Public Holidays in 2023: Maximise Your Long Weekends
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.
Overview of Public Holidays 2023
| 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.
January 2023
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?
February 2023
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!
April 2023
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.
May 2023
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.
June 2023
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.
August 2023
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.
November 2023
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.
December 2023
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!
Travel checklist: Must-do’s before you fly
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!
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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