Public Holidays in Sabah
Sabah observes all Malaysian federal public holidays plus several state-specific holidays that Peninsular Malaysia doesn't get. In total, Sabah enjoys 18–20 public holidays per year — one of the highest in the country.
Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival, 30–31 May), Good Friday, and the Governor of Sabah's Birthday are unique to Sabah. That's 4 extra days off that Peninsular Malaysia doesn't get.
2026 Public Holidays
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type | Bridge Day? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Thu | New Year's Day | Federal | Take Fri 2 Jan → 4-day weekend |
| 29 Jan | Thu | Thaipusam | Federal* | Take Fri 30 Jan → 4-day weekend |
| 30 Jan | Fri | Israk & Mikraj | Federal* | Already Fri — 3-day weekend! |
| 17 Feb | Tue | Chinese New Year | Federal | Take Mon 16 Feb → 4-day weekend |
| 18 Feb | Wed | Chinese New Year (2nd day) | Federal | — |
| 29 Mar | Sun | Nuzul Al-Quran | Federal* | — |
| 30 Mar | Mon | Replacement Holiday | Replacement | 3-day weekend (Sat–Mon) |
| 10 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | Sabah | 3-day weekend! |
| 13 Apr | Mon | Hari Raya Aidilfitri | Federal* | 3-day weekend (Sat–Mon) |
| 14 Apr | Tue | Hari Raya Aidilfitri (2nd day) | Federal* | — |
| 1 May | Fri | Labour Day | Federal | 3-day weekend! |
| 12 May | Tue | Vesak Day | Federal | Take Mon 11 May → 4-day weekend |
| 30 May | Sat | Pesta Kaamatan (Day 1) | Sabah | Sat–Mon: 3-day weekend |
| 31 May | Sun | Pesta Kaamatan (Day 2) | Sabah | |
| 1 Jun | Mon | Agong's Birthday | Federal | 3-day weekend (with Kaamatan = 3 days off!) |
| 20 Jun | Sat | Hari Raya Haji | Federal* | — |
| 21 Jun | Sun | Hari Raya Haji (2nd day) | Federal* | Mon 22 Jun replacement likely |
| 11 Jul | Sat | Awal Muharram | Federal* | Mon 13 Jul replacement possible |
| 31 Aug | Mon | Merdeka Day | Federal | 3-day weekend! |
| 16 Sep | Wed | Malaysia Day | Federal | Take Thu-Fri → 5-day break! |
| 19 Sep | Sat | Maulidur Rasul | Federal* | Mon 21 Sep replacement possible |
| 4 Oct | Sun | Governor of Sabah's Birthday | Sabah | Mon 5 Oct replacement likely |
| 20 Oct | Tue | Deepavali | Federal | Take Mon 19 Oct → 4-day weekend |
| 25 Dec | Fri | Christmas Day | Federal | 3-day weekend! |
* Islamic holiday dates are based on astronomical estimates and may shift by 1–2 days based on official moon sighting. The Malaysian government confirms dates via the Federal Gazette.
Sabah-Specific Holidays
Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival)
30–31 May every year
The most important cultural celebration in Sabah. The Kadazan-Dusun people give thanks to the spirit of rice (Bambaazon) for a bountiful harvest. Main celebrations at KDCA Penampang with traditional dancing, tapai (rice wine), the Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant, and cultural performances. Each district holds their own celebrations throughout May.
Good Friday
Varies (March/April)
Only observed in Sabah and Sarawak. About 30% of Sabah's population is Christian, mainly among the Kadazan-Dusun and Murut communities. Churches hold special services. Many businesses in KK remain open.
Governor of Sabah's Birthday
First Saturday of October
The official birthday of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah (TYT). An investiture ceremony is held at the Istana. A state-level celebration — most businesses close.
Long Weekend Planner
Strategically take just 6 days of annual leave to create 6 long weekends in 2026. Here are the best bridge day opportunities:
| Take Leave On | Total Days Off | Leave Used | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 2 Jan | 4 days | 1 day | Thu 1 Jan (NY) → Sun 4 Jan |
| Mon 16 Feb | 4 days | 1 day | Sat 14 → Tue 18 Feb (CNY + CNY2) |
| Mon 11 May | 4 days | 1 day | Sat 9 → Tue 12 May (Vesak) |
| Thu 17 + Fri 18 Sep | 5 days | 2 days | Wed 16 Sep (MY Day) → Sun 21 Sep |
| Mon 19 Oct | 4 days | 1 day | Sat 17 → Tue 20 Oct (Deepavali) |
The Kaamatan + Agong's Birthday combo (30 May – 1 Jun) gives you a 3-day weekend without using any leave! Perfect for a quick island trip or mountain getaway.
2027 Public Holidays
2027 dates are preliminary estimates. Islamic holidays will shift approximately 11 days earlier than 2026. The government typically gazettes the official calendar in late December of the preceding year.
| Date (est.) | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Fri | New Year's Day | Federal |
| ~18 Jan | Mon | Thaipusam | Federal |
| ~19 Jan | Tue | Israk & Mikraj* | Federal |
| 6 Feb | Sat | Chinese New Year | Federal |
| 7 Feb | Sun | Chinese New Year (2nd day) | Federal |
| ~18 Mar | Thu | Nuzul Al-Quran* | Federal |
| 26 Mar | Fri | Good Friday | Sabah |
| ~2 Apr | Fri | Hari Raya Aidilfitri* | Federal |
| ~3 Apr | Sat | Hari Raya Aidilfitri (2nd day)* | Federal |
| 1 May | Sat | Labour Day | Federal |
| ~2 May | Sun | Vesak Day | Federal |
| 30 May | Sun | Pesta Kaamatan (Day 1) | Sabah |
| 31 May | Mon | Pesta Kaamatan (Day 2) | Sabah |
| 7 Jun | Mon | Agong's Birthday | Federal |
| ~9 Jun | Wed | Hari Raya Haji* | Federal |
| ~10 Jun | Thu | Hari Raya Haji (2nd day)* | Federal |
| ~30 Jun | Wed | Awal Muharram* | Federal |
| 31 Aug | Tue | Merdeka Day | Federal |
| ~8 Sep | Wed | Maulidur Rasul* | Federal |
| 16 Sep | Thu | Malaysia Day | Federal |
| 2 Oct | Sat | Governor of Sabah's Birthday | Sabah |
| ~9 Nov | Tue | Deepavali | Federal |
| 25 Dec | Sat | Christmas Day | Federal |
* Islamic dates are estimates and will be confirmed closer to the date. ~ indicates approximate date.
How Replacement Holidays Work
When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is almost always a gazetted replacement holiday. When a holiday falls on Saturday, replacement is less consistent and must be specifically gazetted by the government.
For private sector employees: Under the Employment Act, if a holiday falls on your rest day, the next working day is automatically a paid holiday — regardless of whether the government gazettes a replacement.
For government servants: JPA (Public Service Department) issues specific circulars for replacement holidays.
What Closes on Public Holidays
| Service | Major Holidays | Minor Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Government offices | Closed | Closed |
| Banks | Closed | Closed (follow federal calendar) |
| Shopping malls | Open (reduced hours on CNY Day 1, Raya Day 1) | Open |
| Restaurants | Many close CNY Day 1, Raya Day 1 | Usually open |
| Supermarkets | Open (reduced hours) | Open |
| Public transport | Reduced schedule | Normal or slightly reduced |
| Tourist attractions | Usually open | Open |
| Hospitals (A&E) | 24/7 always open | 24/7 always open |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q How many public holidays does Sabah get per year?
Sabah typically gets 18–20 public holidays per year — more than most other Malaysian states. This includes all federal holidays plus Sabah-specific ones (Good Friday, Pesta Kaamatan 2 days, Governor's Birthday). With replacement holidays for weekends, some years reach 22+ days off.
Q Do Islamic holiday dates change every year?
Yes. Islamic holidays follow the Hijri (lunar) calendar, which is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Dates like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Haji, Awal Muharram, and Maulidur Rasul shift earlier each year.
Official dates are confirmed by the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal based on moon sighting, sometimes just 1–2 days before the actual holiday. The dates listed here are estimates based on astronomical calculations.
Q What is Pesta Kaamatan and can tourists attend?
Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) is celebrated on 30-31 May every year. It's the most important cultural celebration for the Kadazan-Dusun people, giving thanks for the rice harvest.
Yes, tourists are welcome! The main celebrations happen at the KDCA (Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association) in Penampang, about 15 minutes from KK. Highlights include traditional dancing, rice wine (tapai/lihing) tasting, the Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant, and cultural performances.
Individual districts also hold their own celebrations throughout May. Tambunan and Ranau have particularly lively events.
Q Is Good Friday a holiday everywhere in Malaysia?
No. Good Friday is only a public holiday in Sabah and Sarawak. Both states have large Christian populations, particularly among indigenous communities (Kadazan-Dusun, Murut, Iban, Bidayuh). Peninsular Malaysia does not observe Good Friday as a public holiday.
Q Do I get a replacement holiday if a public holiday falls on my rest day?
Under the Employment Act 1955 (as amended), if a public holiday falls on a rest day, the next working day is a paid holiday. This applies to private sector employees. For public holidays falling on Saturday, the government must gazette a replacement — this is usually Monday but not always guaranteed.
Government servants follow separate rules set by JPA (Public Service Department).
Q When should I avoid visiting Sabah due to crowds?
Peak travel periods in Sabah:
- Pesta Kaamatan week (late May) — Hotels in KK fill up, especially Penampang area
- Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) — 3-4 days of busy hotels and full restaurants
- Hari Raya Aidilfitri — Major traffic on highways, especially KK–Interior routes
- School holidays (especially November–December) — Accommodation prices spike 30-50% at tourist spots
- Year-end holidays (Christmas–New Year) — Peak season across all of Sabah
Best value periods: February (post-CNY), March, June (post-Kaamatan), September.
Sources & References 6 sources
Last verified: March 2026