With only 6 long weekends to look forward to next year, we’ve managed to maximise the upcoming public holidays in 2026 to get you 9 long weekends, but of course, with the help of some annual leave. And don’t worry, we’ve ensured that they don’t clash with public holidays overseas, so that each destination will be worth the ALs.
Table of Contents
PH falls on: Tuesday & Wednesday, 17th & 18th Feb 2026
Number of AL needed: 1
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
Image credit: Arrisa Tomeldan via Google Maps
When you’re travelling during CNY, avoid countries like Taiwan and China – most shops will be closed for the festivities, and bumping elbows with the local crowd surely won’t help you to enjoy your trip. Instead, consider visiting Palawan, Philippines – not to be confused with Palawan Beach at Sentosa.
Start your trip in Puerto Princesa, where you’ll find the famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park – an 8.2km underground river that leads straight to the sea. While you’re there, take a spin on a zipline at Sabang X Zipline ($10.35/pax) near the national park.
Cowrie Island.
Image credit: Airborne Ant via Google Maps
To really stretch your 5-day weekend, go on an island-hopping tour around Honda Bay ($39.09/pax) and visit Luli Island, Cowrie Island, and Starfish Island, or go firefly watching ($27.39/pax) away from the city lights. If you’re more adventurous, take a domestic flight to El Nido and Coron for remote resorts with white sandy beaches.
PH falls on: Saturday, 21st Mar 2026
Number of AL needed: 1
VinWonders Phu Quoc.
Image credit: @cheryl.1o9 via Instagram
Vietnam has become a popular travel destination among Singaporeans in recent years, but instead of the usual Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, give Phu Quoc a chance next year. Adrenaline junkies can head to VinWonders Phu Quoc, the largest theme park in Vietnam, packed with countless heart-pumping rides and attractions. There’s even a waterpark where you can cool off after all the excitement.
Image credit: @fromsealps via Instagram
For a relaxing vacation, walk along the shore of Starfish Beach, where starfish are often found on the sand. The calm and clear waters are also perfect for swimming and snorkelling. End your 3-day weekend at Phu Quoc Night Market for local street food, such as bahn mi, Vietnamese spring rolls, and a bowl of che, a sweet dessert soup.
PH falls on: Friday, 3rd Apr 2026
Number of AL needed: 0
Lake Toba.
Image credit: Nathan Koh
With the upcoming new Scoot flights to Indonesia, it’s the best time to visit Medan, located in North Sumatra, Indonesia. One of the city’s biggest highlights is Lake Toba, a crater lake formed by a super volcano. It’s also home to Samosir Island, an island almost as big as Singapore.
61m-tall Jesus Christ the Savior statue.
Image credit: Nathan Koh
Go on hikes and visit the world’s tallest statue of Jesus, even taller than the one in Rio De Janeiro. For food, we recommend giving babi panggang a go. It’s a grilled pork dish that’s served with a spiced pig’s blood sauce, a speciality of the Toba Batak people. Before you head back home, remember to check out the Singapore-inspired housing complex at CitraLand Gama City.
PH falls on: Friday, 1st May 2026
Number of AL needed: 0
Image credit: @ammii.wpm via Instagram
Labour Day is for relaxing, so head to Krabi in Thailand for a 3-day break from the hustle and bustle of Singapore. Hop on a boat to Railay Beach and enjoy the quiet vibes on shore or in the crystal-clear waters. For stress-free planning, book a longtail boat tour (from $201.20/2 pax) and visit up to 7 islands in one go.
Tiger Cave Temple.
Image credit: Nasir via Google Maps
Culture enthusiasts can head to the Tiger Cave Temple, a Buddhist temple, and climb up its 1,260 steps to reach the summit. If you’re unsure how to get there, book a Tiger Cave Temple and Emerald Pool tour ($41.65/pax) – guides will bring you to both locations, so there’s no need to do any planning on your own. Before flying back to Singapore, spend your last night at Krabi Town Night Market for som tam, moo ping, and other local street food.
PH falls on: Wednesday, 27th May 2026
Number of AL needed: 2
Empress Canyon.
Image credit: @rachmartee via Instagram
As we reach one of the hottest months of the year in Singapore, it’s time to find cooler destinations to travel to. Luckily, it’s autumn down under – not too cold where you’ll be in the same puffer jacket in all your photos. Visit New South Wales in Australia, but skip the typical sights like the Sydney Opera House and step into nature instead.
Grand Pacific Drive.
Image credit: Grand Pacific Drive
Take a tour to the Empress Canyon ($276.79/pax), where you’ll spend a full day canyoning and abseiling in the Blue Mountains. Or perhaps enjoy a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive to soak in stunning views along the Pacific Ocean. Make a stop at Symbio Wildlife Park to see native Australian animals, and if the weather is good, try skydiving ($305/pax) at Wollongong Beach for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
PH falls on: Sunday, 31st May 2026
Number of AL needed: 2
Image credit: 白い恋人パーク via Google Maps
Similar to Australia, Hokkaido will be below air-con temperature in May, but not freezing. Visit the Ishiya Chocolate Factory in Sapporo, where you’ll get to assemble your very own Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Cookies. And as its name suggests, Sapporo also has its very own Sapporo Beer Museum for beer lovers.
Cape Soya.
Image credit: ponpon via Google Maps
If you’re looking to visit outside of Sapporo, head down to Otaru, known for glassware, the Music Box Museum, and the iconic 8-layer soft-serve ice cream. For an even more memorable experience in Hokkaido, make a road trip up to Cape Soya, the northernmost point of Japan. This will be the last long weekend for the first half of the year, so make it count.
PH falls on: Sunday, 9th Aug 2026
Number of AL needed: 0
Deer Cave (left) and Clearwater Cave (right).
Image adapted from: @pjmcd43 & @seann_tan via Instagram
To get back into the groove of long weekends, take a trip to a nearby destination like Malaysia. But instead of heading to JB or KL, book a flight to Sarawak in East Malaysia. Miri makes a great alternative to the ever-popular and crowded Kuching, offering plenty of opportunities for a nature-filled adventure.
Tusan Cliff (left) and the “Blue Tears” (right).
Image adapted from: Asrul Haniff via Google Maps, Tourism Malaysia Sarawak via Facebook
Head to Gunung Mulu National Park to visit the Deer and Clearwater Caves, or challenge yourself to a hike up Mulu Summit. If you’re looking for a chill weekend trip, Tusan Beach is where you’ll want to be. Aside from the stunning view of Tusan Cliff in front of the sunset, you might catch a glimpse of the “Blue Tears” phenomenon, a rare instance where the sea begins to glow blue. However, sightings aren’t guaranteed.
PH falls on: Sunday, 8th Nov 2026
Number of AL needed: 1
Image credit: Greg Kwong via Google Maps
As we’re slowly approaching the end of the year, it’s finally time to head to Korea – not Seoul nor Busan, but Jeju. Enjoy a shopping spree at Chilseong-ro Street, often dubbed the Orchard Road of Jeju City, where you’ll find both international and local brands.
Image credit: @alpacalogpark via Instagram
Animal lovers must visit Dochidol Ranch to interact with free-roaming alpacas, or head to MomoZoo for cute capybaras. Lastly, make a stop at Dongmun Market, Jeju’s largest and oldest market, for local street food, including grilled black pork skewers, honey hotteok, or Jeju’s signature tangerine juice. If you still have time, make a quick visit to Snoopy Garden for cute photo ops with your friends.
PH falls on: Fridays, 25th Dec 2026 & 1st Jan 2027
Number of AL needed: 4
Gankeng Hakka Townlet.
Image credit: Travelem3 via Tripadvisor
For the last long weekend from Christmas to New Year’s, take a trip from Shenzhen up to Guangzhou and Gulong Gorge. Start in Shenzhen at the historic Nantou Ancient Town, where you’ll find temples dating back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty in 331 CE. Book a guided tour to the Gankeng Hakka Townlet ($8.99/pax) to learn about the town’s 350 years of Hakka history. If not, it’s also a nice place with photo spots and local shops to explore at your own pace. Don’t miss out on the Shuiwei Cun Night Food Market for local delights before hopping on the high-speed rail (from $12.35/pax) to Guangzhou.
Bubble tram at the Canton Tower.
Image credit: @jsw.36 via Instagram
Head to Tianhe Zhujiang for the Christmas festivities, but do note that it can get very crowded. Here, you’ll get to enjoy city views from the bubble tram at the top of the Canton Tower. Then ring in the New Year by the Pearl River – this year’s 45-minute show featured fireworks, a drone performance, and a light show, so you can look forward to these next year as well.
Yuntian Glass Skywalk (left) and river rafting (right).
Image credit: Klook
Book a day trip to Gulong Gorge (from $36.35/pax), where you can choose to visit the Yuntian Glass Skywalk with breathtaking views of the waterfalls and nature, or go river rafting that’s full of twists, turns, and drops.
If you choose to travel during these long weekends, you’ll be using a total of just 11 ALs – not too bad for an entire year of travelling. It’s never too early to plan or book your next travel adventure, far from the daily grind.
For more holiday tips:
Cover image adapted from: Grand Pacific Drive, @jsw.36 via Instagram, Airborne Ant via Google Maps
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