2023 is here, and we’re sure that many of you are thinking of ways to maximise your annual leave by planning them around upcoming public holidays – especially those that fall near the weekends! And with both the world and international travel having gradually returned to normal since mid-2022, you may also be looking to indulge the travel bug in you that’s been forced to lay dormant throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Alternatively, some of you may also just want to travel within the country, or take some time off to rest and recharge.

Whichever the case, we’ve got your back! Here are the long weekends that you can look forward to in this coming year – along with some suggestions as to which days to apply for leave to get the most out of the public holidays.

Sadly, some public holidays will fall on Saturdays this year, such as Nuzul al-Quran and Malaysia Day, which means you don’t get the additional day off if you are working a Monday-Friday work week. That said, there are a couple of long breaks that you can look forward to, just by applying for three or four days of annual leave.

For instance, those who are celebrating Chinese New Year can have a nine-day break if they take three days of annual leave at the end of January. Individuals working in Kuala Lumpur can actually also get a ten-day break in February if they are willing to take four days of annual leave, given that the Federal Territory Day and Thaipusam are happening so closely to each other. Similarly, there is another nine-day break in May that you can enjoy with three days of annual leave, thanks to Labour Day and Wesak Day taking place in the same week.

Other than these extra-long breaks, there are also several four-day weekends that you can enjoy in other months by taking one day of annual leave.

With this, we hope that you’ll once more be able to plan your leave and trips wisely this year – especially if you’re planning to travel abroad! As you travel internationally, make sure to always check the latest entry requirements of your destination country carefully – in case there are updates – and also consider getting a travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage. With that said, have a great 2023!

• TAGS:
• Annual Leave
• Holiday Planning
• Leave Planning
• Long Weekends
• Longform
• Public Holidays