There’s something special about Malaysia school holidays. The moment they hit, you can almost feel the collective sigh of relief. Kids ditch the uniforms, teachers get a well-earned breather, and parents? Well, they start looking for ways to turn that break into something meaningful.
For many families, it’s the perfect window to travel. No rushing from class to tuition. No homework hanging over anyone’s head. Just time to be together. Some families head straight for the beach, soaking up sun and saltwater. Others chase cool air in the mountains, or dive into the chaos (the good kind) of city adventures. And for the travel-hungry, maybe even a ski trip somewhere completely unexpected. You don’t need a big reason to go. Just the chance to make memories, which, honestly, is reason enough.
Malaysia Academic Year
Ever since COVID-19 threw everything off balance, Malaysia’s school calendar has been operating on a slightly shifted timeline. But the good news? The government plans to return to the more familiar January–December school year by 2026.
As for 2025, the academic year is set to run from February to December, with the usual breaks scattered throughout for public and school holidays. Group A states will kick off the new school year on 16 February 2025, while Group B states will begin a day later, on 17 February 2025. That small difference is simply because different states observe different weekends. It’s a bit quirky, but it’s how things work here.
Malaysia School Holidays – Group A
School in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.
2025 Term | Start | Finish | Days |
School Starts | 16 February 2025 | ||
Term 1 – Holidays | 29 May 2025 | 09 June 2025 | 12 |
Term 2 – Holidays | 12 September 2025 | 20 September 2025 | 9 |
Term End – Holidays | 19 December 2025 | 10 January 2026 | 23 |

Malaysia School Holidays – Group B
Schools in Melaka, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan, and Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya.
2025 Term | Start | Finish | Days |
School Starts | 17 February 2025 | ||
Term 1 – Holidays | 29 May 2025 | 09 June 2025 | 12 |
Term 2 – Holidays | 13 September 2025 | 21 September 2025 | 9 |
Term End – Holidays | 20 December 2025 | 11 January 2026 | 23 |
Extra Malaysia School Holidays
The Ministry of Education also has extra holidays in conjunction with major festivals.
School Holidays | Group A States | Group B States |
Hari Raya Aidilfitri | 30 March, 02-03 April 2025 | 02-04 April 2025 |
Deepavali | 19 and 21 October 2025 | 21 and 22 October 2025 Except Sarawak 20 October 2024 Sarawak Only |

Where to Travel During Malaysia School Holidays — From Beaches to Snow-Capped Slopes
When the Malaysia school holidays roll around, it’s like the country collectively exhales. The school bell stops ringing, the lunch boxes get a break, and families everywhere start asking the same question — where should we go?
It’s the perfect time to travel. No need to juggle homework, no morning rush. Just you, the kids, and the freedom to explore. Whether you’re after sun-drenched beaches or cool mountain escapes, there’s no better excuse to pack your bags than the Malaysia school holidays.
Here are some destinations that might just inspire your next getaway.
Sun, Sand, and a Whole Lot of Chill
A beach holiday is always a favourite during the Malaysia school holidays. Maybe it’s the ease of it — throw some swimsuits in a bag and go. Or maybe it’s just that everyone, from toddlers to teens to tired parents, loves a good beach day.
If that’s what you’re after, here are a few standouts:
- Club Med Cherating
Tucked away on the east coast, this tropical eco-resort blends lush jungle with golden beaches. Think nature walks, zip lines, and plenty of downtime. It’s got that balance of adventure and peace that’s hard to beat. - Club Med Phuket
Set right by Kata Beach, this one’s a mix of Thai charm and all-out relaxation. Tropical gardens, family-friendly activities, and plenty of ways to unwind — it’s great for those who want a bit of everything. - Club Med Bali
Nusa Dua’s calm shores are perfect for families. You get the laid-back beach vibe, plus a touch of culture and loads of activities to keep everyone happy. - Club Med Bintan
Just a short ferry from Singapore, this island retreat is all about wellness and nature. Mornings start slow, the beach is never far, and there’s always something fun for the kids too. - Club Med Kani
If you’re aiming big, this one’s the dream. A private island, crystal-clear waters, and marine life that feels like a scene from a documentary. It’s one of those trips you’ll talk about for years. - Summer Bay Lang Tengah
A little more off the radar, Lang Tengah offers that untouched island vibe. Perfect if you want something quieter, with pristine beaches and a whole lot of blue.
Want Something Different? Try a Ski Holiday in Japan
Not everyone wants sun during the Malaysia school holidays. Some of us want snow. Soft, dry, perfect-for-skiing kind of snow and Japan has that in spades.
“Japow,” as they call it, is world famous. And with top-notch resorts and direct flights from Malaysia, it’s actually not as far-fetched as it sounds for a Malaysia school holiday trip.
Here are some ski resorts worth checking out:
- Club Med Sahoro
A great all-rounder for families. Good snow, comfy lodgings, and plenty of indoor fun for non-skiers too. - Club Med Tomamu
Wide open slopes, jaw-dropping views, and everything you need in one place. It’s perfect if you want that mix of excitement and comfort. - Club Med Kiroro Peak
Adults and teens aged 12 and up only. It’s stylish, peaceful, and built for skiers who like their snow with a side of serenity. - Club Med Kiroro Grand
Ski straight out the door and into one of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll see in Hokkaido. A great pick for families, with stunning facilities and incredible food.
China’s Hidden Holiday Gems
China’s not always the first place that comes to mind when planning for the Malaysia school holidays, but maybe it should be. With its mix of nature, culture, and modern resorts, it’s a fresh take on family travel.
- Club Med Guilin
Surrounded by misty mountains and striking rock formations, this resort feels like something out of a painting. It’s peaceful, artsy, and a nice change of pace. - Club Med Lijiang
Elegant, charming, and a little bit luxurious. You’ll find cobblestone streets, ancient town vibes, and a resort that knows how to do comfort. - Club Med Yabuli
Ski lovers, this one’s for you. It’s China’s first Club Med ski resort, and it still holds up. Great slopes, cosy cabins, and all the gear you’ll need. - Club Med Beidahu
This one’s a stunner. Tall peaks, open trails, and facilities that make it feel more like a boutique hotel than a ski lodge. - Club Med Changbaishan
Right by the famous Changbai Mountain, this place is surrounded by hot springs, forests, and fresh mountain air. It’s a bit of everything — nature, adventure, and just enough comfort.
Need Help Planning for Malaysia School Holidays?
We all know how fast hotels fill up and flight prices climb once the Malaysia school holidays are near. The key? Start planning early. Seriously, the earlier the better.
At Travelution Holidays, we help families make the most of their Malaysia school holidays — whether it’s a simple weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure abroad. We’ll take care of the details so you can focus on what really matters: the memories.
So, where will your next Malaysia school holiday take you?