2016 Long Weekend in Singapore Guide

2015 has been blessed with numerous long weekends (including a special surprise from the government for the Golden Jubilee celebrations). According to the Ministry of Manpower, here are the 11 gazetted public holidays in Singapore next year. Here are some of the long weekends you should be planning (with the right hotel and flight deals of course!): 

2016 Public Holidays in Singapore | Photo Credit: Ministry of Manpower

Here are the six official long weekends that you should know about: 

Quarter 1 (January - March) 2016

1. New Year's Day (01 January 2016) - Friday
   Long Weekend: 3.0 to 3.5 Days | Most companies would have a half-day policy in place on New Year's Eve (31 December 2015).
   Advantages: Potential to extend the long weekend by taking a day or two of leave. 
   Disadvantages: Extremely costly to travel this time of the year to popular destinations. Flights and hotels are generally overbooked - little or no chance for upgrade despite having status. 
2. Chinese New Year (8-9 February 2015) - Monday to Tuesday
   Long Weekend: 4.0 Days
   Advantages: Potential to extend the long weekend by taking a day or two of leave. Leaving the country may also be a good idea if you do not wish to deal with the yearly family drama (if applicable). 
   Disadvantages: May be costly to travel due to the long weekend. Many stores in certain countries like China, Hong Kong and Taiwan will be closed during this period and therefore there is not much to do in the destination country. 
3. Good Friday (25 March 2016) - Friday
   Long Weekend: 3.0 Days
   Advantages: Potential to extend the long weekend by taking a day or two of leave. Book early to avoid the higher flight fares - may be a good idea to visit neighbouring countries for some shopping or food. 
   Disadvantages: End of quarter one may be a busy period for some companies. 

Quarter 2 (April - June) 2016

1. Labour Day (01 May 2016) - Sunday (Monday will be a Public Holiday)
   Long Weekend: 3.0 Days
   Advantages: Potential to extend the long weekend by taking a day or two of leave. Book early to avoid the higher flight fares - may be a good idea to visit neighbouring countries for some shopping or food. 

Quarter 3 (July - September) 2016

1. Hari Raya Haji (12 September 2016) - Monday
   Long Weekend: 3.0 Days
   Advantages: Potential to extend the long weekend by taking a day or two of leave.

Quarter 4 (October - December) 2016

1. Christmas (25 December 2016) - Sunday (Monday will be a Public Holiday)
   Long Weekend: 3.0 Days
   Advantages: Potential to extend the long weekend by taking a day or two of leave. 
   Disadvantages: Since Christmas Eve falls on a Saturday, companies may not be inclined to give half a day off on Friday. Travel during this period is generally really expensive and should be avoided if possible. 

Photo Credit: Thinkstock 

With a little strategy, you will be able to enjoy more than six long weekends in 2016. Here are two potential long weekends in Quarter 3, 2016 that you should take note: 

1. Hari Raya Puasa (06 July 2016) - Wednesday
   Potential Long Weekend: 3.0 + 2.0 Days | Taking two days of Annual Leave on Monday and Tuesday will allow you to take a 5-day overseas vacation if you do not need to be in Singapore.
   Advantages: Ticket prices remain relatively calm during this period and should not deviate too much from normal prices if you book in advance (or really close to the date).
2. National Day (09 August 2016) - Tuesday
   Potential Long Weekend: 3.0 + 1.0 Day | Taking one day of Annual Leave on Monday give you four days off work.