Known to be one of the most visually striking festivals in Malaysia, Thaipusam is a celebration filled with vibrant processions, elaborate kavadis, and colourful rituals around temples across the nation. For many, this is a sight to marvel at, even if they don’t observe Thaipusam themselves.
This year, Malaysians will see Thaipusam falling on Sunday, the 1st of February. However, this means a replacement holiday will be observed on Monday, the 2nd of February, giving everyone the first long weekend of the year.
While iconic spots such as Batu Caves will undoubtedly be buzzing with energy from the devotees and crowds trying to catch the Thaipusam procession, Malaysians who aren’t celebrating the festivity itself have found this to be the perfect opportunity for a short holiday.
Whether you’re looking to pop onto a local beach for a little sun therapy or want to see the best of our neighbouring countries, Holiday Tours has got you covered with some of our recommended places to visit for the long weekend of Thaipusam 2026.
Local escapades to enjoy the long weekend of Thaipusam
Want to go on a break without travelling too far? These local hotspots will satisfy your hunger for a holiday to make the best of your Thaipusam long weekend.
Colmar Tropicale, Pahang
Located just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, Colmar Tropicale in Pahang is a family-friendly holiday destination that makes every guest feel like they’ve been transported overseas.
At the main area, guests will relish in heavy European influences, as the resort is primarily inspired by the town of Colmar in France – a detail of which can be seen in the naming of the attraction. Borrowed elements from the surrounding villages of Riquewihr, Turckheim, and Kaysersberg can also be found within the clusters of accommodation, restaurants, and retail establishments. The pedestrian paths around Colmar Tropicale are also finished with cobblestone, creating the perfect illusion that you’ve actually travelled abroad.
Alternatively, why not pop over to the Japanese Village located in the vicinity of Colmar Tropicale? Ideal for travellers who can’t get enough of Japan in their holiday plans for the year, this unique attraction is home to a lush Japanese Garden that’s complete with water features, a Japanese Tea House, and the famed Tatami Spa. Travellers who want to trick their friends into thinking they’ve gone for the ultimate long weekend escapade can also rent a kimono on the spot and stroll around the Japanese Village for that authentic experience.
Pulau Pangkor, Perak
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Nestled on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Pulau Pangkor is a beach-goer’s dream for a long weekend escapade. Best known for its soft, sandy beaches and pristine waters that are perfect for a refreshing swim, Pulau Pangkor, which translates to “Beautiful Island”, truly lives up to its name. The calm sea tides also mean water activities here are always beginner-friendly, making diving in Pulau Pangkor accessible to all.
Unlike the typical hustle culture of big cityscapes, Pulau Pangkor’s laidback atmosphere allows travellers to rest and relax through the long weekend. The scenic fishing villages that dot the island also offer guests a glimpse into the local lifestyle of fishermen, where simplicity is key. Thanks to the island’s proximity to the waters, seafood dishes and snacks are undeniably the top feature at Pulau Pangkor. Our recommendation is definitely the fish satay that will take you right back to your childhood memories.
Beyond getting a suntan and diving into the marine life, Pulau Pangkor is also home to a variety of historic stories. In fact, set in the heart of the island is where you’ll find the remnants of a 17th-century Dutch fort. Originally built to control the tin trade of Perak, the fort still stands strong presently and welcomes visitors for free every day. Two of the island’s most beautiful mosques, namely the Masjid Seribu Selawat and Masjid Seribu Doa, are also not to be missed during your visit to Pulau Pangkor.
Pulau Langkawi, Kedah
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Fondly known as the Jewel of Kedah, the tropical paradise of Pulau Langkawi – or Langkawi as many would call it – is the perfect long weekend holiday hotspot. From sunbathing on the beaches and swimming in the turquoise blue waters to soaring in the skies on the Langkawi SkyCab Cable Car, there’s always something to fill your days with from the moment you set foot on the island.
If you’d like to give yourself the ultimate gift of pampering, then look no further than booking a stay at the St. Regis Langkawi. As the first St. Regis hotel in Malaysia, this 5-star luxury resort offers an unforgettable stay surrounded by the lush forest and lapping waves of the Andaman Sea. Housing just 85 suites and 4 over-water villas with direct beach access, you can expect a rejuvenating getaway that’s complete with the signature St. Regis butler service for a personalised experience.
Outside of the resort, Pulau Langkawi hosts just as many adventures that aren’t necessarily beach-related but still make for a memorable long weekend of Thaipusam. A notable activity is undoubtedly to make your way up to the peak of Gunung Mat Chinchang mountain via the Langkawi SkyCab Cable Car for a bird’s eye view of the island. Brave travellers should also make their way across the highest skybridge in Malaysia, which measures 600 meters above sea level, the Langkawi Sky Bridge.
Kuala Selangor and Sekinchan, Selangor
Photo by For travellers who prefer trips that are even closer to home, a weekend getaway to Kuala Selangor and Sekinchan may just be the holiday for you. Perfect for couples, friend groups, and even multi-generational family trips, these quiet towns tucked away in Selangor are just what you need for the perfect long weekend of Thaipusam. To make the best of your trip during the short time frame, we recommend combining both towns for your visit.
You’ll start off by making your way to the iconic Sky Mirror of the Kuala Selangor Beach when the tide is low. As the natural phenomenon of the emerging sandbar only occurs for a few hours each day, catching the moment makes this getaway uniquely memorable. Come sundown, firefly watching is an excursion that’s absolutely not to be missed. This is because the flickering glow from the firefly creates a magical experience that you won’t find in any regular city.
Overnight, the staycation options in Sekinchan are where you’ll want to be, as you can then wake up to the fresh air of the vast paddy fields. Be sure to charge your cameras in the evening, as the sunrise views here are ones to remember for years to come. Before setting back to the busy city, it’s always best to stop by for some delicious seafood at Bagan village, as restaurants here are famed for cooking up a storm with the fresh catches of the day.
Ready your passports for an unforgettable long weekend of Thaipusam
Of course, you may occasionally feel like it’s not a holiday until you whip out your passports. Thankfully, Malaysia’s fantastic geographical location means we’re spoiled for adventurous options without having to travel far. So, without further ado, here are some quick getaways in our neighbouring countries for that unforgettable long weekend escape.
Singapore
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Just across the border, you’ll find the lively Singapore that makes for a perfect long weekend break. A melting pot of cultures and adventure, there’s plenty to see, play, and even taste across the entire island nation. For first-time visitors, visiting the Merlion Park is an activity that is not to be missed. This is because you’ll not only see the iconic water-spouting Merlion statue but also be rewarded with unbeatable views of Marina Bay and Esplanade.
On the flip side, movie buffs will definitely remember the Marina Bay Sands as the filming destination of the popular 2018 rom-com, “Crazy Rich Asians”. So, what if we told you that you could be where Henry Golding and Constance Wu once stood? Depicted at the end of the movie where the main characters celebrate their engagement, the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck offers a stunning view of Singapore from 200 meters up and is open to the public for a small fee.
Another notable destination in Singapore is the Mandai Wildlife Reserve park, home to five exciting outdoor excursions, including the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Bird Paradise, River Wonders, and Rainforest Wild ASIA. Named the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park, the Night Safari, which first opened its doors in 1994, is a must-visit, especially for families travelling with little ones.
Unlike regular zoos, the Night Safari is a unique attraction where nocturnal animals are given the spotlight, and visitors can get up close via the walking trail or breeze by via the in-park tram. As temperatures in Singapore can get high in the day, visiting the Night Safari also means you get to explore with the comforts of the island’s evening breeze.
Phuket, Thailand
While many travellers may think that a long weekend isn’t sufficient for a memorable holiday, the party vibes in Phuket, Thailand, may just prove otherwise. Best known for its energetic atmosphere where you want it and relaxing vibes when you need it, the beautiful Phuket is exactly where you’ll want to be when seeking out the perfect long weekend holiday destination.
And what better way to give yourself the long holiday you deserve than by booking a stay at The Nai Harn Phuket? A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, The Nai Harn is a 5-star beach paradise with guest suites and private cliffside vistas overlooking the Naiharn Bay. With direct access to the Nai Harn Beach which is perfect for relaxing dips and even sailing, guests can expect a world of pampering from the moment they set foot in the resort, including exclusive butler services right from their sunbed on the beach.
Beyond just fun and games, The Nai Harn Phuket prioritises your wellness while you’re on your break. Designed to enhance the well-being of the mind and body, The Spa at The Nai Harn presents the SOL experience, an in-house acronym for the Spiritual Organic Lifestyle that the resort upholds. Pure and organic ingredients are the core of the face and body treatments on The Spa’s menu, carefully blending Asian health principles with the rejuvenating experience you deserve.
But that’s not where your journey in Phuket ends. Instead, no guest should ever leave without sampling the best Thai flavours there are. The Nai Harn Phuket prides itself on its top-notch culinary establishments, including all-day dining menus at the gorgeous Cosmo Restaurant. This is also where guests can learn more about the local flavours of Phuket as The Nai Harn Phuket offers on-hand cooking classes hosted by the resident Chef Ann. Optionally, the resort’s fine-dining restaurant, PRIME, is a fantastic spot for those seeking a romantic meal by the setting sun overlooking Naiharn Bay.
Krabi, Thailand
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To make the most of your long weekend break, it’s always best to visit a slice of paradise that doesn’t require too much travel time. This is why Krabi, Thailand, makes for a great destination for your Thaipusam break, as flight times typically run below an hour and a half. And with Firefly Airlines now operating up to 15 flights weekly from Kuala Lumpur to Krabi, making your way to one of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations is quite literally just a flight away!
The island group that collectively makes up Phi Phi Islands is one of the most beginner-friendly spots in Krabi, with gorgeous stops such as Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Bamboo Island being at the top of the most-visited places. With soft, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters being the main attraction across every island, you can expect to return from your trip with a sun-kissed tan and bring home stories from your snorkel sessions.
For travellers who want to maximise their experiences in Krabi, signing up for an island-hopping tour is the best way to see the highlights that this stunning province has to offer. Iconic spots include Koh Yao Yai and Koh Khai Nok, both of which host a more idyllic scenery when compared to the larger and busier Koh Phi Phi Island. This is also where you can experience the best of traditional Thai village lifestyles, making it the perfect way to spend your Thaipusam long weekend without much noise.
Have a different idea for your Thaipusam long weekend escapade? Our holiday advisors are ready to help. Reach out to Holiday Tours today, and we’ll plan the perfect long weekend break together!