January marks the beginning of a brand-new year, and Malaysians can look forward to a few public holidays that offer a perfect excuse for a short getaway. For those planning ahead, knowing the January 2026 Public Holiday schedule can help maximise time off with family or friends. Below is the full list of nationwide and regional holidays for the month.

The first day of January 2026 Public Holiday gives many Malaysians the chance to kick off the year with a well-deserved rest. Although not all states observe New Year’s Day, it remains one of the most popular times for domestic travel. Many city dwellers take this opportunity to enjoy a beach retreat or mountain escape.

The next notable public holiday in January 2026 Malaysia Public Holiday calendar is Thaipusam. Celebrated by the Hindu community, this colourful festival attracts thousands of devotees and tourists to Batu Caves in Selangor and Waterfall Temple in Penang. If you plan to experience this vibrant celebration, make sure to arrive early to witness the stunning kavadi procession.

The mid-term school break in late January 2026 aligns perfectly with Thaipusam, making it a good time for families to plan short holidays. With a bit of strategic leave-taking, travellers can enjoy up to four consecutive days off between 29 January and 1 February. This is an excellent window for a road trip to Ipoh, Penang, or Melaka, or even a quick flight to East Malaysia.

Families can also take advantage of the cooler weather to visit nature attractions like Genting Highlands or Fraser’s Hill. These destinations offer both leisure and family-friendly activities.

January is a pleasant month for travel across Malaysia, with cooler weather in highlands and calm seas along the coast. Here are some recommendations to make the most of your Public Holiday January 2026 Malaysia calendar:

Spend your long weekend exploring Kuala Lumpur’s attractions such as Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower and the shopping districts of Bukit Bintang. You can also visit nearby Genting Highlands for cool weather, entertainment and theme park fun.

The start of the year is a great time to visit Penang. Walk around George Town’s historic streets, enjoy local hawker food and relax at Batu Ferringhi Beach. The calmer atmosphere after the festive season makes sightseeing easy and enjoyable.

Langkawi is a popular choice for the public holiday January 2026 Malaysia break. The sunny weather is perfect for island hopping, snorkelling and cable car rides. You can also unwind by the beach at Pantai Cenang or explore the mangrove forests at Kilim Geoforest Park.

If you prefer cool weather, visit Cameron Highlands for tea plantations and fresh mountain air. Ipoh is another good option, known for its heritage buildings, limestone caves and delicious local food.

In East Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu offers a relaxed mix of city and nature. Spend your break at Tanjung Aru Beach, explore nearby islands or hike to the foothills of Mount Kinabalu for scenic views.

Although Johor does not observe New Year’s Day as a public holiday, you can still plan a quick weekend retreat to Desaru Coast. The resorts, golf courses and family attractions make it a convenient choice for a short escape.

Taking time off during the January 2026 Malaysia Public Holiday period is a wonderful way to recharge and explore more of what the country has to offer. With thoughtful planning, you can turn these short breaks into memorable experiences. Discover the best travel options and plan your next getaway conveniently with Traveloka.