In case you haven’t been looking up your calendar recently, it’s good to know that the long Merdeka weekend is coming up. With a replacement holiday stretching into Monday, there’s just no better time than now to plan a quick getaway if you’re hungry for a break. Thankfully, Malaysia is never short of places to visit with plenty to see and do.
This is why we’ve put together a list of some of the most amazing places you can visit during the Merdeka weekend. From chilled-out staycations to memorable hikes that will push you to your limits, these adventures are sure to be perfect for the travel bug in you, and perhaps with your family, partner, and friends too!
Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Fresh on our list is the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, a brand-new luxury hotel that opened its doors in August. Set atop the highest floors of the iconic Merdeka 118 building in the heart of KL, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is a fantastic staycation destination for those who want to feel like a tourist in the city and rediscover some of their favourite spots in a different light.
Featuring 252 spacious rooms spread across levels 100 to 112, 27 of which are luxurious suites, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline that are exceptionally beautiful, whether during the day or after sundown. On the 99th floor of the building is where you’ll find the hotel’s sky infinity pool that is open from 6 AM to 9 PM daily, so you can enjoy a dip or lounge with a drink in hand by the pool deck whenever you like. Furthermore, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is also home to 3 in-house restaurants, allowing you to wine, dine, and enjoy the hotel to the fullest.
To make the most of your stay, Holiday Tours is now offering a variety of benefits to guests who book with us soon. These include complimentary room upgrades and early check-ins when available. And don’t worry if you fancy an extra snooze in the morning, as you may also be eligible for late checkouts too (subject to availability). As far as celebrating Merdeka weekend goes, we simply can’t think of a better way to commemorate the 68th Merdeka Day.
Sekinchan, Selangor
Photo by Jackie Chin on Unsplash
If you’re looking to escape the bustling city centre for the Merdeka weekend, then an easy day trip to Sekinchan might just be the spot for you. A small town set along the Sabak Bernam District in Selangor, Sekinchan is best known for its fresh seafood that draws plenty of visitors looking for a fun day out. Whether it’s to buy the best ingredients for home cooking or to visit any of the many restaurants in the village that prepare meals with the freshest catch of the day, Sekinchan never disappoints with its seafood.
Beyond the sea, Sekinchan is also famed as one of Malaysia’s major rice production towns. The Sekinchan Paddy Fields are one of the most visited spots around town, with the endless rows of green paddy fields drawing plenty of holidaymakers who are tired of the usual city fare. Photography is always welcome, though many farmers ask that you respect the plantations and stay on the designated walking paths to avoid harming the paddy.
To complete your experience, we’d recommend planning a staycation in Sekinchan with your friends and loved ones. For many, the sight of the lush fields is a unique way to wake up to – and the fresh air from the little town complements this quick getaway. If you’re looking to celebrate the Merdeka weekend with a memorable trip, this would definitely take the cake as an unmissable place to visit.
Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu
Crowned the “5th Most Beautiful Diving Area in the World” by Lonely Planet, Pulau Perhentian is a destination that feels almost like a fairytale, except it’s a dream come true. Made up of a cluster of islands, visitors can enjoy an array of exciting activities, including getting up close and personal with the island’s coral reefs during snorkelling excursions.
Photo by Nur Athirah Hamzah on Unsplash
Pulau Perhentian Besar is the more popular pick among the many islands that make up the area, with plenty of action going on from dusk till dawn. To many, this is where the fun never ends, so whether you’re looking for a dip in the tranquil seas or to chill by the soft, sandy beaches, Pulau Perhentian Besar is always ready to provide. Those who want a more intimate experience may consider visiting Pulau Perhentian Kecil – a destination that’s less known by tourists but just as beautiful for a Merdeka weekend getaway you won’t forget.
For the adventurous, Holiday Tours now offers a 3-day, 2-night Perhentian Island Snorkelling package with accommodations for 2 at the Perhentian Island Resort in Pulau Perhentian Besar. Full board meals, boat transfers, and snorkelling trips with equipment rentals are also included in this unbeatable offer. But hurry, because this staycation exclusive is only available until the 20th of October 2025.
Lost World of Tambun, Ipoh
Where will you go if you’re seeking family fun amid the lush greenery in Malaysia? Nestled in the heart of Tambun, Ipoh is where you’ll find the adventurous Lost World of Tambun, a multi-themed action and adventure family holiday destination. Featuring up to seven different theme parks, including a Night Park and natural hot springs, this entertainment hub promises a Merdeka weekend with amusements that never end.
What’s more, the Lost World of Tambun’s unique location in the valley of a historical 400-million-year-old limestone hill is what makes this attraction one that shouldn’t be missed. Set far away from the busy township, it’s a place where everyone can leave behind their daily stresses and simply feel the joy of play once again. As a bonus, visitors are also close enough to enjoy the historical city of Ipoh, where plenty of great eats and must-visit attractions await.
While perfectly enjoyable as a day trip, a greater experience would be to book yourself into a staycation at the Lost World of Tambun, where you can then wake up to the fresh air and magnificent sights of the limestone hills. And from now until the 31st of December 2025, you can enjoy an exclusive deal of a stay for 2 at the Sunway Lost World Hotel. Admission tickets to the Night Park and Hot Springs are also included. Parents who want to bring their little ones along for a fun-filled Merdeka weekend staycation will also get a discount for an additional bed, as well as children’s park tickets.
Georgetown, Pulau Pinang
Fans of staycation-goers will find a visit up north to Pulau Pinang – or Penang – a hard one to resist, and it’s easy to see why. With plenty of great food being served all day long, Georgetown is a literal heaven for anyone looking to spend the Merdeka weekend with a full belly. From Chinese to Peranakan and even a midnight nasi kandar run, the draw of eating to your heart’s content is what makes Georgetown the perfect staycation spot.
Photo by Yaopey Yong on Unsplash
Beyond bites, Penang also offers a variety of fun things to do over the Merdeka weekend. For example, holidaymakers who want an unbeatable view of this little island should make their way to the Lower Station of the Penang Hill Railway in Air Itam and ride the 5-minute funicular up to the Upper Station and stroll along the Penang Hill summit. This scenic excursion is available daily from 6.30 AM until 10 PM, making it an ideal attraction for a mesmerising sunrise adventure or sunset outing.
To complete your Merdeka weekend trip, be sure to stop by Fort Cornwallis to learn more about the history of the British colonial presence and how the fate of Malaysia has changed ever since. The fort that was built by the British East India Company in the 1700s is the largest standing fort in Malaysia, and though a small entrance fee is required to enter, we think it’s a worthy visit to make your Independence Day staycation complete.
Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Photo by As frequent travellers, we know the urge to visit somewhere with a change of temperature. However, planning a getaway to a holiday destination where things feel cooler can often be a challenge, especially when factoring in work or school obligations. Thankfully, not all experiences require long travels and can be easily enjoyed over the Merdeka weekends. That’s right, we’re talking about a trip to Cameron Highlands.
Perfect for those seeking a change of pace, Cameron Highlands offers an escape from the skyscraper-filled cities, trading them for tea plantations, strawberry farms, and mountainous landscapes as far as eyes can see. If there was a place where you would actually stop to smell the roses, just as the saying goes, then the rose garden in Cameron Highlands would be the place to go. There are also plenty of tea houses where you can grab a bite of freshly baked scones to go with the homemade strawberry jams from the plantations here.
To make your trip to Cameron Highlands even more special during the Merdeka weekend, why not gather your friends and family for a staycation at a mountain homestay? Beyond just waking up to fresh air in the mountains and a misty start to your day, you’re also likely to be treated to open-air dining experiences such as hotpot in the cold – a true experience that will never be forgotten after you’ve tried it once.
Club Med Cherating, Pahang
Of course, we can imagine how you would prefer a fuss-free staycation that allows for maximum relaxation and endless entertainment. Perfect for couples who want a romantic escapade or families looking to make priceless memories together over the Merdeka weekend, Club Med Cherating in Pahang is the holiday destination you simply can’t miss.
Nestled within the lush nature of the East Coast, Club Med Cherating is an all-inclusive resort that offers up to 28 activities and 27 more on-demand excursions. Fun adventures such as rock climbing, flying trapeze, and yoga are available to all guests, while more exclusive excursions like turtle-watching can be arranged on demand. Parents who are keen to keep their little ones entertained will also be glad to know that your staycation features dedicated Kids’ Clubs specially curated for guests of all ages. And when you’re ready to unwind without the children, why not head over to the adults-only zen zone pool tucked away from the main resort building?
A tropical paradise just 3 hours away from Kuala Lumpur, Club Med Cherating is the Merdeka weekend plan ready to delight, refresh, and rejuvenate you from the hustle and bustle of city life. And unlike many resorts that may expect you to leave right after checkout, Club Med Cherating continues to welcome you all the way up to 3PM on the day you leave, so you can even grab your lunch on the spot before travelling back to Kuala Lumpur after.
Mount Kinabalu, Sabah
Photo by Ling Tang on Unsplash
If you’re looking to take your celebration to greater heights, why not make it to the very peak of the highest mountain in Malaysia? Set in Sabah, adrenaline-junkies who are keen to make their mark and commemorate Malaysia’s 68th Merdeka Day should also look into scaling Mount Kinabalu.
With a long, steep elevation of up to 4,095 meters above sea level, this excursion is a true challenge for those who are fit and trained, but it yields a satisfying feeling of accomplishment like no other. Climbing Mount Kinabalu often takes a minimum of 2 days and 1 night, which is why we recommend taking some extra days to prepare beforehand and to celebrate the achievement after.
And once you’re done with conquering the third-highest peak of an island in the world, why not take some time to explore the beauty of Sabah? Blessed with diverse natural attractions and wildlife, Sabah is a staycation destination that doesn’t come to mind for many people. However, many holidaymakers are always set to return once they’ve had a taste of this East Malaysian state – and you might just be one of them soon!