Plan Your 2026 Holidays Now With These Long Weekends in Singapore

Plan Your 2026 Holidays Now With These Long Weekends in Singapore

Warning: following this guide may cause severe wanderlust on workdays

2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for travel. With several public holidays falling near weekends, you can easily plan quick getaways without burning your leave. From city breaks to nature escapes, Singaporeans have plenty of options for short trips.

Planning early means better deals, fewer crowds, and more flexibility. Here’s a guide to Singapore’s long weekends in 2026, complete with destinations to maximise your mini-holiday.

Also read: What to Buy at Chatuchak Market: 10 Best Shopping Items Worth the Trip

1. Kickstart the year with a bang in Bali

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New Year’s Day falls on January 1st, a Thursday in 2026, giving you a chance to take Friday off for a four-day weekend. This is ideal for a short escape to Bali, where you can relax on sun-kissed beaches or explore Ubud’s art scene. 

Start your trip in Seminyak, lounging on the beach and enjoying sunset cocktails at one of the chic beach clubs. Spend a morning strolling through the local markets for handmade crafts and unique souvenirs.

On the second day, head inland to Ubud. Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest, wander through rice terraces, and explore art galleries showcasing traditional and contemporary Balinese art. Don’t miss a visit to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces for stunning photographs. Wrap up your day with a relaxing spa treatment or a traditional Balinese massage to recharge for your journey home. With a mix of sun, culture, and relaxation, Bali is perfect for a rejuvenating long weekend escape.

2. Ring in the Lunar New Year in Taiwan

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Although Lunar New Year falls between Tuesday, 17 February and Wednesday, 18 February in 2026, taking Monday, 16 February off gives you a long escape. A short flight to Taipei, Taiwan, offers the perfect reset. Start your trip by exploring Dihua Street in the historic Dadaocheng district, where traditional shops sell festive decorations, teas, and local snacks. In the evening, visit Shilin Night Market to sample Taiwanese street food favourites like stinky tofu, oyster omelettes, and bubble tea.

Then, take a short trip to Beitou, famous for its hot springs and scenic riverside parks. Relax in a thermal spa or stroll through the Beitou Thermal Valley for a unique natural experience. Wrap up your day with a visit to Longshan Temple, one of Taipei’s oldest and most beautiful temples, where you can soak in the Lunar New Year atmosphere and witness local customs. This combination of markets, culture, and relaxation makes Taipei an ideal long weekend escape.

3. Celebrate Hari Raya Puasa in Langkawi

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Hari Raya Puasa in 2026 falls on Saturday, 21 March, which means most people might get Friday off in lieu of the public holiday. Head to Langkawi, Malaysia, where you can unwind on pristine beaches, explore lush nature reserves, and take a ride on the Langkawi Cable Car for panoramic views of the islands.

Spend your days island-hopping, visiting the Langkawi Sky Bridge, or enjoying water sports like kayaking and jet skiing. For a more relaxed pace, indulge in fresh seafood at local restaurants or lounge at a beachfront resort. This mini-holiday combines sun, adventure, and relaxation, making it a memorable way to celebrate the festive period.

4. Head to Bangkok on Labour Day weekend

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Labour Day in 2026 falls on Friday, 1 May, giving you a three-day weekend without using extra leave. Bangkok, Thailand, is just a short flight away, making it perfect for a mix of culture, shopping, and street-food adventures. Begin your trip at the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Kaew, to soak in the city’s rich history. Then, head to Wat Pho to marvel at the Reclining Buddha and enjoy a traditional Thai massage at the temple’s massage school.

In the afternoon, explore Chatuchak Weekend Market if you’re there on Saturday, or wander through smaller neighbourhood markets like Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin, famous for vintage finds and local snacks. End your evening with a Chao Phraya River dinner cruise, where you can admire the city lights while sampling authentic Thai cuisine. For a slower pace, take a short boat ride to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital, for a day trip filled with historic temples and scenic ruins. Bangkok’s combination of culture, food, and sightseeing makes it a perfect three-day escape.

5. Make Vesak Day memorable in Cambodia

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Vesak Day in 2026 falls on Sunday, 31 May, with Monday, 1 June, observed as a public holiday, giving Singaporeans a three-day long weekend. This is a perfect opportunity for a short getaway to explore a new culture and soak in Cambodia‘s history.

Begin your trip with the iconic Angkor Wat, arriving at sunrise to witness the temple’s spires silhouetted against the morning sky. In the evening, head to Pub Street in Siem Reap’s town centre for vibrant nightlife, local street food, and handmade crafts.

Check out the night market for souvenirs like silk scarves, silver jewellery, and traditional Cambodian art. For a cultural touch, catch a traditional Apsara dance performance while enjoying a local Khmer meal. With a mix of history, culture, and lively streets, Siem Reap is ideal for a long weekend escape that’s both enriching and relaxing.

6. Unwind on National Day weekend in Vietnam or on a hike nearby

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Singapore National Day 2026 falls on Sunday, August 9, 2026, making the following day, Monday, August 10, an observed public holiday, creating a long weekend for most Singaporeans. A short flight to Da Nang, Vietnam, offers a perfect mix of beaches, culture, and nature. Relax on My Khe Beach, explore the ancient town of Hoi An nearby, and wander through lantern-lit streets in the evening. Don’t miss the Marble Mountains, where you can hike, admire caves, and enjoy panoramic views of the coast.

For a slower pace, take a day trip to the Ba Na Hills to ride the famous Golden Bridge and enjoy scenic mountain views. Closer to home, you can explore MacRitchie Reservoir or Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for hiking, kayaking, and outdoor fun. With both adventure and relaxation on the itinerary, this long weekend makes for a refreshing mid-year escape.

7. Dazzle your senses on Deepavali in Jaipur, India

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Deepavali falls on 8 November in 2026, which is a Sunday, making Monday off in lieu and giving Singaporeans an automatic long weekend. Fly to Jaipur, India, to witness the festival at its source with dazzling lights, colourful decorations, and vibrant local celebrations. Start your trip by exploring the Pink City, visiting the Hawa Mahal and City Palace, then enjoy traditional sweets at bustling markets filled with festive cheer.

You can also head to Amber Fort to watch the sunset over the historic ramparts and take in panoramic views of Jaipur’s surroundings. End the evening with a cultural performance or a Diwali night tour, where lamps and fireworks light up the streets. This combination of sightseeing and festival immersion makes for a truly memorable long weekend.

8. Holiday in Hong Kong on Christmas

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Christmas Day falls on a Friday in 2026, leading into the weekend. A short flight to Hong Kong offers festive markets, dazzling illuminations, and a lively harbour atmosphere. Start your trip with a visit to Victoria Peak for panoramic city views, then explore the WinterFest Christmas markets at Central Harbourfront, complete with holiday lights, stalls, and seasonal treats.

Spend the next day at Hong Kong Disneyland or Ocean Park, where the parks are fully decked out for the holidays. In the evening, enjoy a harbour cruise or stroll along Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade to admire the Symphony of Lights show. Hong Kong’s blend of festive cheer, shopping, and scenic attractions makes it the perfect destination for a Christmas long weekend.

9. Bonus: Take a day trip to Johor Bahru on Hari Raya Haji

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Even though Hari Raya Haji falls mid-week on a Wednesday on 27 May, you can make it a fun and relaxing day trip to Johor Bahru (JB). Just an hour or so drive or bus ride from Singapore, JB offers a mix of shopping, food, and cultural spots.

Start early and cross the border via Tuas or Woodlands Checkpoint, then visit the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque and the Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple. Stop for lunch at a local kopitiam or Hiap Joo Bakery to try traditional Malay and Chinese treats.

In the afternoon, explore Legoland Malaysia or take a scenic stroll at Puteri Harbour or Hutan Bandar MPJBT for a quieter option. Before heading back to Singapore, grab sweet treats like pandan cakes or cendol to round off the day. With just a few hours of travel, this itinerary combines tradition, treats, and tranquility.

Also read: 7 Travel Destinations That Promise the Best Sleep of Your Life

Make every holiday count

​​With Singapore’s 2026 public holidays mapped out, there’s no reason to let your leave go to waste. Whether it’s exploring ancient temples in Cambodia, soaking up lantern-lit streets in Vietnam, or enjoying a sun-soaked beach in Bali, every long weekend is a chance to turn your days off into days of adventure. 

Plan ahead to discover hidden gems, savour local flavours, and immerse yourself in the culture of each destination. Even a short getaway can feel like a full recharge, leaving you with memories that last long after the holiday ends. Remember, these holidays can be your ticket to unforgettable escapes.

About Author

Sudhiksha
Sudhiksha

Fluent in three languages, Sudhiksha is always on a quest to learn more about the world around her. She enjoys collecting sunsets, street food, and stories from the nooks and crannies of different places. To her, every journey unearths a new way of seeing home.

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