The more holidays, the merrier!
The new year is here and if you’re looking at the calendar, we’re pretty sure it’s to look at the upcoming public holidays! Aside from long weekends, 2019 will also have quite a few long holidays if you know which are the right days to apply for your leave days.
So make sure you strategise and score yourself an extended holiday by referring to the infographic below. Also, keep on reading for recommended destinations and travel inspirations for those vacation days.
January
19 – 21 January
Public holiday:21 Jan -Thaipusam (Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya & Selangor)
Recommended destination – Bangkok, Thailand![]()
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Amid the exciting rush of 2019, it helps to treat yourself to a little break. Recharge yourself during the Thaipusam long weekend and get fired up from the vigour of vibrant Bangkok! It certainly doesn’t hurt to visit the sacred shrines and temples around the city to pray for good luck for the rest of the year.
Known for having one of the most mouth-watering cuisines around the region, you’ll definitely be ready to hit the ground running again after fuelling yourself with delicious Thai street food and 7-Eleven snacks. Make the best with 3D2N in Bangkok and get a good bargain with these cheap and chic Bangkok hotels.
February
1 – 10 February
Take 3 days leave for a 10-day holiday
Public holidays:
- 1 Feb – Federal Territory Day (Kuala Lumpur, Labuan & Putrajaya)
- 5 Feb – Chinese New Year (National)
- 6 Feb – Chinese New Year (National)
Recommended destination – Palawan, Philippines![]()
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Combine your public holidays the weekends by taking a couple of days off in February. With this long holiday, it’s more than enough time to hit the beach during the dry season in Palawan and still have time to recuperate before work starts!
Voted as the most beautiful island for several years, you can’t go wrong with Palawan’s crystal clear water, sandy beaches, and blue skies. Discover the hidden gems in El Nido, work on your tan island hopping around Coron, explore massive limestone caves in Puerto Princesa and more. Check out Klook’s guide to Palawan for some insider tips!
May
1 – 5 May
Take 2 days leave for a 5-day holiday
18 – 12 May
Take 3 days leave for a 9-day holiday
Public holidays:
- 1 May – Labour Day (National)
- 19 May – Wesak Day (National)
- 20 May – Wesak Day (National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu)
- 22 May – Nuzul Al-Quran (National except Johor, Kedah, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah & Sarawak)
Recommended destination – Melbourne, Australia
As May rolls around, it’s time to stop and smell the coffee in Melbourne. Wonderfully cool and breezy during this time of the year, plan your great escape from the Malaysian heat to this popular Aussie city. Whether you’re up for a 3-day whirlwind holiday or a longer holiday, there are plenty of things to do in Melbourne.
Gorge yourself with local delicacies in the iconic Queen Victoria Market and explore Melbourne’s network of laneways in search of hole-in-the-wall cafes and shops. Get up close and personal with the great Australian wildlife in the zoo or embark on scenic day trips out of the city!
Recommended destination – Rome, Italy
May is one of the best times to visit Rome when temperatures are typically mild, right before the summer crowds take over the Eternal City. With thousands of years of art, architecture, and culture, Rome will give you an experience no history book can.
Prepare yourself with a Klook guide to Rome for first-timers. Witness the iconic Colosseum in person, stroll through the ruins at the Roman Forum, flip a coin into the Trevi Fountain and more. Make sure to indulge in plenty of pizza, pasta and gelato because as they say, do as the Romans do!
June
1 – 9 June
Take 3 days leave for a 9-day holiday
Public holidays:
- 5 June – Hari Raya Aidilfitri (National)
- 6 June – Hari Raya Aidilfitri (National)
Recommended destination – Santorini, Greece
As June rolls around, it’s no time to be giving up to the effects of the mid-year slump! Forget feeling drained and instead, focus your energy on having a magical time in Santorini, Greece. Easily recognisable around the world, this Greek island will dazzle you with its picturesque panoramas.
From romantic sunsets to beautiful beaches and whitewashed buildings catching your attention, it’s no wonder Santorini is one of the most coveted holiday destinations for many. Soaking in the sunshine and magic of this Greek island is the only antidote you need.
August
10 – 18 August
Take 4 days leave for a 9-day holiday
Public holidays:
- 11 August – Hari Raya Haji (National)
- 12 August – Hari Raya Haji (National)
Recommended destination – Ba Na Hills, Vietnam![]()
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Since the opening of the Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills, it has taken over Instagram feeds and Facebook timelines! Just a 45-minute car ride away from Da Nang, this beautiful hilltop resort perched atop a mountain is famous for its French village.
Surrounded by structures that look like medieval castles, it’s also a popular hub with endless entertainment. Many say it’s a must to take the world’s longest cable car ride heading up to Ba Na Hills and enjoy the scenic view! Discover more things to do with Klook’s first timer guide to Ba Na Hills.
September
1 – 16 September
Take 8 days leave for a 16-day holiday
Public holidays:
- 1 Sep – Awal Muharram (National)
- 2 Sep – Awal Muharram (National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu)
- 9 Sep – Agong’s Birthday (National)
- 16 Sep – Malaysia Day (National)
Recommended destination – Europe
With an extended holiday this month, you can make the best of it with an exciting Euro trip! Marking the start of autumn in many of the countries in Europe, you can expect the weather to be pleasant and chilly.
If you’re looking to hop around a few countries, it’s best to get yourself a Europe Rail Pass. From following the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes in London to scaling the height of Eiffel Tower in Paris, discovering the art scene in Amsterdam and more, embarking on this journey is one to remember!
Recommended destination – Japan
If you’re Malaysian, there’s a 99.9% chance that you’ve been to Japan, want to visit Japan, or know someone who’s been to Japan! A favourite travel destination for many across the world, this country is nothing short of enigmatic and eye-opening.
See the best of Japan with a JR Pass and hit up all the must-visit spots. Discover the magic in Tokyo Disney, get a food coma from the street food in Osaka, wander the ancient streets of Kyoto, bow to the deer in Nara, and more.
October
26 – 28 October
Public holiday:
- 27 Oct – Deepavali (National except Sarawak)
- 28 Oct – Deepavali (National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Sarawak & Terengganu)
Recommended destination – Hong Kong
Just a couple months away from Christmas, take the opportunity of October’s long weekend to shop for gifts and what better place than the shopping haven, Hong Kong! After your retail therapy in Mong Kok, walk along the neon-lit streets when dusk hits.
When in this vibrant city, you gotta have some of the most amazing dim sum, take the Peak Tram up to Hong Kong’s highest point, check out the nightlife scene in Lan Kwai Fong, indulge in one of these many iconic street food, and more!
December
21 – 29 December
Take 4 days leave for a 9-day holiday
Public holiday:
25 Dec – Christmas (National)
Recommended destination – Rovaniemi, Finland![]()
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If you’ve always dreamed of celebrating a White Christmas, Rovaniemi’s snow-covered landscape in Finland is the place to go. As the official hometown of Santa Claus, you’ll definitely enjoy a genuine Christmas experience like no other.
Welcome the festive spirits with a visit to the Santa Claus Village or a Christmas market. If it’s your first time in Rovaniemi, you can also chase after the elusive Northern Lights, try out the unique ice fishing experience, and tuck into a traditional Finnish meal in an ice restaurant.
Get your holiday essentials
Complete your travel with essentials like airport transfers, rail passes, WiFi rentals, SIM cards and more from klook.com. With convenient e-vouchers right at your hand, instant confirmation, skip-the-queue benefits and other perks, Klook is the only travel buddy you need!
