For many Singaporeans, Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji are the quintessential periods for a “balik kampung” trip or a quick getaway to Malaysia.
However, 2026 presents a unique travel landscape. With public holidays falling on weekends and coinciding with school breaks, the Causeway and Second Link are expected to reach record-breaking congestion levels.
If you are planning to drive across the border, your best friends are timing and strategy. This article lists exactly when to leave, which checkpoint to choose, and how to navigate the 2026 festive rush like a pro.
In 2026, there are two major Hari Raya celebrations:
Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr): Expected to fall on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha): Expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
The March date is particularly tricky.
Because March 21 is a Saturday, the following Monday (March 23) is a scheduled school holiday/day off-in-lieu for many students. Crucially, this falls right at the end of the March school holidays (March 14–22).
You will be competing for road space with both festive travellers and families returning from their week-long school break.
Hari Raya Haji on May 27 falls on a Wednesday. This creates a “sandwich” week where many will take two days of leave (Monday and Tuesday) to create a five-day long weekend starting from the previous Saturday.
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