The Ministry of Manpower has just released the official public holidays for Singapore in 2017 and here’s a great piece of news – there is an increment of one long weekend in comparison to 2016.

This simply means that there is a grand total of seven long weekends in 2017!

Thanks to the emergence of AirBnb, low-cost carriers and Singapore’s proximity to many foreign cities, travelling on a long weekend has long become a norm for Singaporeans.

Within this guide, you will find the dates of Singapore’s seven official long weekends in 2017 and our recommendations on where we think you should visit during each long weekend.

OVERVIEW OF SINGAPORE’S LONG WEEKENDS IN 2017

#1 New Year – 31 Dec 2016 to 02 Jan 2017 (Sat to Mon)
#2 Chinese New Year – 28 to 30 Jan 2017 (Sat to Mon)
#3 Good Friday – 14 to 16 Apr 2017 (Fri to Sun)
#4 Labour Day – 29 Apr to 01 May 2017 (Sat to Mon)
#5 Hari Raya Puasa – 24 to 26 Jun 2017 (Sat to Mon)
#6 Hari Raya Haji – 01 to 03 Sep 2017 (Fri to Sun)
#7 Christmas Day – 23 to 25 Dec 2017 (Sat to Mon)

#1 NEW YEAR – TAIPEI

Kickstart your new year in Taipei city with a blast! The fireworks display from the iconic Taipei 101 is spectacular. Then, spend the remaining time stuffing your faces silly with mouthwatering Taiwanese delicacies at their bustling local night markets. Check out our travel guide on what to eat, see and do in Taipei.

When: 31 Dec 2016 to 02 Jan 2017
Where: Taipei, Taiwan

#2 CHINESE NEW YEAR – HONG KONG

Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is serious business. In fact, it has been listed by Forbes as one of the world’s 10 best events. The entire city will be in good cheer; pray for good fortune at the temples, admire the spellbindingly beautiful fireworks, watch vibrant street performances and more. For more inspiration on what to do in Hong Kong, read up our travel guide here.

When: 28 to 30 Jan 2017
Where: Hong Kong

#3 GOOD FRIDAY – BANGKOK

The capital of Thailand has always been one of the most frequented destinations amongst Singaporeans for its amazing street food, pampering Thai massages, fantastic retail therapy, bedazzling rooftop bars, affordable staycations and the list goes on. Good Friday is just another excuse for us to jet to the Land of Smiles.

When: 14 to 16 Apr 2017
Where: Bangkok, Thailand

#4 LABOUR DAY – BALI

According to weather experts, the best time to visit Bali is in April and May due to its dryer climate and lower humidity. Prices of hotels are also approximately 30% to 50% cheaper than peak period! The Island of Gods is such a romantic tropical destination. For more information, check out our destination guide to Bali.

When: 29 Apr to 01 May 2017
Where: Bali, Indonesia

#5 HARI RAYA PUASA – PERTH

Desperate to escape from the unbearable heat? Well, hop onto a plane and you will soon be enjoying the chilly weathers (temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C in April) of Perth after a 4-hour flight. Here are our top 10 recommendations on what to do in Perth.

When: 24 to 26 June 2017
Where: Perth, Australia

#6 HARI RAYA HAJI – MACAU

Macau is renowned for its gaming scene, with many world-class integrated resorts and casinos. Gaming isn’t the best thing to do but we can always enjoy the architecture of the grand buildings, nightly light shows, scrumptious Portuguese egg tarts, pork chop buns, tasty almond cookies and whatnot. Here’s our guide on what to do in Macau in 72 hours.

When: 01 to 03 Sep 2017
Where: Macau, China

#7 CHRISTMAS DAY – MANILA

When daylight wanes away, the capital of the Philippines evolves into a magnificent light show. Visitors can expect over-the-top Christmas decorations across the Filipino city – but hey, we are not complaining! The Yuletide festive period in Manila is so impressive that even CNN has given a thumbs up.

When: 23 to 25 Dec 2017
Where: Manila, The Philippines