Deepavali 2026 Traffic Guide: Best Time to Drive KL to JB & Singapore
Quick answer: Deepavali 2026 falls on Sunday 8 November, with Monday 9 November as the replacement holiday, creating a 7 to 9 November long weekend in Malaysia and Singapore. To beat the jam, leave KL before 6am on Friday 6 November or after 9pm. Heading home, avoid Monday afternoon. Stop at Skudai R&R (KM16.5 southbound) before the Causeway.
When is Deepavali 2026, and is it a long weekend?
Deepavali (also called Diwali, the Festival of Lights) falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Because the festival lands on a Sunday, Monday, 9 November 2026 is the replacement public holiday. For most drivers that means a three-day long weekend from Saturday 7 to Monday 9 November.
Singapore also observes Deepavali on 8 November with Monday 9 November as the day off for most workers. That matters on the southern end of the North-South Expressway (NSE): Malaysians are driving home to Johor and the north, while Singapore residents are crossing into Johor Bahru for a short break. Both flows meet around Skudai, Tebrau and the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.
State holiday rules can differ, so check your own state gazette or your employer's calendar before you lock in leave.
What are the worst times to drive KL to JB over Deepavali?
Festive traffic on the NSE follows a predictable pattern. Based on how long weekends usually unfold, these are the windows to avoid:
Friday 6 November, 3pm to 11pm. Office workers leave KL, Putrajaya and the Klang Valley at the same time. The stretch from Nilai to Seremban and the Ayer Keroh to Pagoh section tend to slow first.
Saturday 7 November, 7am to 1pm. Families who did not leave on Friday all start the same morning.
Monday 9 November, 1pm to 10pm. The return wave. Northbound traffic out of Johor and southbound traffic towards the Causeway both build through the afternoon.
PLUS usually publishes a Travel Time Advisory (TTA) before major festivals, suggesting departure slots by destination. Check the PLUS app or PLUS social media channels in the week before and follow the slot for your route.
What is the best time to leave KL for Johor Bahru or Singapore?
If you can be flexible, these windows usually give the smoothest drive:
Thursday 5 November after 9pm. Taking Friday off and driving the night before avoids the Friday evening crush entirely.
Friday 6 November before 6am. Early starts are the single best way to beat festive traffic. You should reach Johor by late morning.
Sunday 8 November (Deepavali day) mid-morning. Many families are already home celebrating, so traffic on the day itself is often lighter.
Whichever slot you pick, top up your Touch 'n Go card or eWallet before you leave and keep your phone charged for navigation.
How do I avoid the Causeway jam into Singapore?
The last few kilometres are often the slowest part of the trip. A few practical tips:
Check the checkpoint cameras before you commit. The Woodlands and Tuas checkpoint traffic cameras, plus live traffic in Google Maps or Waze, will tell you which crossing is moving.
Avoid Monday 9 November late afternoon and evening if you are returning to Singapore. This is typically the heaviest window of the weekend.
Make your last stop before Skudai toll. Once you pass Skudai toll you are about 20 minutes from Woodlands Checkpoint in normal traffic, but there are few good places to stop once the queue starts.
Have your documents ready. Foreign-registered cars entering Singapore must have a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) before submitting the SG Arrival Card, a rule that applies from 6 October 2026 (reported by The Star and SAYS). Sort it out before the weekend, not in the queue.
Where should I stop before the Causeway?
Skudai R&R Southbound at KM16.5 of the NSE is the last full-service rest stop before Johor Bahru and Singapore. It sits just before Skudai toll, around 60 km (about 40 minutes) after Machap R&R, and is open 24 hours.
Here is what you will find there:
Four petrol stations: Shell, Petron, Caltex and BHPetrol. Fill up before the checkpoint queue.
EV charging: a Tesla V4 Supercharger (Tesla's first V4 on the NSE, up to 250 kW) and a JomCharge 120 kW DC fast charger.
Food and coffee: Starbucks (with the glasshouse cafe and a drive-thru), Texas Chicken and Burger King.
Award-winning toilets: 15,000 sq ft open-concept garden toilets with more than 50 plant varieties, ranked third cleanest in Malaysia.
200+ free parking lots, a surau, disabled access, plus 24/7 CCTV and security.
See the full list on our Facilities page or read the Skudai R&R FAQ.
What should I pack for a festive long-weekend drive?
Water, snacks and a phone charger or power bank.
A topped-up Touch 'n Go card (or eWallet) for tolls.
Passports and, for Singapore cars, a valid VEP and Autopass setup.
Something to keep children busy in slow traffic.
A plan B route on your navigation app in case of an accident.
Frequently asked questions
When is Deepavali 2026 in Malaysia?
Deepavali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Monday, 9 November 2026 is the replacement public holiday, giving a long weekend from 7 to 9 November.
What is the worst day to drive from KL to JB for Deepavali 2026?
Friday 6 November in the afternoon and evening is usually the worst for southbound traffic, followed by Saturday morning. The return peak is Monday 9 November afternoon.
How long does KL to JB take during festive traffic?
It depends on the day and time. In light traffic the drive is around four hours, but during festive peaks it can take much longer. Leaving early in the morning or late at night gives the best chance of a normal journey time.
Is Skudai R&R open on Deepavali?
Yes. Skudai R&R Southbound is open 24 hours, every day, including public holidays.
Is there a Petronas at Skudai R&R?
No. Skudai R&R has four petrol stations: Shell, Petron, Caltex and BHPetrol.
Skudai R&R Southbound, 8, Jalan R&R Skudai, Kawasan R&R Skudai, 81400 Senai, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia. Tel 011-6076 5277. Open 24 hours.
