It seems like this year is really whizzing past us! Given that Hari Raya Haji falls on a Sunday on 10 July, the holiday will be observed on Monday (11 July), meaning that it's a long weekend!
Raya Haji is an important celebration for Muslims, as it commemorates Prophet Abraham's (A.S.) ultimate act of sacrifice and also marks an important milestone for the millions who come to Makkah to perform their hajj pilgrimage. Culturally, however, celebrations for Raya Haji tend to be a simpler affair than Hari Raya Aidilfitri and don't usually take up as much time. So if you're thinking about squeezing in a quick getaway or even have the whole weekend free to travel, here are some ideas (and useful links!) for where you can go!
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1. Melaka
Credit: Mohd Fazlin Mohd Effendy Ooi on Flickr
Melaka is a mere 2.5 hours drive away from KL (or about 3 hours and 15 minutes from Singapore!) and is a popular spot for day-trip from the city. If you haven't done a trip down to Melaka in a while, now's the time do it! Explore Bandar Hilir and see the iconic red brick buildings that are synonymous with Melaka. Admire historic structures like St. Paul’s church, A Famosa fortress, and the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum. A visit to Menara Taming Sari is also not to be missed! You’ll be treated to a colourful, panoramic view of this city ?
A short trip to Melaka can also only mean one thing: walking along Jonker Street! This heritage lane is a popular place to buy souvenirs, unique artworks and authentic traditional Melaka kueh. Strolling along the scenic promenade by the Melaka river is another must-do ?
Make sure you also feast on Melaka's many amazing food offerings. Besides popular local eats like chicken rice balls or asam pedas, Melaka has a thriving hipster cafe scene you should check out too.
#HHWT Tip: If you stay until night, Jonker street comes alive with a night market filled with stalls selling all kinds of goods and of course street food! The Melaka Rive gets lit with beautiful coloured lighting too.
If you're looking for a family-friendly attraction that promises a lot of fun, check out the A'Famosa Water Theme Park!
2. Ipoh
Did you know that Ipoh is also only 2.5 hours drive away from KL? And it's the perfect place for a short and sweet trip as well, with all the right ingredients: good food, pretty sights, and artsy places to check out.
We recently covered Ipoh in our article on weekend getaway destinations for less than RM800, which includes accommodation and attractions! From the Instagrammable streets of Market Lane to nature spots like Kek Lok Tong Garden and one-of-a-kind attractions like Kellie's Castle, Ipoh will be a worthwhile getaway. Read more about it as well as other destinations for a weekend trip in the full article.
But hey, if you want to turn your Ipoh jaunt into a full foodie getaway, you can do that too! Check out this Ipoh food guide we have for the eateries you can't miss. We even have a foodie itinerary for Ipoh!
3. Port Dickson
This seaside town in Negeri Sembilan affectionately called P.D. has long been a popular weekend destination, given its proximity to the city. Port Dickson has notable attractions such as the Army Museum (as P.D. has long had a military base), an ostrich farm, and the quaint fishing town of Lukut nearby. But its star attractions have to be its beaches, as well as the many beach resorts that are present.
If a beachside getaway sounds right up your alley for Raya Haji weekend, you have plenty to choose from, ranging from affordable hotels to luxurious resorts. Some of the accommodations we've featured include the following:
Avillion Port Dickson
Credit: @avillionpd on Instagram
Inspired by the Old World Malay fishing village, this 5-star beach resort provides guests with only the best. Overlooking the Straits of Melaka, this resort is great for those looking for an overwater chalet!
Rate per night: From RM320 on Agoda
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Address: Avillion Port Dickson, 3rd Miles, Jalan Pantai, 71000 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Contact no: +606-647 6688
Lexis Hibiscus
Credit: Lexis Hibiscus
Lexis Hibiscus gained fame for its beautiful pool villas that sit on the water arranged in the shape of the hibiscus flower. The luxury resort offers a range of villas, starting from the 71 sqm Executive Pool Villa all the way to the ultra-luxurious Presidential Suite. Most of the villas come equipped with two king-sized beds, making it perfect for groups ?
Rate per night: From RM651 on Agoda
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Address: 2th Mile, Jalan Pantai, Pasir Panjang 71250, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan,
Contact no. : +606 – 660 2626
Grand Lexis Port Dickson
Credit: Grand Lexis Port Dickson on Facebook
Grand Lexis Port Dickson boasts 317 villas that all come with their own private pool ? The resort has villas that are located over water as well as some villas located in the hotel building on land. The resort offers a whole host of recreational activities, so there will plenty of things to do during your time there! Besides bicycle rentals, an archery range and a karaoke room, the resort can even arrange fishing and crabbing activities.
Rate per night: From RM614 on their booking page
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Address: Batu 2, Jalan Seremban, Port Dickson, Port Dickson 71000, Negeri Sembilan
Contact no.: +60 6-653 2000
4. Sepang Goldcoast
Fancy a beach retreat somewhere closer to home? Then have a quick getaway to Sepang Gold Coast! Sepang Gold Coast is coastal development located in Bagan Lalang that's shaping up to be an eco-city. But it's perhaps best known for being home to Avani Sepang GoldCoast Resort.
A blend of tropical relaxation and adventure, it is definitely no surprise that Avani Hotels Sepang keeps attracting visitors every week. You can imagine your own Maldives by booking your stay in the spectacular overwater resort.
Rate per night: From RM548 on Agoda
Address: No. 67, Jalan Pantai Bagan Lalang Kg Bagan Lalang, 43950 Sungai Pelek, Selangor.
Contact no.: +60 3-3182 3600
5. Johor Bahru
If you're in Singapore, Johor Bahru (JB) is, of course, an easy option for a quick weekend trip. But even if you're from KL it would be a great getaway! For one thing, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions like Legoland. You can also check out the JB Old Town to explore vintage buildings and colourful wall murals that double as an awesome background for your family snapshots.
Check out our JB guide to know everything you need for a trip here. Don't forget to check out the vast array of yummy food offerings too (here are 7 new eateries you can't miss!).
6. Penang
Credit: Roongkiat Arsthong on Facebook
We also recently covered Penang in our article on weekend getaway destinations for less than RM800, so you're all set for an affordable trip to Penang! Read more about it as well as other destinations for a weekend trip in the full article.
While you're indulging at Penang's manydeliciouseateries, don't forget to checkout out nearby Instgrammable spots to get some pretty pictures while you're at it!
7. Nature retreats
If you're yearning for a little peace and quiet, why not consider going for nature retreat? Malaysia is blessed with many lush nature retreats that are all within driving distance. We've covered our top picks for nature retreats here, with some of them going for as low as RM98!
If you're looking for something a little more luxurious but still within nature, we've got you covered too!
If you're really looking to squeeze the whole long weekend or perhaps you want to take leave to stretch it out a bit more, here are some last-minute (but doable!) ideas for a 4D3N getaway!
8. Bangkok
Who doesn't love a getaway to Bangkok? With delicious halal food, bustling markets and excellent shopping places, it's the perfect place to escape to for a long weekend (psst: we have 4D3N Muslim-friendly itinerary for Bangkok all planned out for you!).
Whether you're looking to see iconic structures like the Wat Arun and Wat Pho temples, visit the floating markets or trawl through the weekend market at Chatuchak, Bangkok, you'll definitely have a wonderful trip. It also helps that it's relatively easy to get around Bangkok thanks to its transportation system - read more on our tips for travelling and getting around Bangkok here.
It would be remiss not to explore the rest of Bangkok's thriving shopping scene, be it night markets, wholesale centres or upscale malls. Check our ultimate guide to some of the best shoopping spots in Bangkok (with Muslim-friendly eateries nearby to refuel) or check out our list of street markets you can't miss!
Credit: Artboxthailand
Have you been to Bangkok already? There's always something new to uncover in this vibrant city, such as the trendy Charoenkrung district or the many hipster coffee places that have cropped up. Don't forget to check out their local supermarket (Big C) and stock up on some Muslim-friendly goodies using our handy guide!
9. Singapore
Credit: Geordie Guy on Flickr
We couldn't make this list without including Singapore! If you're coming from Malaysia, you're just a quick flight away if you can't be bothered to drive, meaning you can maximise your time in the city! A visit to the city doesn't necessarily have to be super pricey either - check out our 3D2N itinerary for Singapore for under RM700. It's a great option if you travelling with family too - there are plenty of family-friendly attractions, the journey to and from Singapore isn't too taxing for kids, and there's plenty of family-friendly accommodations and delicious food for the family to enjoy! While you're at it, don't forget to check out Jewel Changi Airport?
If you're not up for Universal Studios or perhaps are looking for something more mellow, why not grab some friends and have a foodie adventure? We have the ultimate halal food guide for Singapore to set you up, or you can hang out at one of the many Muslim-friendly cafes too. Alternatively, explore a different side of Singapore at these beautiful spots that won't cost a penny!
Credit: Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong on Facebook
If you're from Singapore, a staycation in Singapore might also be an excellent idea (especially if most people are leaving the country to travel!). Whether you're looking for a romantic staycation for two or want to have a girls weekend, we've rounded up some amazing accommodations in Singapore to help you out.
10. Batam
Batam has long been a popular getaway destination for Singaporeans or Johoreans. But if you're coming from KL, you can make a getaway out of it by driving down to Johor and taking a ferry from Puteri Harbour! The ferry ride takes about 2 hours and cost RM99 for a round-trip ticket.
Credit: @zheng_rommynoel on Instagram
Batam has a number of attractions. Make sure to stop by the famous Balerang Bridge for a beautiful shot of one of Batam's icons, which connects the islands of Batam, Rempang, and Galang. If you're in the mood for a spot fo shopping, go to Nagoya Hill shopping centre! It's also a great spot to get a spot of pampering by going to one of the many massage shops around the mall,
Credit: Turi Beach Resort on Facebook
You'll be spoilt for choice in terms of resorts in Batam, which range from affordable stays to beachside resorts and even luxurious private villas. Choose the resort for you from our lists ofaccommodations!
Credit: @batamview on Instagram
Going for a getaway to a quick change of scenery is always a good idea, and there are so many places nearby do so. We hope you have a good long weekend over the Raya Haji break and let us know if you end up going to any of these destinations!