Many of Malaysia's festivals and holidays relate to cultural rites, the dates of which are not fixed but follow the lunar or Muslim calendar. These include Hari Raya Puasa, the main Muslim festival, a 2-day holiday celebrating the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan; Hari Raya Haji, celebrating the annual Muslim pilgrimage season; Awal Muharam, the Muslim New Year; and the Birthday of Prophet Muhammad, during which prayers and Quran recitals are held at mosques.

Some Malaysia festivals are observed only in certain states; for example, the birthday of the respective state sultans. If a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is a holiday; likewise if a holiday falls on a Thursday or Friday in the states that follow the Muslim week, the following Saturday is a holiday. Check with Tourism Malaysia for specific dates.

Malaysia School holidays occur during the months of March, May/June, August, November/December. When planning your Malaysia holiday, avoid these periods! Ask the concierge at your Malaysia hotel for details.

January New Year's Day (1st); Thaipusam, the Hindu festival of penance, celebrated colorfully in Kuala Lumpur and Penang

January/February Chinese New Year, a 2-day holiday for the main Chinese festival celebrated over a 15-day period. Make sure to visit Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown during this period.

April Pesta Kaul, a Melanau festival celebrated in the fishing communities around Mukah on Sarawak's north coast.

May Labor Day (1st); Vesak Day, temple celebrations to mark Buddha's birth, death and enlightenment;
Harvest Festival, a 2-day holiday, the main festival for the different tribal groups of the state of Sabah

June Gawai, a 2-day holiday that is the main official festival for the different tribal groups of Sarawak; Birthday of the Yang Dipertuan Agung (king) (5th)

August National Day (31st), celebrated with parades.

October/November Deepavali, Hindu festival of lights

December Christmas (25th), midnight mass, celebrated in churches all over.

Find out more about the diversity of Malaysia culture with with an extended stay at a Sarawak hotel or Melaka hotel. We have recommendations for Malaysia Travel and a Malaysia Travel Guide with Malaysia Tavel Tips on Malaysia Dining, Malaysia Beaches and Malaysia Sightseeing. Find out about the metropolis Kuala Lumpur with Kuala Lumpur Travel info, Kuala Lumpur Culture and Kuala Lumpur Sightseeing. Here you have all the Kuala Lumpur travel information you’ll ever need. We can also find the finest Malaysia hotels and Kuala Lumpur hotels at discountend rates.

Malaysia Travel Guide - with Wired Destinations

Malaysia Festivals and Holidays – with Wired Destinations