Stop scrolling and start opening your HR portal. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has released the 2026 Public Holiday dates, and it is a goldmine for anyone looking to escape the office. With a strategic “bridge” strategy, you can triple your time off.
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Here is your tabloid guide to gaming the system and stacking those weekends.
1. The “February Mega-Break” (Chinese New Year)
- Public Holidays: Feb 17 (Tue) & Feb 18 (Wed)
- The Hack: Take leave on Feb 16, 19, and 20.
- The Result: 9 DAYS OFF (Feb 14 – Feb 22) by using only 3 days of leave.
- Strategy: Since CNY falls mid-week, clearing the Monday, Thursday, and Friday creates a massive 9-day sandwich.
2. The “June Holiday” Goldmine (Vesak Day)
- Public Holiday: May 31 (Sun) → PH observed on June 1 (Mon).
- The Hack: Take leave on May 28 and 29 (Thu/Fri).
- The Result: 5 DAYS OFF (May 28 – June 1) by using 2 days of leave.
- Strategy: May 2026 is packed. Combine this with Hari Raya Haji (May 27) for an even longer stretch if your boss is feeling generous.
3. The “National Pride” Stretch (National Day)
- Public Holiday: Aug 9 (Sun) → PH observed on Aug 10 (Mon).
- The Hack: Take leave on Aug 7 (Fri).
- The Result: 4 DAYS OFF (Aug 7 – Aug 10) by using 1 day of leave.
- Strategy: Perfect for a quick “staycation” or a short flight to Bali before the mid-year grind resumes.
2026 “Free” Long Weekends (No Leave Required)
If you are stingy with your leave balance, these holidays automatically create 3-day weekends. Pack your bags for JB or Batam:
| Holiday | Date | Day |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Friday |
| Deepavali (In-Lieu) | Nov 9 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25 | Friday |
| New Year’s Day 2027 | Jan 1 | Friday |
The “Lobang” Summary
- Total Public Holidays: 11 Days
- Potential “Hackable” Days: 40+ Additional Days
- Pro-Tip: In 2026, several holidays fall on Sundays, meaning the following Monday is an automatic day off. Don’t waste your annual leave on these Mondays!
Warning: Flight prices to Tokyo and Seoul are already trending up for these specific dates. Submit your leave applications before your colleagues realize June 1st is a holiday!
The 2026 “Bridge” Strategy
| Period | Public Holiday(s) | Take These Leave Days | Total Days Off |
| New Year’s Kickoff | Jan 1 (Thu) | Dec 29–31 (’25), Jan 2 | 9 Days (Dec 27 – Jan 4) |
| CNY Huat-ness | Feb 17–18 (Tue-Wed) | Feb 16, 19, 20 | 9 Days (Feb 14 – Feb 22) |
| April Easter/Good Fri | Apr 3 (Fri) | No leave needed | 3 Days (Apr 3 – Apr 5) |
| Labour Day Weekend | May 1 (Fri) | No leave needed | 3 Days (May 1 – May 3) |
| The May/June Mega-Hack | May 27 (Wed), June 1 (Mon) | May 25, 26, 28, 29 | 10 Days (May 23 – June 1) |
| National Day Pride | Aug 10 (Mon-Lieu) | No leave needed | 3 Days (Aug 8 – Aug 10) |
| Deepavali Escape | Nov 9 (Mon-Lieu) | No leave needed | 3 Days (Nov 7 – Nov 9) |
| Year-End Grand Finale | Dec 25 (Fri) | Dec 21–24 | 11 Days (Dec 19 – Dec 29) |
| TOTAL | 11 PH Days | 15 Leave Days | 51 TOTAL DAYS |