Public Holidays in 2022: Maximise Your Long Weekends
It's a brand new year - and how better than now, to start charting out and maybe even "chope-ing" dates to take leave? This year, if you plan your days right, you can get 50 days off work just by taking 16 days of leave!
With travel restrictions in Singapore and around the world easing, many of you may be starting to plan your wanderlust adventures – so it’s time to make the best use of your public holidays and long weekends. We’ve put together a guide on planning your travels around Singapore’s long weekends. Plus, in such times of change and uncertainty, there are some important points to take note of so that you can best enjoy yourself.
Note:
Due to the uncertain nature of the pandemic, travel restrictions and the list of allowed countries for the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) schemes are subject to change. Do check on the latest advisories before you make your plans.
Overview of Public Holidays 2022
| Holiday | Date | Day |
| New Year's Day | 1 January 2022 | Saturday |
| Chinese New Year | 1 February 2022 2 February 2022 |
Tuesday Wednesday |
| Good Friday | 15 April 2022 | Friday |
| Labour Day | 1 May 2022 | Sunday^ |
| Hari Raya Puasa | 3 May 2022 | Tuesday |
| Vesak Day | 15 May 2022 | Sunday^ |
| Hari Raya Haji | 10 July 2022 | Sunday^ |
| National Day | 9 August 2022 | Tuesday |
| Deepavali | 24 October 2022 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December 2022 | Sunday |
^The following Monday will be a public holiday if your rest day falls on this day.
January 2022
Public Holiday:
New Year’s Day on Saturday, 1 January
Take leave on:
Not required – you’ll get an off-in-lieu, so you may have a long weekend, or save it for another time!
Where to go:
For many of us, it’s a typical 3-day weekend. There may not be much time to book a holiday or staycation, but why not go on a day trip around Singapore to explore nature – for example, Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve or the newly reopened MacRitchie Treetop Walk – and perhaps do some café hopping?
February 2022
Public Holiday:
Chinese New Year on Tuesday and Wednesday, 1 and 2 February
Take leave on:
- Monday, 31 January (for some, this is a half-day)
- Thursday and Friday, 3 and 4 February,
Where to go:
That’s 3 days leave for 9 days off work, so you can head somewhere further, such as Europe – and take a break from the sweltering heat in Singapore! Whether it’s immersing in a world of fashion in Paris, sightseeing and enjoying gelato in Spain, or soaking in the rich culture in Austria, you’ll be starting off the year on a great note by feeding that wanderlust! Of course, that’s if schedule permits – we’re not asking you to break your yearly traditions of visiting your loved ones!
April 2022
Public Holiday:
Good Friday on Friday, 15 April
Take leave on:
Not required
Where to go:
It’s another 3-day weekend, so why not take a short break and unwind at a staycation right here in Singapore? Whether it’s living it up in a luxury hotel, immersing yourself in a boutique hotel in one of Singapore’s cultural districts, or relaxing in a beach hotel – this short break will have you all charged up…for the next big holiday coming up in May!
May 2022
Public Holidays:
- Labour Day PH on Monday, 2 May
- Hari Raya Puasa PH on Tuesday, 3 May
- Vesak Day PH on Monday, 16 May
Take leave on:
This time, you have a few options to choose from:
- Use the long weekends to go on day trips to one of Singapore’s islands.
- Or take leave from 4 to 6 May to give yourself a 9-day break from 30 April to 8 May.
- Or really make your leave count by taking 4 to 6 May AND 9 to 13 May off, for a 17-day break from 30 April to 16 May.
Where to go:
Australia, where the weather’s generally nice and cool at this time of the year – quite a polar opposite from Singapore!
July 2022
Public Holiday:
Hari Raya Haji PH on Monday, 11 July
Take leave on:
None required, unless you want a longer trip.
Where to go:
Another three-day weekend! If you want to do more than having a day trip or staycation, why not head to Malaysia for a short trip? You can shop, eat, or have a beach vacation – somewhat like the good old days, just with some precautions to take note of.
August 2022
Public Holiday:
National Day on Tuesday, 9 August
Take leave on:
Monday, 8 August
Where to go:
Great, a 4-day weekend this time! Try going somewhere nearby – how about Cambodia to visit some rich cultural sights? If you’re up for some shopping and feasting, Bangkok may be what you need. Or if you need a beach retreat, Thailand and Indonesia are waiting for you!
October 2022
Public Holiday:
Deepavali on Monday, 24 October
Take leave on:
None required.
Where to go:
Another three-day weekend – it’s time to head out for an excursion with your family. Singapore may be small, but there are many places to explore. The National Parks Board, for instance, regularly organises tours and nature tours that you might like.
December 2022
Public holiday:
Christmas Day PH on Monday, 26 December
Take leave on:
Take 4-days leave from 27-30 December to get a 10-day break from 24 December to 2 January 2023 (as 1 January 2023 falls on a Sunday - the New Year's Day PH will fall on 2 January 2023 instead).
Where to go:
You have more than a week’s break – take this chance to enjoy a white Christmas! Try Korea, Japan, Europe, USA, UK, or just about anywhere, really!
Travel checklist: Must-do’s before you fly
While we may be excited about finally being able to travel again after two years, do know that it’s still uncertain times – there may be sudden changes to restrictions and quarantine rules, additional costs to take care of, and so much more. But that’s not to say that you can’t enjoy your time to the fullest – here are some quick tips on what to take note off before planning your trip, and actually jetting off.
- Find out about VTL requirements and eligibility.
- Get your pre-departure testing done 48 to 72 hours before your flight.
- Check the testing guidelines for your destination country.
- Check on what you need to prove your vaccination status in your destination country.
- Buy travel insurance to protect yourself from unexpected expenses – both the usual travel-related ones, as well as COVID-related.
50 days of break with just 16 days of leave – that sounds amazing! Travelling has been a favourite pastime for many of us in Singapore – and now that restrictions have been relaxed, some of us may be celebrating. As long as we keep ourselves updated on the guidelines from Singapore and destination countries and safeguard yourself from any unexpected expenses, we’re all set to scratch that wanderlust. Here’s to safe travels!
Important Notes:
This article is meant purely for informational purposes and should not be relied upon as financial advice. The precise terms, conditions and exclusions of any Income products mentioned are specified in their respective policy contracts. For customised advice to suit your specific needs, consult an Income insurance advisor. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
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