Malaysia Public Holidays 2026

Complete calendar with federal holidays, state holidays, long weekend strategies, and cultural insights for planning your year.

Federal Holidays

11+

Long Weekends

School Breaks

Max State Holidays

2026 Long Weekend Opportunities

New Year Extended

Jan 1-4

4 days

1 day leave

💡 Take Friday Jan 2 off for 4-day weekend

Thaipusam + FT Day

Jan 31-Feb 1

2 days

No leave needed

💡 Sat-Sun, natural weekend in KL/Putrajaya/Labuan

CNY Super Long

Feb 14-18

5 days

1 day leave

💡 Take Mon Feb 16 off for 5 days (Sat-Wed)

Hari Raya Weekend

Mar 20-22

3 days

No leave needed

💡 Fri-Sun, no leave needed!

Labour Day + Wesak

May 1-3

3 days

No leave needed

💡 Fri-Sun, double holiday!

Hari Raya Haji Extended

May 23-27

5 days

2 days leave

💡 Take Mon-Tue off for 5 days

Agong Birthday + Gawai

May 30-Jun 2

4 days

No leave needed

💡 Sat-Tue in Sarawak, 4 days!

Merdeka Weekend

Aug 29-31

3 days

No leave needed

💡 Sat-Mon, no leave needed!

Malaysia Day Extended

Sep 14-16

3 days

1 day leave

💡 Take Mon off for 3 days

Deepavali Extended

Oct 8-11

4 days

1 day leave

💡 Take Fri off for 4 days

Christmas Weekend

Dec 25-27

3 days

No leave needed

💡 Fri-Sun, no leave needed!

Federal Public Holidays 2026

Date	Day	Holiday
1 Jan	Thursday	New Year's Day
31 Jan	Saturday	Thaipusam
1 Feb	Sunday	Federal Territory Day
17 Feb	Tuesday	Chinese New Year
18 Feb	Wednesday	Chinese New Year (Day 2)
20 Mar	Friday	Hari Raya Aidilfitri
21 Mar	Saturday	Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Day 2)
1 May	Friday	Labour Day
1 May	Friday	Wesak Day
27 May	Wednesday	Hari Raya Haji
1 Jun	Monday	Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday
17 Jun	Wednesday	Awal Muharram
26 Aug	Wednesday	Maulidur Rasul
31 Aug	Monday	Merdeka Day
16 Sept	Wednesday	Malaysia Day
8 Oct	Thursday	Deepavali
25 Dec	Friday	Christmas Day

School Holidays 2026 (Cuti Sekolah)

2026 has four school breaks, Term 1 (late March), mid-year (late May-early June), Term 2 (late August) and the year-end break (December). Dates differ by one day between Group A (Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu) and Group B (all other states, incl. Johor).

Full school holiday dates by state →

Understanding Malaysian Holidays

Malaysia has one of the most generous public holiday systems in the world, with 11 federal public holidays observed nationwide plus additional state-specific holidays. The multicultural nature of Malaysia means holidays span Islamic, Chinese, Indian, Christian, and indigenous celebrations.

Federal vs State Holidays

Federal holidays are observed across all 13 states and 3 federal territories. State holidays are additional days off specific to each state, often celebrating the Sultan's or Governor's birthday, or local cultural events.

Total public holidays by state:

State	Federal	State	Total
Johor	11	2	13
Kedah	11	2	13
Kelantan	11	3	14
Melaka	11	2	13
Negeri Sembilan	11	1	12
Pahang	11	2	13
Penang	11	2	13
Perak	11	1	12
Perlis	11	1	12
Sabah	11	3	14
Sarawak	11	4	15
Selangor	11	1	12
Terengganu	11	2	13
KL/Putrajaya/Labuan	11	1	12

Replacement Holidays

When a public holiday falls on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday), the following Monday is typically declared a replacement holiday. This is automatic for federal holidays but varies by state for state holidays.

Islamic Holidays

Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar and shift approximately 11 days earlier each year. Dates are confirmed by moon sighting, so official dates may vary by 1-2 days from predictions. Key Islamic holidays in 2026:

Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr): March 20-21
Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha): May 27
Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year): June 17
Maulidur Rasul (Prophet's Birthday): August 26

Major Holidays Explained

Chinese New Year (February 17-18, 2026)

The Year of the Horse begins on February 17, 2026. This is the most significant holiday for Malaysia's Chinese community (23% of population). Celebrations last 15 days, culminating in Chap Goh Mei (Chinese Valentine's Day).

What to expect:

Red decorations everywhere from late January
Lion and dragon dances at malls and temples
Ang pow (red packets) given to unmarried individuals
Reunion dinners on CNY eve (Feb 16)
Many Chinese-owned businesses closed for 3-7 days
Yee sang (prosperity toss salad) at restaurants
Mandarin oranges exchanged as gifts

Best places to experience CNY:

Petaling Street, KL - Traditional Chinatown celebrations
Jonker Street, Melaka - Heritage town festivities
George Town, Penang - Temple celebrations and street performances
Thean Hou Temple, KL - Largest Chinese temple, spectacular decorations

Travel impact: Domestic flights and buses to hometowns are fully booked 2-3 weeks before. Hotels in tourist areas are 50-100% more expensive. Many restaurants closed.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri (March 20-21, 2026)

The biggest celebration for Malaysia's Muslim majority (61% of population). Marks the end of Ramadan fasting month. Also called "Hari Raya Puasa" or simply "Raya."

What to expect:

Month of Ramadan begins ~Feb 18, 2026
Ramadan bazaars (pasar Ramadan) every evening
"Balik kampung" (return to hometown) exodus
Open houses where anyone can visit for food
Traditional Malay cookies (kuih raya)
New clothes (baju Melayu, baju kurung)
Forgiveness-seeking tradition (maaf zahir batin)
Green and gold decorations

Best places to experience Raya:

Kampung Baru, KL - Traditional Malay village atmosphere
Kelantan/Terengganu - Most traditional celebrations
Any Malay kampung - Open houses welcome visitors

Travel impact: The "balik kampung" rush is Malaysia's largest annual migration. Highways jam for 8-12 hours. Flights/buses sold out weeks ahead. Book 2-3 months in advance.

Deepavali (October 8, 2026)

Festival of Lights celebrated by Malaysia's Indian community (7% of population). Symbolizes victory of light over darkness, good over evil.

What to expect:

Oil lamps (diyas) and kolam (rice flour art) at homes
Fireworks and firecrackers
New clothes and gold jewelry purchases
Open houses with Indian sweets and food
Banana leaf rice feasts
Temples decorated with lights

Best places to experience Deepavali:

Brickfields (Little India), KL - Main celebration hub
Jalan Masjid India, KL - Shopping and festivities
George Town, Penang - Little India celebrations
Johor Bahru - Large Indian community

Thaipusam (January 31, 2026)

Hindu festival honoring Lord Murugan. Famous for devotees carrying kavadi (elaborate structures) and body piercings as acts of devotion.

Best places to experience:

Batu Caves, KL - Largest celebration, 1 million+ visitors
Penang - Waterfall Temple procession
Ipoh - Cave temple celebrations

Note: Thaipusam is a federal holiday but not observed in Perlis, Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu.

Wesak Day (May 1, 2026)

Buddhist celebration of Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. Coincides with Labour Day in 2026.

What to expect:

Candlelight processions at temples
Vegetarian food offerings
Release of caged birds and animals
Temple visits and prayers

Best places:

Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang - Largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia
Thean Hou Temple, KL - Beautiful hilltop temple
Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields - Historic temple

State-Specific Holidays

Sabah - Pesta Kaamatan (May 30-31, 2026)

The Harvest Festival is Sabah's biggest celebration, honoring the rice spirit Bambaazon. Celebrated by the Kadazan-Dusun people, the largest indigenous group in Sabah.

What to expect:

Traditional tapai (rice wine) drinking
Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant
Traditional Sumazau dance
Thanksgiving rituals by bobohizan (priestesses)
Cultural villages come alive

Best places:

Penampang - Main celebration ground (KDCA)
Tambunan - Traditional Dusun heartland
Kota Kinabalu - City celebrations

Sarawak - Gawai Dayak (June 1-2, 2026)

Harvest festival celebrated by Sarawak's Dayak communities (Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu). One of the most unique cultural experiences in Malaysia.

What to expect:

Tuak (rice wine) and traditional food
Ngajat warrior dance
Longhouse visits and open houses
Traditional music (sape)
Cockfighting (in rural areas)

Best places:

Iban longhouses along Batang Ai, Lemanak, Skrang rivers
Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching
Bidayuh villages around Kuching

How to visit a longhouse:

Book through tour operators in Kuching
2-3 day trips include boat rides and overnight stays
Bring gifts (food, drinks) for hosts
Dress modestly, remove shoes indoors

Kelantan & Terengganu - Extended Hari Raya

These conservative East Coast states observe an additional day of Hari Raya (Day 3). They also have unique cultural practices:

No public entertainment during Ramadan
Stricter dress codes
Traditional Malay culture most preserved
Wayang kulit (shadow puppet) performances
Wau (kite) flying traditions

Sultan's Birthday Holidays

Each state with a Sultan celebrates the ruler's birthday as a state holiday. These are often marked with:

Royal parades
Award ceremonies
Public celebrations
Special sales at malls

Notable Sultan birthdays:

Johor (March 23) - Grand celebrations, state pride
Selangor (December 11) - Year-end festivities
Pahang (July 30) - Mid-year celebration
Perak (November 6) - Historical state celebrations

Holiday Planning Strategies

Maximizing Long Weekends in 2026

With strategic leave planning, you can turn 8 days of annual leave into 39 days off:

Period	Leave Days	Total Days Off	Holidays Used
Jan 1-4	1 (Fri)	4	New Year
Feb 14-18	1 (Mon)	5	CNY
Mar 19-22	1 (Thu)	4	Hari Raya
May 25-31	2 (Mon-Tue)	7	Raya Haji + Agong
Aug 27-31	2 (Thu-Fri)	5	Maulidur Rasul + Merdeka
Sep 14-16	1 (Mon)	3	Malaysia Day
Oct 8-11	0	4	Deepavali
Dec 24-27	0	4	Christmas

Best Times to Visit Malaysia

For tourists, consider:

Avoid (peak prices, crowds):

Chinese New Year week (Feb 14-21)
Hari Raya week (Mar 18-25)
School holidays (May 23-Jun 7, Nov 21-Dec 31)

Best value periods:

January (post-New Year lull)
March (after Hari Raya)
April (shoulder season)
September-October (between holidays)

Booking Strategies

Flights:

Book 3-4 months ahead for CNY, Hari Raya
Domestic flights surge 200-300% during balik kampung
Consider alternative airports (Subang vs KLIA)
Red-eye flights often cheaper

Hotels:

Book 2-3 months ahead for major holidays
Prices double during school holidays
Consider Airbnb in residential areas
Beach resorts most expensive during school breaks

Car rentals:

Book 1 month ahead for holiday periods
Prices surge 50-100% during long weekends
Consider one-way rentals to avoid traffic

Traffic Predictions

Worst traffic days in 2026:

Feb 16 (CNY eve) - KL to all directions
Mar 19 (Raya eve) - KL to East Coast, North
May 22 (School holiday start) - All highways
Nov 20 (Year-end holiday start) - All highways

Peak hours to avoid:

Outbound from KL: 2pm-10pm on eve of holidays
Return to KL: 2pm-10pm on last day of holidays

Alternative routes:

Use Waze/Google Maps for real-time updates
Consider trunk roads (slower but less jam)
Travel at night (after 10pm) or early morning (before 6am)
Take the scenic route through smaller towns

Business & Work Considerations

Office Closures

Government offices:

Closed on all federal and state holidays
Half-day on some eve of major holidays
Skeleton staff during extended holidays

Banks:

Closed on federal holidays
Some branches open on state holidays
ATMs always available
Online banking 24/7

Private sector:

Most follow federal holidays only
Some companies give additional days for major festivals
Multinational companies may follow home country holidays

Business Meeting Planning

Avoid scheduling important meetings:

Week before and after CNY (Feb 10-25)
Week before and after Hari Raya (Mar 13-28)
Friday afternoons (Muslim prayer time)
Ramadan afternoons (people fasting, low energy)

Best months for business:

January (fresh start, budgets approved)
April (post-Raya, pre-mid-year)
July-August (active period)
October (pre-year-end push)

Retail & F&B Industry

Peak sales periods:

CNY (Jan 15-Feb 17) - Chinese goods, decorations
Hari Raya (Feb 18-Mar 20) - Malay goods, fashion
Merdeka (Aug 15-31) - Patriotic sales, 31% discounts
Year-end (Nov 11-Dec 31) - 11.11, 12.12, Christmas sales

Restaurant considerations:

Many Chinese restaurants closed CNY week
Malay restaurants closed Raya week
Indian restaurants busy during Deepavali
Ramadan: Muslim restaurants closed daytime, busy at iftar

Employment Law

Under Malaysian Employment Act:

Employees entitled to 11 federal public holidays
If required to work on public holiday: 2x pay for regular employees
3x pay if holiday falls on rest day
Employers can substitute holidays with mutual agreement

For foreign workers:

Same holiday entitlements as locals
Some companies offer home leave during major festivals
Work permits may restrict travel during holidays

Cultural Etiquette During Holidays

Chinese New Year Etiquette

Do:

Wear red or bright colors (prosperity)
Give ang pow in even amounts (RM8, RM18, RM88)
Say "Gong Xi Fa Cai" (Mandarin) or "Keong Hee Huat Chye" (Hokkien)
Accept mandarin oranges graciously
Participate in yee sang tossing

Don't:

Wear black or white (funeral colors)
Give ang pow in odd amounts or with 4 (death number)
Sweep the floor on CNY day (sweeps away luck)
Give clocks as gifts (associated with death)
Cut hair during CNY (cutting luck)

Hari Raya Etiquette

Do:

Say "Selamat Hari Raya" and "Maaf Zahir Batin"
Dress modestly when visiting (cover shoulders, knees)
Remove shoes before entering homes
Accept food offerings graciously
Give duit raya (green packets) to children

Don't:

Visit during prayer times
Bring non-halal food to Muslim homes
Shake hands with opposite gender (unless offered)
Overstay your welcome (1-2 hours is appropriate)
Point with your index finger (use thumb)

Deepavali Etiquette

Do:

Say "Happy Deepavali" or "Deepavali Vazhthukkal"
Wear bright, colorful clothes
Accept sweets and food offerings
Admire kolam (floor art) without stepping on it
Remove shoes before entering homes

Don't:

Wear black or white
Step on the threshold (considered inauspicious)
Refuse food offerings (take at least a small portion)
Visit during prayer times (early morning)

General Open House Etiquette

Open houses are a Malaysian tradition where homes are open to all visitors during festivals:

Arrive during stated hours (usually 10am-10pm)
Bring a small gift (fruits, cookies, drinks)
Eat what's offered (at least taste)
Mingle with other guests
Thank the host before leaving
Don't bring uninvited guests without asking
Don't stay too long if house is crowded
Don't take photos without permission

Visiting Places of Worship

During religious holidays, tourists may visit temples, mosques, and churches:

Mosques:

Remove shoes
Women: cover hair, arms, legs (robes usually provided)
Men: long pants preferred
Don't enter during prayer times
Don't walk in front of people praying

Temples (Chinese/Hindu):

Remove shoes
Dress modestly
Don't point feet at altars
Ask before taking photos
Small donation appreciated

Churches:

Dress modestly
Silence phones
Don't interrupt services
Photography usually restricted during mass

Holiday Events & Festivals

January 2026

New Year Countdown (Dec 31-Jan 1):

KLCC Park - Fireworks, concerts
Dataran Merdeka - Countdown event
Genting Highlands - Theme park celebrations
Langkawi - Beach parties

Thaipusam (Jan 31):

Batu Caves - Main event, 1M+ visitors
Procession starts midnight from KL
Kavadi-bearing devotees
Vegetarian food stalls

February 2026

Chinese New Year (Feb 17-18):

Petaling Street - Street performances, lion dances
Thean Hou Temple - Lantern displays
Jonker Street, Melaka - Heritage celebrations
Penang - Clan jetties celebrations

Chap Goh Mei (Mar 3):

Penang Esplanade - Orange throwing (singles tradition)
Lantern festivals at temples
Final CNY celebrations

March 2026

Ramadan Bazaars (Feb 18-Mar 19):

Every town has evening food bazaars
Best: Kampung Baru KL, Jalan TAR
Traditional kuih, drinks, main dishes
Opens 3pm-7pm daily

Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Mar 20-21):

Open houses nationwide
Kampung Baru - Traditional celebrations
Malls - Raya decorations, performances
East Coast - Most traditional

May-June 2026

Wesak Day (May 1):

Buddhist temples - Candlelight processions
Kek Lok Si, Penang - Special prayers
Vegetarian food festivals

Pesta Kaamatan (May 30-31):

KDCA Penampang, Sabah - Main venue
Traditional games, dances
Unduk Ngadau pageant
Tapai drinking competitions

Gawai Dayak (Jun 1-2):

Sarawak longhouses - Open to visitors
Kuching - City celebrations
Traditional music and dance

August-September 2026

Merdeka Day (Aug 31):

Dataran Merdeka - Parade, flag raising
Nationwide celebrations
Patriotic concerts
Merdeka sales (31% discounts)

Malaysia Day (Sep 16):

Sabah & Sarawak - Major celebrations
Commemorates formation of Malaysia
Cultural performances

October-December 2026

Deepavali (Oct 8):

Brickfields - Little India celebrations
Temple ceremonies
Fireworks displays
Open houses

Christmas (Dec 25):

Malls - Elaborate decorations
Bukit Bintang - Christmas lights
Churches - Midnight mass
East Malaysia - Larger Christian population

Year-Round Events

Ramadan Bazaars:

Dates shift yearly (lunar calendar)
2026: Approximately Feb 18-Mar 19
Evening food markets nationwide
Best cultural food experience

Hungry Ghost Festival:

7th lunar month (approximately Aug 2026)
Chinese opera performances
Offerings and prayers
Avoid swimming, moving house

Nine Emperor Gods Festival:

9th lunar month (approximately Sep-Oct 2026)
Vegetarian festival
Temple processions
Fire-walking ceremonies

Practical Information

Emergency Services During Holidays

All emergency services operate 24/7:

Police: 999
Ambulance: 999
Fire: 994
Tourist Police: 03-2166 8322

Hospitals:

Government hospitals: Emergency 24/7, clinics may have reduced hours
Private hospitals: Normal operations
Pharmacies: Major chains open, independent may close

Transportation During Holidays

Flights:

Book early for CNY, Hari Raya (2-3 months ahead)
Expect 50-200% price increases
Check-in early (airports crowded)
Consider alternative airports

Trains (KTM, ETS):

Tickets sell out 1-2 weeks before major holidays
Book online at ktmb.com.my
Additional services sometimes added

Buses:

Book 1-2 weeks ahead
Prices increase 20-50%
Major terminals: TBS (KL), Larkin (JB), Butterworth (Penang)

Grab/Taxis:

Surge pricing during peak hours
May be difficult to get during balik kampung
Book in advance if possible

Money Matters

Banks:

Closed on public holidays
ATMs available 24/7
Online banking works normally
Currency exchange at airports/malls open

Shops:

Malls: Usually open (may have special hours)
Small shops: May close for cultural holidays
24-hour stores: 7-Eleven, MyNews always open

Communication

Post offices:

Closed on public holidays
Sincerely recommend sending important mail before holidays

Courier services:

May have delays during holiday periods
Express services usually available
Track packages online

Mobile/Internet:

Normal service
Telco shops may have reduced hours
Top-up available at convenience stores

What's Open During Major Holidays

Always open:

Hospitals (emergency)
Police stations
Fire stations
7-Eleven, convenience stores
Petrol stations
KLIA/airports
Major hotels

Usually open:

Shopping malls (may have special hours)
Tourist attractions
Fast food chains
Major restaurants

Often closed:

Government offices
Banks
Schools
Small family businesses
Specific ethnic restaurants during their festivals

Holiday Hotlines

Tourism Malaysia: 1-300-88-5050

Highway helpline: 1-800-88-7752

KLIA information: 03-8776 2000

KTM: 03-2267 1200

Grab support: In-app

Useful Apps

Waze/Google Maps: Traffic updates
Grab: Transportation, food delivery
Touch 'n Go: Highway tolls, payments
KTM Mobile: Train bookings
AirAsia/MAS: Flight bookings
Agoda/Booking: Hotel reservations

Holiday Shopping Guide

Major Sale Periods

Malaysian retailers time their biggest sales around public holidays. Here's when to find the best deals:

Chinese New Year Sales (Jan 15-Feb 17)

Discounts: 30-70% off
Best for: Fashion, electronics, home goods
Peak: Week before CNY
Note: Many shops close CNY day itself

Hari Raya Sales (Feb 18-Mar 20)

Discounts: 30-50% off
Best for: Fashion, home decor, food
Peak: Last 2 weeks of Ramadan
Note: Ramadan bazaars for traditional items

Merdeka Sales (Aug 15-31)

Discounts: 31% off (patriotic pricing)
Best for: Everything
Peak: Aug 31 weekend
Note: Look for 31% and 69% themed discounts

Malaysia Day Sales (Sep 10-16)

Discounts: 16% off common
Best for: Electronics, fashion
Peak: Sep 16 weekend

Year-End Sales (Nov 11-Dec 31)

11.11 (Nov 11): Online mega sale
12.12 (Dec 12): Second online mega sale
Christmas: Mall sales
Discounts: Up to 80% off
Best for: Everything

Shopping Tips by Holiday

Chinese New Year:

Buy mandarin oranges early (prices rise)
Ang pow packets available everywhere
Traditional cookies at bakeries
New clothes tradition = crowded malls

Hari Raya:

Baju Melayu/Kurung at Jalan TAR
Kuih raya at Ramadan bazaars
Home decorations at IKEA, MR DIY
Duit raya packets (green)

Deepavali:

Saris and Indian wear at Brickfields
Gold jewelry (traditional gift)
Sweets at Little India
Diyas and decorations

Best Shopping Destinations

Kuala Lumpur:

Pavilion KL - Luxury brands
Mid Valley - Everything
Suria KLCC - Premium shopping
Jalan TAR - Traditional Malay goods
Petaling Street - Bargains

Penang:

Gurney Plaza - Main mall
Queensbay Mall - Largest
Little India - Indian goods
Chowrasta Market - Local items

Online Shopping During Holidays

Major platforms run holiday sales:

Shopee: 11.11, 12.12, CNY, Raya sales
Lazada: Similar schedule
Zalora: Fashion-focused sales

Tips:

Add to cart early
Set reminders for flash sales
Check voucher stacking
Compare prices across platforms

Holiday Photography Opportunities

Best Photo Opportunities by Holiday

Chinese New Year

Red lantern decorations at malls
Lion dance performances
Thean Hou Temple decorations
Petaling Street festivities
Family reunion dinners (if invited)

Best spots:

Thean Hou Temple (KL) - Spectacular lanterns
Jonker Street (Melaka) - Heritage celebrations
Kek Lok Si Temple (Penang) - Largest display

Thaipusam

Kavadi bearers at Batu Caves
Devotee processions
Temple ceremonies
Night procession (starts midnight)

Tips:

Arrive early (crowds massive)
Respect devotees (ask before photographing)
Bring telephoto lens
Expect challenging lighting

Hari Raya

Mosque decorations
Ramadan bazaar scenes
Traditional Malay houses
Open house gatherings

Best spots:

Masjid Jamek (KL) - Beautiful mosque
Kampung Baru (KL) - Traditional village
East Coast states - Most traditional

Deepavali

Kolam (floor art) at homes
Oil lamp displays
Temple decorations
Little India festivities

Best spots:

Brickfields (KL) - Main celebrations
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Decorated homes (ask permission)

Merdeka Day

Flag displays everywhere
Parade at Dataran Merdeka
Fireworks (eve of Merdeka)
Patriotic decorations

Best spots:

Dataran Merdeka - Main parade
KLCC - Fireworks view
Merdeka 118 - New landmark

Photography Etiquette

Do:

Ask permission for portraits
Respect religious ceremonies
Share photos with subjects
Dress appropriately at religious sites

Don't:

Use flash during ceremonies
Block processions
Photograph without consent
Enter restricted areas

Gear Recommendations

Essential:

Wide-angle lens (decorations, crowds)
Fast lens (low light ceremonies)
Extra batteries (long days)
Memory cards (lots of shots)

Optional:

Telephoto (processions, details)
Tripod (night shots, fireworks)
Flash (fill light)
Rain cover (unpredictable weather)

Plan Your 2026 Trip

Get the complete guide to visiting Malaysia in 2026

View Full Travel Guide →

Note: Islamic holiday dates are based on lunar calendar predictions and may vary by 1-2 days based on moon sighting. State holidays may have additional variations.