Part of our Malaysia public holidays guide, see the federal calendar and all 16 state observances.
Penang observes 13 federal gazetted holidays plus three state-specific days: Penang Governor's (TYT) Birthday (11 July), Georgetown UNESCO World Heritage City Day (7 July), and Thaipusam. Penang is one of four non-royal Malaysian states (with Melaka, Sabah, Sarawak) governed by a Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor / TYT) appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, rather than a hereditary Sultan.
Public holiday Penang 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Thu | New Year's Day | Federal |
| 5 Feb | Thu | Thaipusam | Penang state |
| 17 Feb | Tue | Chinese New Year | Federal |
| 18 Feb | Wed | Chinese New Year (Day 2) | Federal |
| 21 Mar | Sat | Hari Raya Aidilfitri (subject to moon sighting) | Federal |
| 1 May | Fri | Labour Day | Federal |
| 27 May | Wed | Hari Raya Haji | Federal |
| 1 Jun | Mon | Agong's Birthday | Federal |
| 17 Jun | Wed | Awal Muharram | Federal |
| 7 Jul | Tue | Georgetown World Heritage City Day | Penang state |
| 11 Jul | Sat | Penang Governor's (TYT) Birthday | Penang state |
| 26 Aug | Wed | Maulidur Rasul | Federal |
| 31 Aug | Mon | National Day (Merdeka) | Federal |
| 16 Sep | Wed | Malaysia Day | Federal |
| 8 Nov | Sun | Deepavali | Federal (9 Nov Mon replacement) |
| 25 Dec | Fri | Christmas Day | Federal |
Source: penang.gov.my. Islamic dates subject to moon sighting.
Penang state-specific holidays
- Penang Governor's (TYT) Birthday (11 July 2026): honours the reigning Yang di-Pertua Negeri Penang. The date follows the convention of the second Saturday of July.
- Georgetown World Heritage City Day (7 July 2026): commemorates 7 July 2008 when Georgetown (together with Melaka) was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Unique to Penang.
- Thaipusam (5 February 2026): the Hindu festival is a major event in Penang, with the kavadi procession from Little India to Waterfall Hilltop Temple in Georgetown drawing both locals and tourists.
Georgetown UNESCO World Heritage status
Georgetown was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage City on 7 July 2008, recognised for its multicultural architectural heritage spanning Malay, Chinese, Indian, and British colonial influences. The state holiday commemorates this inscription. The protected core covers approximately 100 hectares from Fort Cornwallis to Khoo Kongsi, encompassing clan jetties, Chinese shophouses, Anglo-Indian buildings, and Acheen Street Mosque. Visits during the heritage day weekend often coincide with cultural events organised by Think City and the state Heritage Office.
Replacement holiday rule in Penang
Federal gazetted holidays that fall on Sunday trigger Monday replacement under Section 8 of the Holidays Act 1951. Penang state-level holidays (Georgetown Heritage Day, Thaipusam, TYT Birthday) generally do not get replacement days unless specifically declared.
Planning around Penang holidays
Georgetown is consistently busy during the federal Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali long weekends. The early July twin-holiday window (Heritage Day on Tuesday 7 July, TYT Birthday on Saturday 11 July) creates an unusual mid-week long break opportunity. Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, and the heritage core book out 4-6 weeks in advance. For food, Gurney Drive hawkers and Lorong Selamat operate as usual on most state holidays; expect higher prices and longer queues. Avoid driving into Georgetown during Thaipusam (5 February 2026) when the procession closes Jalan Sungai Pinang and Burma Road for most of the day. Neighbouring state calendars: Kedah, Perak.
FAQ: Penang public holidays 2026
When is the Penang Governor's (TYT) Birthday 2026?
11 July 2026 (Saturday). Penang follows the second Saturday of July convention for the TYT Birthday.
What is Georgetown World Heritage Day?
A state holiday on 7 July commemorating Georgetown's inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 7 July 2008 (jointly with Melaka). Unique to Penang.
Does Penang have a Sultan?
No. Penang is governed by a Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT / Governor) appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Penang is one of four non-royal states (with Melaka, Sabah, Sarawak).
Is Thaipusam celebrated more in Penang than KL?
KL's Batu Caves draws the larger numerical crowds (1.5-2 million). Penang's procession from Little India to Waterfall Hilltop Temple is shorter (around 8 km) but considered more atmospheric for the heritage-core setting. Both are gazetted state holidays.
Summary: Penang public holidays 2026
Penang residents in 2026 observe 13 federal holidays plus 3 state-specific holidays: Penang Governor's (TYT) Birthday (11 July), Georgetown World Heritage City Day (7 July), and Thaipusam (5 February). The unique twin-holiday window in early July makes Penang one of the most attractive mid-year long-weekend destinations. For the full Malaysia public holiday picture, see the federal calendar.