This year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri falls on 5 June, and with some smart planning, it could even be a week-long getaway. We’ve done the legwork to help you figure out where you can go for maximum enjoyment. Check out our list of 8 destinations for your ultimate Hari Raya holiday.
1. Langkawi, Malaysia
For those who don’t want to go through the hassle of getting their passports out, a short ferry ride will get you across to the magical tropical island where worries don’t exist in a jiffy – yes, we refer to Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah. Everything you need to relax is there, from the pretty sand beaches, palm trees, turquoise waters, coconuts to lovely beach resorts. Is there a better place on earth to string up a hammock, pick up a good book and let your worries sweep away with the tide this Hari Raya Aidilfitri? We don’t quite think so.
2. Singapore
You can always count on Malaysia’s next-door neighbour, Singapore, to be there for you when you’re in need of a good short city getaway from home! Cross the border over to the Garden City for Ultra Music Festival, one of the biggest EDM music festivals (happening on Hari Raya), or shop till you drop for the Great Singapore Sale.
3. Penang, Malaysia
Penang is a region of diverse attractions, with everything from 19th-century architecture, pre-World War era shophouses and colonial buildings to a beautiful coastline, pretty beaches and mouthwatering local eats. Have a road trip holiday and drive down to UNESCO World Heritage Site Georgetown with family or friends for an easy, breezy, stress-free Raya getaway – you’ll thank us when you’re sinking your teeth into that sinful (but totally worth it) assam laksa, char koay teow and oyster omelette. There also many recommended hotels in Penang that you & your family can enjoy.
4. Bangkok, Thailand
The city of Bangkok is a complete sensory experience – from the tongue-tingling local foods, incredible mega malls (situated on both land and water), stunning ancient architecture to unrestrainedly vibrant nightlife, Thailand’s capital city is always poised on the edge of blowing your mind and senses away. Get your annual retail therapy fix on at Platinum Mall and the Chatuchak Weekend Market, but don’t forget to make time for some cultural immersion at the Golden Buddha, Wat Arun and Grand Palace as well.
5. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
If your New Year’s Resolution is to incorporate more exercise, here’s your chance to finally make it happen. You might have spent the first 6 months of the year being a couch potato, but it’s time to get off your butt, book your flight to Kota Kinabalu this Hari Raya and start training for the physical test of your life. The gruelling hike up to the summit of mighty Mount Kinabalu will take a whole day plus one night’s stay at a mountain lodge, but we promise the breathtaking views, sense of achievement and full-body workout will be well worth the effort once you reach the summit.
6. Lombok, Indonesia
The less raved-about but equally beautiful sister of Bali, Lombok is where travellers head to when they want peace and tranquillity served up with beautiful sandy beaches and the clear ocean. Lombok offers lush greenery, rice fields and the misty Mount Rinjani on top of the usual beach attractions.
7. Koh Samui, Thailand
Looking for a little slice of Thai beach paradise? Koh Samui may just be the answer to your prayers. Head there this Hari Raya holiday for island weather, lots of sunshine and some of the gorgeous beaches in the region. You can let the stresses of the busy year seep out of your body as you lay on the soft white sand of Chaweng Beach or soak in the warm blue seawater, with nothing more pressing to think about besides what to have for lunch. Ah, the island life!
8. Ipoh, Malaysia
Like many other cities in Malaysia, Ipoh is probably best known for its stunning local delicacies. This city is a foodie’s paradise, where everything from lip-smacking street foods, gourmet cuisine to fantastic hawker food can be found. Get your year’s worth of silky Ipoh Hor Fun, Ipoh Chicken Rice, Ipoh White Coffee and more this Hari Raya Puasa – we bet you they’ll taste better in Ipoh than they would anywhere else.
Ready to fly? Book cheap flights, hotels and car rental via Skyscanner today, or download our free mobile app for easy browsing and booking on the go.
Published June 2016. Updated in June 2019. Lowest estimated prices are valid only at the time of publication and are subject to change and/or availability.
