[Updated 3 January 2021]
If you've been planning to go on a short getaway this year, we have some good news to share! Malaysia has 12 long weekends in 2021 and that means, you have many opportunities to take a break and enjoy a relaxing weekend trip. Whether you're looking for places to go during the Hari Raya Haji long weekend or Merdeka long weekend, scroll down our list for the best destinations in Malaysia to go during a long weekend in 2021!
1. Nature retreat in Janda Baik
Just less than an hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, make your way to Janda Baik for a relaxing nature retreat! Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and serene vibes, there are many resorts, chalets and homestays in Janda Baik to spend the night, and not forgetting the halal cafes that you can chill at with your friends in-between!
Check out our recommended reads below to plan a nature retreat in Janda Baik!
- 7 Stunning Resorts In Janda Baik For Your Next Getaway
- 3 Halal Cafes You Never Knew You Could Find In Janda Baik, Pahang
- 10 Secluded Nature Retreats In Pahang To Escape The Crowd
2. Foodie adventure in Penang
There are many reasons why travellers would plan a road trip to Penang. From nasi kandar and asam laksa to ais tingkap and char kway teow, there's no shortage of delicious halal food in Penang. Aside from being a famous street food capital in Malaysia, there are also other attractions and Instagram-worthy spots in Penang to keep you busy.
Check out our recommended reads below to kick start your foodie adventure in Penang!
- 8 Delicious Halal Breakfast Spots In Penang That Are Perfect For Early Risers
- Eat Your Way Through Penang At These 12 Halal Eateries
- 3D2N Muslim-Friendly Itinerary To Penang (For Foodies!)
3. Girls trip to Ipoh
With the abundance of delicious halal food and Instagram-worthy spots, planning a road trip to Ipoh is a must-do. If you've been thinking of going on a much-needed girls' trip with your besties, there are also many Instagram-worthy accommodations in Ipoh that'll cater to your travel needs, which is amazingly convenient if you're planning to spend a few nights at this destination.
Check out our recommended reads below before planning an exciting girls' trip to Ipoh!
- Ipoh Food Guide: 12 Delicious Muslim-Friendly Eateries You Can’t Miss
- 12 Instagrammable Spots (Near Muslim-Friendly Eateries) In Ipoh
- 8 Instagram-Worthy Accommodations In Ipoh For Girls Getaways (Under RM280!)
4. Instagram-worthy weekend in Sekinchan
Planning a trip to Sekinchan comes with the promise of a laid-back holiday. It may just be a small town in Sabak Bernam, Selangor, but there are many things to do in Sekinchan for Instagrammers who love travelling off the beaten path. If you're planning to take some photos other than the famous paddy fields, you're going to love exploring other locations in the link below!
Check out our recommended read below to find the best spots in Sekinchan!
5. Chilly holiday in Cameron Highlands
Everyone loves planning a fun trip to Cameron Highlands! Situated in Pahang, this highland retreat is famous for its serene tea plantations, local fruit farms, and cool weather. If you want to make the most of your time here, we have all the travel guides you need to plan the best holiday in Cameron Highlands!
Check out our recommended reads below before driving up to Cameron Highlands!
- 10 Super Fun Things To Do In Cameron Highlands On Your Next Trip
- 8 Budget-Friendly Accommodations In Cameron Highlands (Under RM180!)
- 12 Accommodations In Cameron Highlands For A Cool Mountain Retreat
6. Fun road trip to Melaka
There are many reasons why Melaka is one of the most popular road trip destinations in Malaysia. Surrounded by delicious halal food and incredible Instagram-worthy spots, we would always return to Melaka for a weekend getaway. If you're planning a road trip to Melaka soon, we have a couple of useful travel guides to help you plan your trip!
Check out our recommended reads below before embarking on a fun road trip to Melaka!
- The Ultimate Guide to Halal Food in Melaka
- 7 Amazing Budget Hotels In Melaka For Your Next Trip (Under RM150)
- 8 Insta-Worthy Spots In Melaka (Near Muslim-Friendly Eateries!)
7. Underrated staycation in Selangor
Need a change of scenery but don't have the luxury of going far away for a trip? Plan an underrated staycation in Selangor! While staycations in the heart of KL is fun, there are other areas in Selangor that have many beautiful and spacious resorts that would provide a fantastic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. So if you're looking for a great staycation in Selangor, scroll down to see our recommended resorts for your next getaway!
Check out our recommended reads below to plan an underrated staycation in Selangor!
- 6 Underrated Staycation Resorts In Selangor For A Quick Escape
- 7 Homestays & Villas In Hulu Langat For Your Next Quick Getaway
- 6 Extreme Adventures In Selangor You Can Do With Your Friends
8. Family weekend in Langkawi
There's a reason why Langkawi is a popular destination among families and road trippers. From the lapping waves of Pantai Cenang and tropical rainforest to duty-free chocolates and delicious seafood, it's definitely one of the best destinations in Malaysia to visit for your next family weekend.
Check out our recommended reads below to plan a fun family getaway in Langkawi!
- Langkawi Food Guide: 12 Delicious Muslim-Friendly Eateries For An Awesome Trip
- 9 Private Pool Villas In Langkawi For Your Next Beach Vacay
- 14 Budget-Friendly Accommodations In Langkawi (Under RM200!)
9. Cafe-hopping adventure in Johor Bahru
Street food scene and delicious laksa aren't the only things that Johor Bahru (or JB, in short) is known for. Situated in the south of peninsular Malaysia, it's pretty hard not to talk about their thriving indie cafe scene that's longing to be on your Instagram feed. If you're heading down to JB, you absolutely have to set aside a day for a cafe-hopping adventure.
Check out our recommended reads below for cafes and eateries to visit in Johor Bahru!
- 16 Muslim-Friendly Cafes In JB For Your Next Cafe-Hopping Adventure
- 11 Delicious Halal Eateries That'll Make You Want To Drive To JB Right Now
- This 3D2N Itinerary Is All You Need For Your Long Weekend In JB
10. Beach getaway in Malaysia's east coast islands
Malaysia is blessed with some amazing islands with white sandy beaches and beautiful waters. While there are many islands located across the country, for those in peninsular Malaysia, there's a special appeal to the islands located on the east coast in Pahang and Terengganu.
From the popular Redang and Tioman islands to other gems like Perhentian and Kapas islands and other more unknown places like Tenggol and Gemia islands, there's so much beauty to explore.
Check out our recommended reads below for stunning east coast islands you should visit in peninsular Malaysia!
- 7 Stunning East Coast Islands In Peninsular Malaysia To Tick Off Your Bucket List
- 6 Awesome Beach Resorts In Perhentian Island To Soak Up The Sun
- 5 Amazing Budget Beach Chalets In Pulau Kapas (From RM100!)
...And there you have it! These are just some of the best destinations in Malaysia you should visit during a long weekend in 2021! Whether you're planning a short trip during the Haji Raya Haji long weekend or Merdeka long weekend, we hope this list will inspire you to explore the beautiful places in Malaysia!