Sabah Public Holiday 2026

Traveloka MY
2 min read

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.

Sabah Public Holiday Dates 2026

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.

Things To Do During Sabah Public Holidays 2026

Nature and adventure

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.

Cultural experiences

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.

Food and café hopping

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.

Festivals and local events

Chinese New Year, Kaamatan and Christmas bring colourful parades and lively street scenes. Sabah’s festive energy makes long weekends even more enjoyable.

Discover flight with Traveloka

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

Top Places To Explore in Sabah 2026

Kota Kinabalu

A gateway to island trips, food markets and waterfront views. It suits families, solo travellers and weekend explorers.

Kundasang

Known for cooling weather and scenic farms. A popular pick for Sabah public holiday road trips.

Sandakan

Perfect for wildlife lovers. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Kinabatangan River offer memorable experiences.

Semporna

One of Malaysia’s top diving destinations. Island hopping here is ideal for long-weekend adventures.

Hidden gems

Tambunan, Kudat and Kuala Penyu offer quiet escapes, stunning beaches and cultural charm.

Flight and Hotel Tips for Sabah Public Holidays 2026

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.

Suggested Itineraries for Sabah Public Holidays 2026

Kota Kinabalu city and islands (3D2N)

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.

Kundasang cooling escape (3D2N)

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.

Sandakan nature and wildlife (4D3N)

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.

Travel Tips for Sabah Public Holidays 2026

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.

In This Article

• Sabah Public Holiday Dates 2026
• Things To Do During Sabah Public Holidays 2026
• Nature and adventure
• Cultural experiences
• Food and café hopping
• Festivals and local events
• Top Places To Explore in Sabah 2026
• Kota Kinabalu
• Kundasang
• Sandakan
• Semporna
• Hidden gems
• Flight and Hotel Tips for Sabah Public Holidays 2026
• Suggested Itineraries for Sabah Public Holidays 2026
• Kota Kinabalu city and islands (3D2N)
• Kundasang cooling escape (3D2N)
• Sandakan nature and wildlife (4D3N)
• Travel Tips for Sabah Public Holidays 2026

Flights Featured in This Article

Wed, 14 Jan 2026
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Start from RM 150.65
Book Now
Wed, 21 Jan 2026
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
Tawau (TWU) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Start from RM 65.82
Book Now
Sat, 24 Jan 2026
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
Kuching (KCH) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Start from RM 110.56
Book Now
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