Your next trip could change a village — and change you, too.
This month, we’re introducing new purposeful journeys: stay in homestays that keep rural traditions alive, explore wildlife lodges driving conservation and support island initiatives safeguarding marine life while empowering local communities. Every trip featured here comes with first-hand insights from our team on the ground, plus the latest hotel news across Malaysia so you can plan with confidence.
Key Takeaways:
- Products: Wildlife, culture and community take centre stage in our latest experiences from Sarawak to Sabah.
- Hotels: In the heart of the city, our stays pair comfort with a true sense of place.
- Destination News: Festivals and headline events from August to October promise vibrant experiences for those who plan ahead and Borneo’s premier jungle lodges are in high demand through 2026, so book early.
Product updates
Sarawak: Kg Nyegol with Semenggoh – Ngapuh Lodge
2 Days / 1 Night
Barshall, our Operations Manager in Borneo says this is the kind of journey that lingers long after returning home… It begins at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, where semi-wild orangutans emerge from the trees, before continuing by boat across Bengoh Dam and into the heart of Bidayuh country.
In the afternoon, visitors are welcomed at Ngapuh Lodge and invited to take part in a tree planting activity with the locals, creating a meaningful connection to this remarkable place. As night falls, gather around the table at Ngapuh Lodge, sharing stories with Bidayuh hosts with the forest humming in the background. The following morning promises a jungle trek to hidden waterfalls, culminating in a traditional bamboo-cooked lunch prepared right by the riverbank.
Highlights:
- Orangutan encounter at Semenggoh (optional)
- Scenic boat journey across Bengoh Dam
- Locally-run rainforest lodge or guesthouse stay
- Tree planting with Bidayuh hosts
- Jungle trek to waterfalls & riverside bamboo lunch
Sabah: Mantanani Island –
A Sustainable Beach Escape
4 Days / 3 Nights
When Joy, our Reservations Agent, visited Mantanani Island, she came back saying it was “beyond expectations.” Her days flowed between turquoise-water adventures and warm encounters with the island community — cycling to sunset lookouts, snorkelling over vibrant reefs and starting mornings with fresh island breakfasts.
Afternoons brought hands-on moments with locals, from turning plastic waste into purposeful creations to meeting women entrepreneurs crafting soaps and lip balms from coconuts. On quieter days, she wandered powdery beaches and watched sunsets that seemed to slow time. This isn’t just a beach escape, it’s a chance to give back while unwinding in one of Sabah’s most beautiful settings.
Highlights:
- Scenic boat & land transfers
- 3 nights of full-board comfort at JSK Mantanani Island Resort
- Fresh island dining daily
- Hands-on eco discovery with local villagers
- Choose between adventures or pure relaxation
When Alvin, our Product Executive & Rosa, our Head of Inbound, explored Sapulot, they found more than a rural escape, they found a community-led journey that feeds the soul. In Keningau, local hosts take over: guiding visitors through farm life, sharing skills like traditional beading, weaving and tapai brewing, as well as cooking with ingredients grown just outside the guesthouse. Activities extend to fishing in village ponds and sampling ice cream made from fresh cocoa and tropical fruits. Evenings are marked by Murut music and dance. Every day here blends hands-on learning with the warmth of genuine hospitality.
- 3 nights at Munor Aulai Guesthouse
- Guided farm walks & hands-on activities (nursery, planting, harvesting)
- Traditional beading, weaving & tapai (rice wine) making
- Fishing, cooking, and ice cream making from farm produce
- Murut cultural performances & optional traditional tattoo sessions
Hotel updates
Moxy Chinatown
Kuala Lumpur
Moxy brings a youthful, design-forward energy to KL’s bustling Chinatown, with compact but well-planned rooms, a rooftop bar and a lively lobby lounge. Located steps from hawker stalls and cultural landmarks, it’s a great fit for urban explorers who like a social, central base. Steps away from street food stalls and heritage corners, it’s perfect for guests who want modern comfort with the city’s energy at their doorstep.
- 320 rooms in a prime Chinatown location
- Walkable access to food & cultural landmarks
- Great for short city stays
- Modern, playful interiors with a rooftop with skyline views
- Ideal for younger couples, or groups on short city stays
Contact us for more details.
Destination News
From August through October, Malaysia is buzzing with events and seasonal experiences that can add a whole new dimension to your clients’ itineraries — whether they’re visiting for the first time or returning for another Southeast Asian adventure.
Malaysia’s Festive & Cultural Highlights
National Day (31 Aug–1 Sep) – Parades, performances and fireworks nationwide celebrate Malaysia’s unity and diversity. City centres will be busier, offering travellers an energetic, patriotic atmosphere.
Hungry Ghost Festival (6 Sep; 23 Aug–21 Sep lunar month) – Penang and other cultural hubs come alive with getai stage shows, puppet theatre and street offerings, a rare and colourful experience for visitors.
Events & Seasonal Highlights
- Tour de Langkawi (28 Sep–5 Oct 2025) – Malaysia’s premier cycling race starts in Langkawi and winds through Fraser’s Hill, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Johor, before finishing in Sarawak. The route showcases Malaysia’s diverse landscapes, from coastal roads to challenging highland climbs.
Plan ahead: Expect rolling road closures and traffic delays in host locations during race days — especially in city centres and scenic highland routes.
- Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix (3–5 Oct 2025) – The 2025 race shifts to early October, drawing motorsport fans from around the world.
Plan ahead: Room availability may be limited, and hotels may apply stricter cancellation and payment policies during this period. Please contact our team in advance for any bookings over this period.
Plan Ahead: Limited Availability for Borneo’s Top Lodges
Sukau, Danum Valley, Tabin and Kinabatangan remain some of Borneo’s most sought-after stays and demand for 2026 is already outpacing supply, with some dates limited or sold out as early as Q1. To secure preferred rooms and dates, we recommend booking at least 12 months in advance. For more options without sacrificing the experience, consider May–June or October–November, when wildlife encounters and rainforest conditions are equally rewarding. With the high season underway, our teams across Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia are ready to help lock in these rare stays and ensure your guests experience the region at its very best.
Cross-Border Transfers: New Procedure for Singapore–Malaysia Routes
Effective immediately, all transfers from Singapore to Malaysia will require a vehicle change at the border due to new regulations.
- Guests will travel within Singapore in a Singapore-licensed vehicle.
- At the border, they will meet our Malaysian service provider, who will continue the journey onward.
Guest notes:
- Luggage must be collected and carried through immigration.
- Processing times vary (expect longer waits on weekends and holidays).
- Covered walkways are available in case of rain.
- Vehicle type and configuration may differ between segments, even within the same booked category.
EXO Travel Malaysia is working closely with partners on both sides to ensure a smooth and reliable process.
Power Bank Safety Update Onboard Flights
Starting 1 April 2025, AirAsia has introduced new rules for carrying power banks:
- No charging or use onboard during any phase of the flight.
- Carry-on only — keep with you or in the seat pocket, not in checked baggage or overhead compartment storage.
- Individually packed (sealed pouch, plastic bag or original packaging) to prevent short circuits.
- Items over 100Wh (up to 160Wh) require airline approval at check-in before boarding.
These measures are designed to uphold the highest safety standards for all passengers.
National Day at the Office
August brought splashes of colour to our offices as Singapore and Malaysia marked their National Days. In Singapore, the team turned up in red and white, while in Malaysia, the team donned their traditional attire — a cheerful reminder of the pride and diversity that run through our EXO family.
Holiday Schedule
Please be advised that during the upcoming national holidays, some departments will experience reduced staffing, which may lead to slightly slower response times.
Our Customer Care and Operations teams will continue to be fully available 24/7 for urgent support. We appreciate your understanding and continued partnership.
EXO Malaysia (Borneo & Peninsular Offices):
- 31 August (Sunday) – National Day
- 1 September (Monday) – National Day Replacement Holiday
- 15 September (Monday) – Additional PH before Malaysia Day
- 16 September (Tuesday) – Malaysia Day
- 20 October (Monday) – Deepavali
EXO Singapore:
- 20 October (Monday) – Deepavali
Annual EXO Malaysia & EXO Singapore Team building 2025: Office Closure Notice
Please be informed that our offices will be closed for our annual EXO Malaysia & EXO Singapore team-building and EXO Culture Day on the following dates:
- 11 December (Thursday): Closed
- 12 December (Friday): Closed
- 13 December (Saturday): Weekend Closure (as usual)
Response times will be delayed; however, our Customer Care and Operations ground teams will remain available 24/7 to assist with any urgent matters.
24/7 Urgent Emergency Contact Only EXO Malaysia:
Peninsular Malaysia +60 12 252 3090 | Email: [email protected]
Borneo: +60 13 881 9332 | Email: [email protected]
Malaysia Customer Care: [email protected]
24/7 Urgent Emergency Contact Only EXO Singapore:
Singapore: +65 806-67499 | Email: [email protected]
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