Welcome to the May EXO Malaysia & Singapore update. This month we have a great selection of experiences and hotels to share with you.
Key Takeaways:
- Product update: We have two experiences celebrating the diverse cultures of Malaysia and two memorable gastronomical activities in Singapore.
- Hotel update: Discover new hotel openings in the city and coast.
- Destination update: Find out the latest hotel renovation news, updates on May public holidays in Malaysia and recently announced 2025 events. And an important reminder about Singapore’s arrival formalities!
New products
- Explore the living museum of Sarawak Cultural Village
- Discover authentic full-size replicas of traditional homes
- Enjoy dances and performances from Sarawak’s different ethnic groups
- Learn about Borneo’s diverse ethnic groups
- Explore the distinctive houses, costumes and traditional skills of Sabah’s five main ethnic groups
- Experience, see, hear and taste the unique cultural blend that defines Sabah
- An immersive experience that combines culinary exploration with ancient healing practices.
- Gain practical knowledge about Traditional Chinese Medicine and its application in Singapore
- A unique window into the centuries-old practices and wisdom of Chinese culture
- Discover Singapore’s first micro-distillery and witness the creation of high-quality craft spirits
- Indulge in a sensory journey with a tasting flight of three signature gins
- Learn to create the city’s signature drink, the Singapore Sling
New & featured hotels
Accessible only by boat, The Boathouse offers barefoot luxury on a secluded stretch of Tioman Island. The four-star property is a welcomed new addition to Malaysia’s island accommodation offerings.
Inspired by the island’s natural beauty and styled after the traditional Malay house, The Boathouse offers 31 bungalows crafted from renewable, locally sourced timber. Each thoughtfully designed bungalow offers comfort, ensuring a unique and memorable stay amidst the tropical rainforest.
The new Marriott Resort & Spa offers 217 modern and spacious guest rooms and suites on the western shores of Perhentian Kecil island.
Each of the rooms features modern amenities, plush bedding and a living/seating area as well as large windows and balconies to enjoy the natural surroundings. Additional facilities, including outdoor swimming pools, fitness centre, kids club and dining outlets, ensure a relaxing, convenient stay.
Modern property near Langkawi’s shores
Located 200 metres from Pantai Tengah Beach, The Riyaz Lavanya is a convenient apartment-style stay for beach lovers on Langkawi.
The 173-room property offers a mix of sea-view apartments, studios, suites and premium villas, each equipped with stylish furniture, premium bedding and modern amenities. An onsite spa and wellness centre provides extra opportunities for relaxation in addition to the rooftop bar, all-day dining restaurant options, modern gym and large outdoor pool.
Comfort, culture and convenience
Located on the busy Club Street, in central Singapore, the new 4* Mercure ICON City Centre is well-suited for business or leisure travellers.
The property’s 989 guestrooms blend contemporary comfort with stylistic touches reflecting Singapore’s cultural legacy.
Outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, wellness deck and three dining venues are available for guests during their stay.
Destination updates
- Office closures in May:
- Vesak Day Public Holiday- 22 May Our Kuala Lumpur and Singapore office team will be closed to celebrate Vesak Day on 22 May. This holiday is one of the most important festivals in the Buddhist calendar. For any urgent matters please contact our 24/7 line: +60 (0) 12 252 3090 (Malaysia) and +65 (0)91083452 (Singapore). We will be back in the office as usual on 23 May
- Harvest Festival Public Holiday- 30-31 May Our Kota Kinabalu office team will celebrate the Harvest Festival day 30-31 May. During this festival, both farmers and families take the opportunity to give thanks to the spirits and gods for providing them with a fruitful reap and pray for a bountiful harvest the following year.
Singapore Arrival Card – reminder on procedure:
Please remind travellers to complete the Singapore Arrival card prior to arrival at Singapore’s Changi Airport. This will speed up the immigration process and allow travellers, in most cases, to use the automated immigration gates. This card can be filled out and submitted up to 72 hours prior to arrival. Please use the following link: https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard/
Hotel renovation updates:
- Parkroyal Penang Resort: The Resort will be undergoing upgrading works to 30 June 2024. As the upgrading is only being carried out in some parts of the resort, the management will take measures to relocate all your clients away from the upgrading works to ensure they do not experience any disturbance during their stay. The resort’s facilities will continue to operate as usual.
- Sepilok Nature Lodge: The Resort is currently undergoing renovation construction. Construction works will commence from 9:00 am till 5:00pm daily with expected completion by the end of September.
- The Noordin Mews (Georgetown, Penang): The hotel’s refurbishment project has been extended. Expected completion by June 2024.
- The Ranee Boutique Suites (Kuchin): Has transitioned to a vegan and vegetarian breakfast menu (lunch and dinner menu to follow soon).
- Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa (Singapore): Sofitel SPA will close on 1 April 2024 for renovations. Following the renovations, Sofitel SPA will be rebranded and will open as Raffles Spa in August 2024. Once open, Raffles Spa will be accessible to guests of Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, who will be welcomed to its new facilities and range of wellness treatments.
Destination news:
- LIMA Langkawi 2025: Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition is a major event held biennially in Langkawi, Malaysia, that showcases the latest advancements and developments in the maritime and aerospace industries. The exhibition attracts participants from various countries, including government representatives, industry professionals, and military officials, making it one of the largest and most significant defense and aerospace events in the Asia-Pacific region. The 2025 event dates have been already announced: the exhibition will take place 20-24 May. All Island hotels will apply for a close out date from 17-25 May 2025.
- Penang Hill Funicular Service: The funicular will be undergoing its bi-annual scheduled maintenance from the 5-11 June 2025
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