Sabah public holiday dates in 2026 offer great opportunities for short escapes, nature adventures and fun weekend trips. Many Malaysians check public holiday Sabah schedules early to plan flights, hotels and activities around Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Sandakan and Semporna. Planning ahead helps secure better deals on Traveloka, especially during long weekends.
Below is the complete Sabah public holiday list for 2026. It includes national holidays and state-specific observances to help travellers plan their trips with ease.
Holiday | Type | Date | Notes |
New Year’s Day | National | 1 January 2026 | Start of the year |
Chinese New Year | National | 17–18 February 2026 | Two-day celebration |
Good Friday | State Holiday | 3 April 2026 | Christian observance |
Labour Day | National | 1 May 2026 | Public holiday Sabah also observes |
Hari Raya Aidilfitri | National | 20–21 May 2026 | Dates may shift depending on lunar sighting |
Kaamatan Festival | State Holiday | 30–31 May 2026 | Major Sabah cultural celebration |
Agong’s Birthday | National | 6 June 2026 | National observance |
Hari Raya Haji | National | 28 June 2026 | Islamic observance |
Awal Muharram | National | 27 July 2026 | Islamic New Year |
National Day | National | 31 August 2026 | Malaysia’s national celebration |
Malaysia Day | National | 16 September 2026 | Public holiday Sabah also observes |
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | National | 27 September 2026 | Islamic observance |
Deepavali | National | 8 November 2026 | Festival of Lights |
Christmas Day | National | 25 December 2026 | Year-end celebration |
These dates create ideal chances for travellers to enjoy Sabah’s natural attractions, beach destinations and cultural celebrations.
Sabah is known for its breathtaking landscapes. Visitors can enjoy Mount Kinabalu views in Kundasang, island hopping in Kota Kinabalu and diving in Semporna. Natural parks and beaches offer peaceful escapes during public holiday Sabah periods.
The Kaamatan Festival is one of Sabah’s most significant cultural celebrations. Travellers can also explore the Sabah State Museum, Monsopiad Cultural Village and heritage galleries across the state.
Sabah is famous for seafood, Tuaran Mee and Hinava. Travellers often use Sabah public holiday weekends to explore cafés in Kota Kinabalu, Likas and Damai, enjoying coffee and desserts with sea views.
Chinese New Year, Kaamatan and Christmas bring colourful parades and lively street scenes. Sabah’s festive energy makes long weekends even more enjoyable.
Wed, 14 Jan 2026

AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Start from RM 150.65
Wed, 21 Jan 2026

AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
Tawau (TWU) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Start from RM 65.82
Sat, 24 Jan 2026

AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
Kuching (KCH) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Start from RM 110.56
A gateway to island trips, food markets and waterfront views. It suits families, solo travellers and weekend explorers.
Known for cooling weather and scenic farms. A popular pick for Sabah public holiday road trips.
Perfect for wildlife lovers. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Kinabatangan River offer memorable experiences.
One of Malaysia’s top diving destinations. Island hopping here is ideal for long-weekend adventures.
Tambunan, Kudat and Kuala Penyu offer quiet escapes, stunning beaches and cultural charm.
Public holiday Sabah periods often attract more travellers flying into Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Early planning helps secure better flight deals, and Traveloka’s price alerts make it easier to track fare changes.
Hotels near KK Waterfront, Kundasang farms and Semporna jetty fill up quickly during long weekends. Travellers can use Traveloka Points to enjoy additional savings on hotels, airport transfers and activities.
Traveloka simplifies planning by offering easy comparisons for flights, hotels and local experiences all in one place.
Spend your first day exploring KK Waterfront and local markets. Use the second day for island hopping at Manukan or Sapi Island. Reserve the final morning for café hopping before your flight home.
Start with Desa Dairy Farm and scenic viewpoints. Continue with visits to Kinabalu Park and Kundasang markets. A relaxed final morning with mountain views completes the trip.
Begin with Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, then continue to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Explore Kinabatangan River and enjoy a peaceful final day in town.
Peak public holiday Sabah dates often bring higher demand for flights, hotels and activities. Travellers usually plan ahead to avoid last-minute crowds. Those visiting during Kaamatan or festive seasons benefit from early bookings, especially in popular areas like Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang.
Traveloka helps make Sabah trips smoother by offering easy access to flights, hotels, activities and airport transfers, along with secure payments and flexible options.
Sabah public holiday periods in 2026 offer memorable opportunities to explore islands, mountains, local food and cultural festivals. With early planning and the help of Traveloka’s features, every long weekend becomes a chance to discover something new across the Land Below the Wind.













