Image credit: Ishan

19 - 21 January (Saturday - Monday)

Thaipusam falls on 21 January. For those who are not celebrating, this could be a nice weekend getaway opportunity.

1 - 6 February (Friday - Wednesday)

Federal Territory Day is on 1 February, while Chinese New Year is on 5 and 6 February.

Applying for a leave on 4 February will allow you to enjoy a six day break. While it's great for the celebrating Chinese community, this stretch is also good for family getaways for everybody else before school gets really crazy.

Image credit: Filios Sazeides

18 - 22 May (Saturday - Wednesday)

Wesak Day falls on 19 May, but since that's a Sunday, the holiday is carried forward to 20 May, Monday. Nuzul al-Quran falls on 22 May. Taking a one day leave on 21 May gives you a nice five day stretch for that much-needed mid year pick-me-up.

5 - 9 June (Wednesday - Sunday)

Hari Raya Aidilfitri falls on 5 and 6 June this year.

Apply for a leave on 7 June to get another five day break. A comfortable three months after Chinese New Year, it's a good time to organise a family reunion. Just keep an eye on the traffic conditions on the highways to avoid wasting your holiday away in the jam.

Image credit: Jamie Fenn

10 - 12 August (Saturday - Monday)

12 August is a replacement holiday for Hari Raya Haji which falls on 11 August, a Sunday.

Prepare for Q3 with a short and sweet nature retreat, perhaps?

31 August - 2 September (Saturday - Monday)

Malaysia's National Day falls on a Saturday, with the replacement holiday carried forward to Sunday. Awal Muharram is on 1 September, Sunday, so its replacement holiday is carried forward to 2 September, Monday.

Just your typical three-day weekend but hey, it's better than nothing.

7 - 9 September (Saturday - Monday)

Our Yang di-Pertuan Agong's birthday is on 9 September.

Take a break. Breathe in some nature by going on a camping trip, nature retreat, or just hike some hills.

Image credit: Skylar Sahakian

14 - 16 September (Saturday - Monday)

Malaysia Day is on 16 September.

If you plan to travel interstate, just keep in mind that this is a national holiday and everybody else might have the same idea. Get ready to rock Q4!

26 - 28 October (Saturday - Monday)

Deepavali is on 27 October, a Sunday.

With one more month to go before the year-end school holidays begin, take advantage of this weekend to travel somewhere that might otherwise typically be filled with kids during the school break.

Image credit: Amos Bar-Zeev

All in all, there will be nine long weekends coming up this year. A little strategic planning can go a long way, so don't forget to make the most of these 'given' long weekends. If you need inspiration on where to go and what to do, just have a look around on our site. There are plenty of activities and destinations to explore, depending on your preference and travel style.

Have fun planning your travels!