Deepavali 2026 lands on Sunday, 08/11/2026, and that is good news for anyone who likes a cheap trip. Most of Malaysia observes a replacement holiday on Monday 09/11, so you get a clean three-day break. Add four leave days and it becomes nine.
Here is how the dates work, what the state differences are, and roughly what a trip out of KL costs at the moment.
How the Deepavali 2026 long weekend works
For most states, including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Sabah, the days off run Saturday 07/11 to Monday 09/11, according to Wego's Deepavali guide. That is three days and two nights away.
Three states are different. In Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu there is no replacement Monday, because their weekend already absorbs the holiday, so the break runs Friday 06/11 to Sunday 08/11. In Sarawak, Deepavali is not a gazetted public holiday, so it is a normal working day.
Perak gets a small bonus. The Sultan's Birthday holiday falls on Friday 06/11, which gives Perak workers a four-day stretch without applying for leave (Malaysia Public Holiday). State holidays only apply to people who work, study or are registered in that state.
The 4-leave-day trick: 9 days off
The maths is simple. Take four working days off around the public holiday, and the break stretches from Saturday 07/11 to Sunday 15/11. Wego counts this as a nine-day stretch for most states.
Check first whether your employer has blackout dates or a leave cap. Deepavali is also popular for family travel, so flights and hotels can fill up. Book early if you are aiming for the longer plan.
Also worth knowing: the year-end school holidays are coming up too. Our 2026 year-end school holiday guide covers the full calendar if you are balancing leave across both breaks.
What a 3-day trip from KL costs right now
Wego's snapshot of nonstop return fares from Kuala Lumpur for the Deepavali weekend put the cheapest options at:
| Destination | Return fare from |
|---|---|
| Penang | RM200 |
| Langkawi | RM331 |
| Singapore | RM385 |
These are "from" prices at the time Wego wrote its guide. Fares move daily, so use them as a rough guide, not a quote. Budget hotels in places like Penang and Langkawi start at around RM65 to RM75 per night, with mid-range options typically between RM100 and RM400, per the same guide.
For a Penang-style trip, two nights is enough time for food and George Town walking. Langkawi rewards a slower pace: pick one or two island activities instead of trying to cover everything.
If you would rather skip the flight, our weekend getaways from KL without a car has options by train and bus.
What a 9-day break opens up
Nine days makes longer routes worthwhile. Wego's sample fares run from Da Nang in Vietnam at about RM690 return to Tokyo at about RM2,068 return. Those are starting prices for that snapshot, so check current fares before you commit.
FAQ
When is Deepavali 2026 in Malaysia?
Deepavali is on Sunday 08/11/2026. Most states observe Monday 09/11 as a replacement public holiday.
Is Deepavali a public holiday in Sarawak?
No. According to Wego, Deepavali is not a gazetted public holiday in Sarawak, so 08/11/2026 is a normal working day there.
How many leave days do I need for a 9-day break?
Four. Taking four working days off around the holiday stretches the break to Saturday 07/11 through Sunday 15/11 in most states.
Where can I go for a 3-day Deepavali weekend from KL?
Wego's snapshot lists Penang, Langkawi and Singapore as affordable nonstop options, with return fares from RM200, RM331 and RM385 respectively. Prices change quickly, so check before booking.
