Travel

Public Holidays in 2023: Maximise Your Long Weekends

byShu Rin Hoe
  • Sep 22, 2022
  • 5 mins
  • 281 views

Travel has resumed for many countries, and how better than now, to start charting out and maybe even "chope-ing" dates to take leave for 2023? If you plan your days right, you can get 45 days off work just by taking 13 days of leave!

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.

Holiday Date Day
New Year's Day  1 January 2023 Sunday^
Chinese New Year  22 January 2023
23 January 2023 
Sunday#
Monday
Good Friday  7 April 2023 Friday
Hari Raya Puasa 22 April 2023 Saturday
Labour Day  1 May 2023 Monday
Vesak Day 2 June 2023 Friday
Hari Raya Haji  29 June 2023  Thursday
National Day 9 August 2023 Wednesday
Deepavali  12 November 2023  Sunday^
Christmas Day  25 December 2023 Monday

^The following Monday will be a public holiday if your rest day falls on this day.
#The following Tuesday, 24 Jan 2023, will be a public holiday.

Public Holiday:
New Year’s Day PH on Monday, 2 January

Take leave on:
Not required – time to enjoy a long weekend! 

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?  

Public Holiday:
Chinese New Year on Monday and Tuesday, 23 and 24 January 

Take leave on:
Wednesday to Friday, 25-27 January 

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! 

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Public Holiday:
Good Friday on Friday, 7 April
Hari Raya Puasa on Saturday, 22 April

Take leave on:
Not required

Where to go:
It’s another 3-day weekend on the first week or April, 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 June! You can save your off-in-lieu for the big holiday too, or when you feel like you need a break.

Public Holidays:
Labour Day PH on Monday, 1 May

Take leave on: 
Not required

Where to go:
Spend your 3-day weekend relaxing at a resort in Bintan or Batam with your friends or family! With activities such as a firefly tour, a turtle hatchery programme and more, there's something for everyone while you unwind and recharge yourself.

Public Holidays:
Vesak Day PH on Friday, 2 June
Hari Raya Haji PH on Thursday, 29 June

Take leave on: 
Wednesday, 28 June
Friday, 30 June

Where to go:
Other than having another 3-day weekend on the first week of June, you can also use 2 days of leave to get a 5-day break on the last week of the month! 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. 

Public Holiday:
National Day on Wednesday, 9 August

Take leave on:
4 days of leave on Monday and Tuesday, 7 and 8 August, as well as Thursday and Friday, 10 and 11 August

Where to go:
4 days of leave for 9 days of break? It's time to go a bit further, whether it's on a shopping spree in South Korea, or to feast on sushi in Japan and visit the all new Universal Studios Super Nintendo Park in Osaka.

Public Holiday:
Deepavali PH on Monday, 13 November

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. 

Public holiday:
Christmas Day on Monday, 25 December 

Take leave on:
Take 4-days leave from 26-29 December to get a 10-day break from 23 December to 1 January 2024.


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! 

While travel has picked up in the recent months, 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  – whether it's for long trips, or even short ones.  

45 days of break with just 13 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 looking to travel even more frequently. 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! 

Tags: Travel
Author(s):
Shu Rin Hoe is a business writer with over nine years of experience in writing, spanning lifestyle, travel, health and wellness and finance.

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