If you work in Sarawak, you’re in one of the best states for maximizing holidays. Thanks to a mix of national celebrations and unique state holidays, you can turn a few days of annual leave into multiple long breaks.
This guide covers Sarawak public holidays for 2025 and 2026, plus smart hacks to stretch your leave for more travel, family time, or rest.
Sarawak Public Holidays 2025
| Holiday | Date | Day | Leave Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Jan 1 | Wed | Take Dec 30–31, 2024 for a 5-day holiday |
| Chinese New Year | Jan 29–30 | Wed–Thu | Take Jan 31 (Fri) → 5-day break |
| Good Friday (Sarawak only) | Apr 18 | Fri | 3-day weekend |
| Hari Raya Aidilfitri | Mar 31–Apr 1 | Mon–Tue | Take Apr 2–4 for 9 days with weekends |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Thu | Take May 2 (Fri) → 4-day break |
| Gawai Dayak | Jun 1–2 | Sun–Mon | Take May 30 (Fri) → 5-day holiday |
| Agong’s Birthday | Jun 2 | Mon | Overlaps with Gawai |
| Malaysia Day | Sep 16 | Tue | Take Sep 15 (Mon) → 4-day break |
| Deepavali | Oct 21 | Tue | Take Oct 20 & 22 → 5 days off |
| Christmas | Dec 25 | Thu | Take Dec 26 (Fri) → 4-day festive break |
Quick Hacks for 2025
🎯 Double Win in April – Combine Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Mar 31–Apr 1) with Good Friday (Apr 18) for two big breaks in one month.
🎯 Gawai + Agong Combo – Enjoy Sarawak’s iconic festival with back-to-back public holidays.
🎯 Chinese New Year Boost – 1 leave day (Jan 31) = 5 days off.
Sarawak Public Holidays 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day | Leave Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Jan 1 | Thu | Take Jan 2 (Fri) → 4-day weekend |
| Chinese New Year | Feb 17–18 | Tue–Wed | Take Feb 19–20 → 6-day break |
| Good Friday (Sarawak only) | Apr 3 | Fri | 3-day weekend |
| Hari Raya Aidilfitri | Mar 29–30 | Sun–Mon | Take Mar 31–Apr 1 → 6-day holiday |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Fri | 3-day weekend |
| Gawai Dayak | Jun 1–2 | Mon–Tue | Take May 30–31 → 4-day break |
| Agong’s Birthday | Jun 8 | Mon | 3-day weekend |
| Malaysia Day | Sep 16 | Wed | Take Sep 17–18 → 5-day trip |
| Deepavali | Oct 20 | Tue | Take Oct 19 & 21 → 5 days off |
| Christmas | Dec 25 | Fri | 3-day festive weekend |
Quick Hacks for 2026
🎯 Chinese New Year Jackpot – Just 2 leave days (Feb 19–20) for a 6-day holiday.
🎯 Gawai & Weekend Merge – Enjoy Sarawak’s biggest festival with a 4-day break.
🎯 Malaysia Day Stretch – 2 leave days in September = 5-day trip to Asia destinations.
Travel Ideas by Month – 2025
🗓 January
- Trip Idea: Explore Kuching’s old town & Bako National Park.
- Tip: Chinese New Year (Jan 29–31) is perfect for visiting family or short trips to Peninsular Malaysia.
🗓 March/April
- Trip Idea: Enjoy Hari Raya festivities in coastal towns or head to Mulu Caves for adventure.
- Tip: Combine Hari Raya (Mar 31–Apr 1) with Good Friday (Apr 18) for two big breaks.
🗓 May/June
- Trip Idea: Experience Gawai Dayak’s cultural celebrations in longhouses.
- Tip: June is also a great time for eco-tours in Batang Ai or Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.
🗓 September
- Trip Idea: 5-day Malaysia Day break → fly to Seoul, Taipei, or Manila.
🗓 October–December
- Trip Idea: Enjoy Deepavali markets, then end the year with Christmas in Kuching or beach escapes to Borneo’s coast.
Travel Ideas by Month – 2026
🗓 January
- Trip Idea: Start the year with a short Penang food trip or dive getaway in Miri.
🗓 February
- Trip Idea: Chinese New Year (Feb 17–20) is perfect for family reunions or an overseas escape to Bangkok or Bali.
🗓 March/April
- Trip Idea: Combine Hari Raya (Mar 29–Apr 1) with Good Friday (Apr 3) for a week-long trip to Sabah, Vietnam, or Cambodia.
🗓 May/June
- Trip Idea: Immerse yourself in Gawai festivals, or take a nature trip to Gunung Mulu National Park.
🗓 September
- Trip Idea: 5-day Malaysia Day holiday → Tokyo, Osaka, or Hong Kong.
🗓 October–December
- Trip Idea: Deepavali family celebrations, followed by year-end Christmas cruises from Singapore.
Key Festive & Seasonal Highlights (Sarawak)
🌾 Gawai Dayak (June) – The biggest cultural event in Sarawak, with traditional dances, open-house feasts, and longhouse hospitality.
🎶 Rainforest World Music Festival (July) – A world-class music event in Santubong, attracting global artists and visitors.
🐢 Turtle Nesting Season (May–September) – Perfect for visiting Talang-Satang National Park to witness turtles laying eggs.
☀️ Dry Season (April–September) – Best for hiking, diving, and visiting national parks.
🌧 Rainy Season (November–February) – Great for photography, river safaris, and fewer crowds at tourist spots.✈️
Start Planning Your Sarawak Getaways Now!
With the right strategy, just a few well-placed leave days can turn your year into a series of memorable adventures. Whether you’re chasing Gawai cultural vibes, relaxing on Borneo’s beaches, or exploring nearby countries, the earlier you book, the better the deals.
📅 Bookmark this Sarawak public holiday guide and use it when applying for leave so you never miss a travel opportunity.
🔗 Check our full Malaysia Public Holiday Calendar for other states and nationwide events.
💡 Your dream holiday is just one leave application away—start planning today!
