Happy New Year! We’ve just returned from a productive low season of inspections, fully recharged to support your 2026 bookings. This month, we invite your guests to “give back” through our new RIMAU collaboration in Belum, protecting endangered Malayan Tigers via community-led patrolling.
We also highlight the rising star of the region: Desaru Coast. Take advantage of our exclusive partner pricing to quickly experience the new Mandarin Oriental.
Plus, hear about our most recent annual guide training in Borneo, new Mulu conservation fees and essential 2026/27 booking advisories to keep you ahead of the curve.
Inside this update:
- Jungle expeditions: Trek the ancient Belum rainforest while supporting tiger conservation.
- Rising star Desaru: Experience “slow luxury” at the new Mandarin Oritenal with preferred partner rates.
- Guide excellence: Highlights from our “Good to Great” training in Kota Kinabalu.
- Mulu updates: New conservation and sustainability fees effective February 2026.
Product updates
Trekking the Belum
Tiger Trail
Full Day
- A boat-access expedition to Sungai Papan for a challenging 8km trek through untouched rainforest.
- This is an active, physically demanding experience, best suited to guests who are comfortable with a challenging trek on uneven jungle trails. The reward is a swim in a secluded waterfall after navigating tiger habitats.
- We love that guests don’t just “visit” the forest, they actively fund its protection and receive a certificate acknowledging their personal contribution to tiger conservation.
- Ideal client: Adventure seekers and eco-conscious travellers who prioritise conservation over luxury.
Luxury Beach Break
at Desaru Coast
4 Days / 3 Nights
- Experience the rising star of the region: Desaru Coast. This tour offers the ultimate “slow luxury” retreat, providing the perfect way to experience this newly rebranded destination.
- Every suite features a private plunge pool, and we have secured exclusive partner pricing for certain booking dates.
- Ideal client: Luxury travellers looking for a quick, high-end break at a world-class resort.
Singaporean Hawker
Classics Cooking Class
Full Day
- This isn’t just a cooking class; it begins with an expert-led spice discovery tour at the iconic Tiong Bahru wet market.
- It’s a masterclass in Singapore’s soul. Learning to perfect chicken rice from a professional chef makes for a fantastic takeaway skill that guests can actually use at home.
- Ideal client: Culinary enthusiasts and families who want a hands-on, authentic taste of local heritage.
Hotel updates
Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast
Malaysia
This Kerry Hill-designed retreat offers 44 ultra-luxury suites on 1.5-km of private beach.
- The property is a groundbreaking hub for wellness. An exclusive partner-priced 4D/3N package includes gourmet breakfasts and daily resort activities, creating an easy-to-book escape focused on rest, movement and indulgent downtime.
- Ideal clients: Luxury travellers who value architectural pedigree and curated nature adventures.
- Booking window alert: To access exclusive partner pricing for the Mandarin Oriental Desaru Coast, bookings must be made at least 30 days in advance. Learn More
Peridot By The Sea, Redang Island
Malaysia
A newly contracted boutique gem on Redang Island, focusing on barefoot luxury and intimate coastal living.
- We are thrilled to add this to our portfolio. It’s the perfect spot for those wanting to escape the larger resorts in favour of a more personal, quiet island experience.
- Ideal clients: Couples and honeymooners seeking a boutique island hideaway.
Raffles Sentosa Island
Singapore
Singapore’s first all-villa resort, set on a lush Sentosa hilltop. It features 62 villas, each with a private pool and the legendary Raffles Butler service.
- This is the contemporary “secret garden” alternative to the historic city landmark. It feels worlds away from the urban bustle—ideal for those who want that iconic service with total privacy.
- Ideal clients: Honeymooners, seclusion-seekers, and those looking for a modern pool-villa experience.
Destinations News
Logistics & operations
- Borneo Lodge Alert: 12-month+ lead times are standard for Borneo’s premier lodges. July–Sept 2026 is at near-zero capacity. Guiding clients toward April–May or October offers better rates and availability.
- KLIA Update: Dedicated Immigration fast lanes for meet & greet services at Terminal 1 and 2 are fully operational as of January 2026.
- Mulu National Park, New Conservation Fees: Starting 1 February 2026:
- General conservation fee: RM20.00 per visitor.
- Specialised trail fees: RM15.00 for the Summit or Headhunters Trail.
- Camp 5 Sustainability Fee: RM10.00 per visitor.
- For any programmes including Mulu National Park, please note the following exclusions:
- Mulu National Park Conservation Fee: RM20.00 per person.
- Sustainability & Trail Fees: Camp 5 Sustainability Fee: RM10.00 per person.
- Conservation fees for Summit/Headhunters trails: RM15.00 per person.
Events & seasonality
The “Double Festive” convergence February 2026 is an exceptionally busy month for Malaysia and Singapore due to a rare cultural overlap between Chinese New Year and the start of Ramadan. Combined with other Q1 holidays, we anticipate significant operational impacts.
Key dates to watch:
- 1-2 Feb (Sun/Mon): Federal Territory Day & Thaipusam
- Impact: Closures in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Crowds expected at Batu Caves.
- 17-18 Feb (Tue/Wed): Chinese New Year (CNY)
- Impact: Major National Holiday. Expect heavy traffic, business closures (including many Chinese-operated restaurants) and peak domestic travel.
- 19 Feb (Thu): Start of Ramadan (fasting month)
- Impact: Fasting begins immediately after CNY. Hotel buffets will transition to “Buka Puasa” (breaking fast) themes in the evenings.
- 20-22 March (~Fri-Sun,): Hari Raya Aidilfitri
- Impact: Peak travel period. Dates are tentative. Expect mass domestic exodus (“Balik Kampung”) and reduced support staff availability.
Advice & action items:
- Book early: Local transport and popular restaurants will be at capacity. We strongly recommend booking all restaurant reservations and transfers at least 4 weeks in advance.
- Manage expectations: While major tourist sights remain open, travel times may increase due to heavy traffic.
- Surcharges: Please note that standard public holiday surcharges for guide services and transfers will apply during the dates listed above, except during the Start of Ramadan.
Team insight
Annual guide training 2026
In January, 44 of our Borneo-based guides gathered for our annual guide training. The focus was on moving from “good to great,” with a deep dive into personalising guest experiences through the S.E.X. (Smile, Eye Contact, Excitement) method. We explored how to turn a standard itinerary into a “magic moment” by tailoring our delivery to specific traveller mindsets.
Moreover, as a Certified B Corp, we also reaffirmed our commitment to “Travel for Good,” ensuring every tour creates a positive impact on people, planet, or profit while maintaining our strict standards for child protection and sustainability.
We closed the event by celebrating our people, specifically honouring 10-year service milestones for Christopher (Mulu, Sarawak), Lenjoe (Kuching, Sarawak), Matsarudin (Sandakan, Sabah), Dominic (Kota Kinabalu, Sabah), and Tiyon Anak Juna (Kuching, Sarawak). Their decade of dedication continues to be the backbone of our success in Borneo and beyond.
Sustainability News
- The RIMAU partnership: All EXO Belum tours, including the Trekking the Belum Tiger Trail, now contribute directly to RIMAU, an NGO protecting the endangered Malayan Tiger through community patrolling and habitat preservation. Guests receive a donation certificate as a token of their contribution.
- Sabah Parks Plastic Ban: Effective 1 January 2026, single-use plastics and styrofoam are officially banned in all gazetted Sabah Parks.
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 (Peninsular Office only):
- 1-2 February (Sun-Mon): Thaipusam/Federal Terriotory Day
- 7 March (Sat): Nuzul Al-Quran
EXO Malaysia (Peninsular & Borneo Office):
- 17–18 February (Tue-Wed): Chinese New Year
- 20–22 March (Fri-Sun): Hari Raya Aidilfitri/Eid al-Fitr
EXO Singapore:
- 17–18 February (Thu): Chinese New Year
- 21 March (Sat): Hari Raya Aidilfitri/Eid al-Fitr
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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