Are you planning a short family trip, a staycation, a weekend getaway or a longer domestic vacation around your children’s school holiday dates? Knowing the Malaysian school calendar will offer you plenty of opportunities to decide where to go during school holidays in Malaysia and plan a vacation in Malaysia.
In Malaysia, students get a combination of federal holidays and state-specific holidays. In addition, schools are divided into Group A and Group B according to the Ministry of Education school groups, so knowing Malaysia school holidays 2026 dates in advance will help you plan a vacation properly on a budget.
This guide covers the Malaysia school holidays 2026 dates by school group, school holiday terms and practical ideas for where to go during school holidays in Malaysia.
| School holiday period | Group A dates | Group B dates | Best use for families |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 break | 20–28 Mar 2026 | 21–29 Mar 2026 | Short domestic trips, family visits |
| Mid-year break | 22 May–6 Jun 2026 | 23 May–7 Jun 2026 | Best window for longer holidays |
| Term 2 break | 28 Aug–5 Sep 2026 | 29 Aug–6 Sep 2026 | Beach trips, regional travel |
| Year-end break | 4–31 Dec 2026 | 5–31 Dec 2026 | Ideal for major family vacations |
Malaysia School Holiday Groups: Which Calendar Applies to Your State?
In Malaysia, the weekend differs between states: while the majority of states observe weekends on Saturday and Sunday, some states observe weekends on Friday and Saturday. Based on these arrangements, the Ministry of Education divides schools into 2 groups: Group A and Group B, with school holiday dates varying slightly.
Group A States
Group A States comprise
- Kedah
- Kelantan
- Terengganu
These states have a Friday–Saturday weekend, so their school week runs from Sunday to Thursday. Accordingly, their term break begins one day earlier than Group B States.
Group B States and Federal Territories
Group B covers the remaining states and federal territories, including:
- Johor
- Melaka
- Negeri Sembilan
- Selangor
- Perak
- Penang
- Perlis
- Pahang
- Sabah
- Sarawak
- Kuala Lumpur
- Putrajaya
- Labuan
Group B states follow a Saturday–Sunday weekend. Accordingly, their term break begins one day later than in Group A States.
Here is a comparison between Group A and Group B states.
| Comparison | Group A | Group B |
|---|---|---|
| States | Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu | Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor |
| Federal Territories | Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Putrajaya | |
| Number of areas | 3 | 13 |
| Weekend | Friday–Saturday | Saturday–Sunday |
| School year starts | 11 Jan 2026 | 12 Jan 2026 |
| Term 1 holiday | 20–28 Mar 2026 | 21–29 Mar 2026 |
| Mid-year holiday | 22 May–6 Jun 2026 | 23 May–7 Jun 2026 |
| Term 2 holiday | 28 Aug–5 Sep 2026 | 29 Aug–6 Sep 2026 |
| Year-end holiday | 4–31 Dec 2026 | 5–31 Dec 2026 |
| Planning consideration | Earlier holiday dates | Holidays generally start 1 day later |
Before deciding where to go during school holidays in Malaysia, double-check the Malaysia school holidays 2026 dates! That is because your child’s school may have different school holiday dates in Malaysia from your relatives in another state, so check before booking.
Full Malaysia School Holidays 2026 Calendar
Malaysia’s school holiday 2026 calendar is divided into Group A and Group B, depending on the school-week schedules followed by different states. Let us take a look at school holidays in Malaysia in 2026 and, based on that, choose places to vacation in Malaysia.
First Term School Holidays: March 2026
The first term holiday falls in late March and usually overlaps with Hari Raya Aidilfitri. In 2026, Hari Raya fell on 20 March (with the public holidays in school observed from 20–21 March), making it a popular time to visit places in Malaysia.
Group A: 20–28 March 2026
Group B: 21–29 March 2026
The March break is well suited to taking a short vacation in Malaysia, like taking city breaks or visiting family attractions with family and relatives. With nine calendar days available, families can plan as to where to go during school holidays in Malaysia and budget for it.
20–28 March
Group A school break
21–29 March
Group B school break
29 March 2026
Group A holiday resumes
30 March 2026
Group B holiday resumes
Mid-Year School Holidays: May–June 2026
The mid-year break is one of the best times to plan a longer vacation in Malaysia and make a list of places to visit. Families get more time to combine multiple destinations like Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, or Labuan, or even stay close to home like Cameron Highlands or Genting Highlands.
Group A: 29 May–13 June 2026
Group B: 30 May–14 June 2026
However, note that since this is the holiday season, accommodation and transport costs can rise, so book ahead.
29 May–13 June
Group A school break
30 May–14 June
Group B school break
14 June 2026
Group A school resumes
15 June 2026
Group B school resumes
Second Term School Holidays: August–September 2026
The second term school holidays in Malaysia 2026 fall close to the Merdeka period, so travel demand might rise during this period depending on the public holiday school arrangements for the year.
Group A: 28 August–5 September 2026
Group B: 29 August–6 September 2026
Families who are planning Malaysia budget travel destinations are advised to book flights, trains, hotels, and other transport arrangements in advance.1
28 August–5 September
Group A school break
29 August–6 September
Group B school break
6 September 2026
Group A school resumes
7 September 2026
Group B school resumes
Year-End School Holidays: December 2026
The December break is the longest school holiday of the year, making it an ideal time to go on an extended vacation in Malaysia to places like Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu. However, since the Malaysia school holidays coincide with Christmas and New Year travel demand, it makes booking popular destinations during the Malaysia school holidays costlier.
Group A: 4–31 December 2026
Group B: 5–31 December 2026
Also note the east coast monsoon season might play havoc with your plans. Rough seas can make island crossings difficult, so if you are planning to visit Terengganu, Pahang, or Kelantan, be sure to note ferry timings and talk to your resort in advance.
4–31 December
Group A school break
5–31 December
Group B school break
31 December 2026
Both groups remain on their year-end school holiday through the end of the year
| Holiday Period | Group A | Group B | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term School Holidays | 20 March 2026 - 28 March 2026 | 21 March 2026 - 29 March 2026 | 9 days |
| Mid-Year School Holidays | 29 May 2026 - 13 June 2026 | 30 May 2026 - 14 June 2026 | 16 days |
| Second Term School Holidays | 28 August 2026 - 5 September 2026 | 29 August 2026 - 6 September 2026 | 9 days |
| Year-End School Holidays | 4 December 2026 - 31 December 2026 | 5 December 2026 - 31 December 2026 | 28 days |
School Holidays vs. Public Holidays in Malaysia: What Parents Should Know
Deciding where to go during school holidays in Malaysia can be much easier and not cause confusion when you know the difference between Malaysia school holidays and public holidays. While the two calendars might overlap sometimes, they are not the same, so remember to check before booking your family vacation in Malaysia.
What is your biggest school holiday travel expense?
School holidays follow Malaysia’s education calendar, with specific holiday periods throughout the year. On the other hand, public holidays like Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year are declared at the national or state level.
An important point for parents to note is that a public holiday does not automatically mean an extended school closure.
Schools follow the education calendar, so a single public holiday will simply provide a day off rather than create a longer break, allowing you to make a list of Malaysia budget travel destinations and decide how to budget for the school holidays.
Also, public holidays can vary depending on the state, religion, and local observance. Therefore, before booking flights or hotels, check both the official school calendar and the relevant public holiday dates for your state.
| Planning item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| School holiday calendar | Confirms when children are officially out of school |
| National public holidays | May create long weekend opportunities and higher travel demand |
| State public holidays | Can affect travel business hours and local attractions |
| Religious and cultural observances | Some holidays vary by state or local arrangements |
| Weekend dates | A public holiday next to a weekend can extend a family break |
| Weather conditions | Important for island beach hiking and road-trip plans |
| Accommodation and transport demand | Popular school-break and public-holiday periods can sell out or become more expensive |
| School-specific notices | Private and international schools may have calendars that differ from the government-school calendar |
Malaysia school holidays and state public holidays can fall on the same date, but they follow completely different calendars!
So, before deciding where to go during school holidays in Malaysia, search for best value months for each term break or how to budget for the school holidays, and check both calendars.
Where to Go During School Holidays in Malaysia
Best Places for a Short School Holiday Break
March and August/September school breaks are one of the best value months for term breaks.2 For short school holidays during these months, families should select destinations that take less time to reach and offer a range of activities. Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Melaka and Penang are suitable for two to four nights, with options like museums, parks, and indoor options.
Kuala Lumpur has several museums like the National Museum, Petrosains, The Discovery Centre, the National Science Centre, and the Royal Malaysia Police Museum that offer a good introduction to Malaysia's history and keep the children engaged.
KL has several parks and open spaces like KLCC Park, Perdana Botanical Gardens, and the National Parliament area where families can spend quality time without paying for indoor attractions.
The weather can be quite unpredictable during the March and August/September school breaks, so include indoor options like shopping malls or indoor family attractions in your itinerary.
Explore George Town’s colourful streets and discover heritage sites such as Khoo Kongsi, the Blue Mansion, Fort Cornwallis, and the Kapitan Keling Mosque.
Penang’s major attractions are relatively close to each other, making it easy to budget for the school holidays and plan a short, well-paced holiday.
Penang offers a mix of culture, food, and family-friendly attractions, making it a budget travel destination in Malaysia.
Melaka is a short car drive from KL and nearby areas. The short journey makes it easy for families on a short holiday break.
Melaka is an excellent choice for families looking for cultural experiences. All the historic areas are located close to each other in the city centre. For a fun experience, families can take a trishaw ride through the historic streets.
For families with small children, the Melaka River Cruise offers an easy way for families to sightsee around the city without having to walk much.
Best Destinations for the Mid-Year School Holidays
A vacation in Langkawi, Malaysia is best for 4–6 nights during the May–June school break.
The longer Malaysian school holiday break allows visitors to visit its beautiful beaches and combine it with other sightseeing options like Langkawi SkyCab, Eagle Square, and Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls without rushing through them.
Having a few extra days on hand makes it easy for families on Malaysia budget travel destinations to explore attractions at their own pace, thus keeping it comfortable for children.
Genting Highlands is best for the mid-year school holidays in Malaysia 2026, especially for families looking for a vacation in Malaysia, including entertainment and cooler weather.
Enjoy Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park, ride the Awana SkyWay, and explore indoor attractions at Resorts World Genting.
School children will like Genting Highlands because of its exciting mix of indoor theme parks and outdoor activities, making it a great choice to consider for Malaysia school holidays 2026.
Best Places for the December School Holidays
Cameron Highlands is best for families wishing to spend 4–5 nights during the December school holidays break in search of a slower, nature-focused getaway.
When visiting Cameron Highlands as part of your school holidays in Malaysia 2026, make a list of places to visit, like the BOH Tea Centre, Mossy Forest, strawberry farms, Lavender Garden, and local markets.
The cool climate and a range of nature attractions make it ideal for families looking for a relaxing break with lots to explore over several days.
Best for a longer duration during the extended December Malaysia school break.
Base yourself in Kuching and visit Malaysia budget travel destinations like Sarawak Cultural Village, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, and the Kuching Waterfront.
With several Malaysia school holiday days available, families can explore places such as Bako National Park or the Sarawak Cultural Village, while leaving enough time for vacation in Malaysia.
Combine cultural experiences with wildlife activities when exploring Sarawak, giving children a chance to explore beyond the city during their Malaysia school holidays.
Sabah is best for families taking an extended holiday break during Malaysia school holidays, looking for a more adventurous and extensive itinerary.
You can explore Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Mari Mari Cultural Village, Bangawan river cruise, and Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.
The extended Malaysia school holidays break makes it possible for families on vacation in Malaysia to make a list of places to visit without packing too much into each day.
| Holiday Break | Destination | Ideal Stay | Best For | Top Experiences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short Break | Kuala Lumpur | 2–4 nights | City culture & family activities | Museums, KLCC Park, Perdana Botanical Gardens, shopping malls |
| Penang | 2–4 nights | Heritage food & culture | George Town, Khoo Kongsi, The Blue Mansion, Fort Cornwallis | |
| Melaka | 2–4 nights | History & easy sightseeing | Heritage streets, trishaw rides, Melaka River Cruise | |
| Mid-Year Holiday | Langkawi | 4–6 nights | Beaches & nature | Langkawi SkyCab, beaches, Eagle Square, Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls |
| Genting Highlands | 2–4 nights | Theme parks & entertainment | Genting SkyWorlds, Awana SkyWay, indoor attractions | |
| Sabah | 4–6 nights | Wildlife marine & adventure | Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, cultural villages, wildlife | |
| Year-End Holiday | Cameron Highlands | 4–5 nights | Nature & cooler weather | BOH Tea Centre, Mossy Forest, strawberry farms, local markets |
| Sarawak | 4–6 nights | Wildlife & culture | Kuching Waterfront, Sarawak Cultural Village, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Bako National Park |
Budget Travel Malaysia Tips for the 2026 School Holidays
Families can enjoy budget travel in Malaysia with advance planning and choosing the right Malaysia budget travel destinations. Here is how you can keep your expenses under control.
Book Transport Before Peak Demand
- Book domestic flights, ETS/train tickets and long-distance buses as early as possible.
- If your schedule permits, travel midweek to get lower fares.
- Consider nearby destinations rather than high-demand flight routes.
- Compare self-drive costs with family flight costs.
Reduce Accommodation Costs
- Choose apartments or family suites when travelling with kids.
- Look for properties with free breakfast, parking and kitchen facilities.
- Stay outside major tourist zones to get discounted rooms.
- Avoid booking at the last minute during the December break and public-holiday weekends.
Sample Family Budget Planner
The following is an illustrative family budget planner. Actual prices will depend on the budget travel destinations, accommodation preferences, and sightseeing options.
| Expense category | Budget-friendly approach |
|---|---|
| Tourist attractions | Visit free parks, beaches, cultural sites, markets, and public spaces |
| Food | Eat at local hawker centres and food courts, with occasional restaurant meals |
| Accommodation | Select budget hotels, family rooms, or serviced apartments |
| Activities | Reserve popular attractions online ahead of time to access discounts |
| Transport | Travel by buses, trains, and Grab, and book domestic flights early |
| Shopping | Explore local markets and compare prices before purchasing souvenirs |
| Day trips | Choose attractions located close together to reduce travel expenses |
How to Plan a Stress-Free Vacation in Malaysia During School Holidays
Perhaps you want to visit the East Coast Islands or plan a nearby trip to Genting Highlands. No worries! Here is an actionable checklist that will help you decide the next steps.
Confirm the school group and official holiday dates.
Decide whether the getaway is a staycation, road trip, domestic flight, or overseas holiday.
Secure flights, transport, and accommodation early, especially for peak travel periods.
Check passport validity if leaving Malaysia.
Book tickets or reservations for popular attractions and activities.
Check the expected weather, traffic, and road conditions.
Organise children’s essentials, including medication, snacks, and entertainment.
Confirm opening hours and schedules during public holidays.
Plan journeys around peak traffic and rush-hour times where possible.
Allow plenty of downtime and breaks between activities.
Have an indoor alternative ready in case of rain or bad weather.
Monitor local weather updates and follow any travel or safety advisories.
| Category | What to Pack | For | Done |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel documents | Passports, identification and essential travel documents | All travellers | ☐ |
| Clothing | Everyday outfits, sleepwear and extra clothes | Family | ☐ |
| Weather-ready clothing | Light layers, rainwear and other items suited to the season | Family | ☐ |
| Footwear | Comfortable walking shoes and suitable spare footwear | Family | ☐ |
| Toiletries | Toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletries and personal-care items | Family | ☐ |
| Medication | Regular medication and essential medicines | Family | ☐ |
| Children’s essentials | Familiar items and other travel needs | Children | ☐ |
| Entertainment | Books, games, headphones or other travel activities | Children | ☐ |
| Travel accessories | Chargers, power banks and other useful travel accessories | Family | ☐ |
| Sun protection | Sunglasses, hats and sunscreen | Family | ☐ |
| Rainy-day essentials | Compact umbrellas or rain protection | Family | ☐ |
Malaysia School Holidays 2026: Key Planning Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Check the school group: Before planning your Malaysia school holidays 2026 dates, check whether the school follows Group A or Group B.
- Mark the main breaks: Save the four key holiday periods in Malaysia 2026 in your calendar to help you plan your extended holidays around them.
- Plan longer breaks early: The May–June and December holidays are important Malaysia school holidays 2026, so plan these longer breaks early.
- Check the wider calendar: The Malaysia school holidays 2026 are only a part of the holiday planning process, so consider public holidays and weather conditions alongside the school holidays when shortlisting places to visit in Malaysia.
- Match the trip to your needs: Choose Malaysia budget travel destinations and vacation options in Malaysia based on your trip length and holiday budget.
References
- Dellaert, B. G., Ettema, D. F., & Lindh, C. (1998). Multi-faceted tourist travel decisions: A constraint-based conceptual framework to describe tourists' sequential choices of travel components. Tourism Management, 19(4), 313-320. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(98)00037-5
- Rojas-de-Gracia, M.-M. (2025). Who influences family tourism decisions? Incorporating children’s perceptions. Service Business, 19, 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11628-025-00579-1
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