Chinese New Year and the closing east coast
You want an island break at Chinese New Year and need to know what is actually open.
In 2027, Chinese New Year is reported for 6 and 7 February, and that sits inside the east-coast closed season. Most Redang and Perhentian resorts close for the northeast monsoon, so a holiday on those islands is unlikely to be possible. You have three honest options: ask the east coast anyway, move to another coast, or move the trip date.
For the larger date picture, start with when is the best time to visit Malaysian islands.
When is Chinese New Year, and why does it clash?
One summary of the Cabinet schedule lists Chinese New Year 2027 on 6 and 7 February [1]. The northeast monsoon is described as roughly October to March, with November to February the wettest, and most east-coast resorts close and ferries are restricted [2].
On Perhentian, most islands are reported as essentially closed to tourists in the heavy monsoon months, though a daily boat still serves the Kecil fishing village [3]. So the festival and the closed season overlap. That is why island plans for the holiday often change late.
How sure can you be about the monsoon dates?
Less than you would like. The forecaster announces the monsoon start only days ahead, and for 2025/26 it announced 13 November 2025 as the start [4]. We did not find the 2026/27 date. Resort season dates are business plans, not forecasts, so some may open early or close early.
What are your three options?
| Option | What it means | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Ask the east coast | A few places may still take guests | Open on my exact dates, in writing |
| Move to another coast | West-coast or Sabah islands follow other calendars | Open, boat times, holiday rate |
| Move the trip date | Pick a date inside the open season | Rebooking terms and school dates |
Each route has a trade-off. The first carries the highest chance of a last-minute cancellation. The second changes the island you imagined. The third changes the dates your family may already have fixed.
Which west-coast and Sabah ideas are worth asking about?
Our guide on west-coast islands when the east coast is closed compares the options, and west-coast island alternatives to Redang and Perhentian lists the choices. For Sabah, see Sabah islands: seasons and permits.
Holiday demand is high on any island that is open at Chinese New Year, because many families look for the same few options. We have no verified occupancy data, so ask the resort about peak rates and minimum stays. See also peak-season surcharges.
What should you confirm in writing?
- Are you open on my exact Chinese New Year dates?
- What is the holiday rate, and is there a minimum stay?
- If the sea is too rough for the boat, what happens to my booking?
- Can I change the date if the holiday plan shifts?
- When is the balance due, and is the deposit refundable?
Keep the answers, since they are useful if you later need to document a cancellation for insurance.
A better fit if…
Holding out for an east-coast island at Chinese New Year suits you only if you can accept a late cancellation and have flexible dates. It is a poorer fit if you have grandparents travelling or fixed leave. In that case, choose an island that is open for certain, or move your trip date.
Common questions
Are Redang and Perhentian open at Chinese New Year?
Most east-coast resorts close for the northeast monsoon, roughly November to February or March, and Chinese New Year falls inside that window in 2027. We have no verified list of exceptions. Ask each resort in writing whether it is open on your exact dates, and what happens if it closes.
What are the 2027 Chinese New Year dates?
One summary of the Cabinet schedule lists 6 and 7 February 2027. Public holiday dates can be adjusted, so confirm with the official gazette before you book anything that cannot be refunded.
Which islands should I ask about instead?
West-coast islands such as Pangkor often follow a different calendar from the east coast, and Sabah islands do too. We cannot say which are open on your dates, so ask the resort directly. Our guide on west-coast alternatives lists the options to compare.
Should I move my trip to another date?
If your heart is set on an east-coast island, a date inside the open season is the safest route. Consider the Hari Raya Haji period or a mid-year school break instead. Weigh this against school dates and family leave, and ask for the rebooking terms in writing.
Sources
- HR Online (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Wikipedia (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Wikipedia (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Malay Mail (citing MetMalaysia) (accessed 2026-10-16)