointment during peak seasons or long weekends, it is wise to book your sunset cruise, island-hopping tour, and SkyCab combo tickets in advance. Packing sunblock, a light rain jacket, and swimwear will keep you ready for both tropical sunshine and sudden showers. Most importantly, try to balance energetic activities with slower moments of rest so your trip feels refreshing rather than exhausting.

Where to Stay in Langkawi?

If you’re after calm and comfort, Bella Vista Waterfront Resort is a lovely pick. Waking up to wide sea views feels special, and many travelers enjoy relaxing by the pool with a drink as the sun dips low. Its tranquil setting gives you space to recharge after a day of exploring, and being close to Kuah town keeps things practical.

The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa is another place that travelers like for its central location. You’ll be near Eagle Square and Maha Tower, with food and shopping just a short walk away. The view of the sea from the huge pool is stunning, especially at sunset. There are several good restaurants within walking distance, and Kilim Geoforest Park is just a half-hour drive.

For a luxury experience, The Danna Langkawi stands out. Many describe arriving here as a “wow” moment, with grand architecture and a private beach surrounded by greenery. The infinity pool is spectacular, and the restaurants serve food that guests remember long after their stay.

Service is a major highlight, staff are warm, attentive, and make you feel genuinely cared for. Rooms are elegant and spacious, with options for private pool villas or oceanfront views. It’s a peaceful place to unwind, with a marina nearby if you want to head out on excursions.

Our 2026 Adventures Start Here

From Penang’s street food and seaside charm, to Langkawi’s island calm, Hanoi’s culture-filled streets, Asia is calling, and every destination has something special waiting for you. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or a longer five-day getaway, now’s the perfect time to plan ahead and grab the best deals.

Special Offer for You: Download the KKday App and enjoy 5% off your first booking with the code BLOG5OFF(exclusive for new users). You can also find more travel deals under the Deals tab to make your trip easier, smarter, and more rewarding.

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Your 2026 holiday starts with one small step, so start dreaming, start planning, and get ready to go.

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