In this edition, we share highlights from our team’s recent destination inspections, offering valuable insights across key accommodations. Get a glimpse of how we celebrated Gawai and Kaamatan at EXO Malaysia, explore firsthand impressions from our Sales Director’s recent site visit to Sabah and don’t miss important destination updates, including hotels refurbishments, closures and travel itinerary changes in Danum Valley.
Key Takeaways:
- Products: Inspired by EXO Malaysia’s Gawai and Kaamatan celebrations, this multi-tribal Borneo circuit is designed to connect travellers with Sabah and Sarawak’s cultural richness.
- Hotels: Team inspections in Singapore spotlight three standouts: tranquil Mandai, stylish Sanchaya and Wyndham Singapore for smart comfort and unbeatable locations.
- Destination News: Stay informed on SST tax changes, Danum Valley itinerary updates, KLIA’s aerotrain relaunch, seasonal lodge and resort advisories and firsthand insights from our sales director’s recent site visit to Sabah.
Product updates
This past month, our EXO Malaysia team came together to celebrate Gawai and Kaamatan, two of Borneo’s most cherished harvest festivals. Different ethnicities, religions and hometowns all united under one roof, sharing food, laughter and cultural pride. It’s this spirit of respect and togetherness that shapes how we work and how we welcome travellers to experience Malaysia’s living heritage.
Borneo: Rainforest and Friendly Tribes
15D/14N
Building on the region’s festive spirit, this curated journey offers an in-depth exploration of Sarawak and Sabah’s cultural and natural heritage. Travellers are introduced to six of Borneo’s major tribal communities—Bidayuh, Iban, Melanau, Kadazandusun, Orang Sungai and Rungus—through visits to longhouses, rainforest lodges and authentic homestays.
Along the way, they will witness traditional dances, crafts and ancestral rituals, while also enjoying orangutan encounters, river safaris and island relaxation. Designed for culture-seekers, nature lovers, and curious explorers alike, this itinerary goes far beyond sightseeing, it’s an opportunity to truly connect with the people, landscapes and legacies of Borneo.
Hotel updates
While our Malaysia office was immersed in the celebrations of the harvest festivals, our Singapore office was actively engaged in site inspections and enhancing product knowledge and updates as part of ongoing team development.
Let’s hear from the team about their impressions of the recently visited accommodations:
The Sanchaya Bintan
Johnson, EXO Singapore
Travel Consultant
Johnson recently inspected The Sanchaya and was thoroughly impressed. He described the resort as “impressive, chill and relaxing,” an ideal sanctuary from Singapore’s bustling environment. He particularly cherished the serene evening ambiance and the breathtaking sunsets viewed from the poolside.
Johnson highly recommends it for both families and honeymooners, praising its tranquil setting and exquisite design. Guests are met at the Bintan Ferry Terminal and escorted to a private lounge with drinks and immigration assistance — a smooth, stress-free welcome.
Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
Audi, EXO Singapore
Operations Executive
Audi described it as “an unexpected pocket of peace,” characterised by gentle breezes from the nearby reservoir, birdsong echoing through the trees and design elements that harmoniously blend with the natural surroundings.
Tucked away beside the reservoir and enveloped in lush greenery, this hidden gem offers the serenity of a Bali-inspired retreat, right in the heart of the city. Audi considers the resort an ideal option for nature lovers, families and those seeking a tranquil urban escape.
Wyndham Singapore
Lina, EXO Singapore
Senior Inbound Supervisor
The property has undergone a significant rebranding and refurbishment from its previous incarnation as the Peninsular Excelsior. She noted a clear transformation — a brighter, more contemporary ambience now runs throughout the property, from the sleek new lobby to the refreshed guest rooms, offering a much-needed upgrade from its formerly dated interiors.
The hotel now boasts a cleaner and more contemporary feel, making it well-suited for both leisure travellers in the entry level categories and corporate guests occupying the executive rooms. Its prime advantage is its location, offering convenient walking access to MRT stations and nearby malls, making it an ideal base for visitors seeking both convenience and comfort in the heart of the city.
Destination News
Langkawi: The Datai Pledge – Tourism That Gives Back
During our annual AGM held in Langkawi in June 2025, the EXO Foundation proudly contributed to The Datai Pledge—a pioneering initiative that channels tourism revenue into rainforest and marine conservation, wildlife protection and youth education programs. This contribution underscores our ongoing commitment to making travel meaningful by empowering local communities, preserving cultural and natural heritage and fostering sustainable development across Asia.
Through the EXO Foundation, we actively support grassroots projects across nine countries, ensuring that tourism creates tangible benefits for both people and the planet. We encourage our partners to support this initiative when booking The Datai, transforming each stay into a step toward long-term, positive impact.
Learn more about the EXO Foundation
Danum Valley: Borneo Rainforest Lodge — Enhanced Itinerary with Blue Rings Reef
Effective 1st April 2026, the Blue Ring Reef excursion will become a standard part of the Borneo Rainforest Lodge itinerary.
The Blue Ring Reef is a renowned marine site located off the coast of Lahad Datu, and it is known for its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity. The reef is particularly famous for its unique blue-ringed pattern found in some coral formations, giving it its name. It’s a popular spot for snorkellers and divers, offering a chance to explore diverse marine life, including colourful fish, sea turtles and other aquatic species.
This new excursion is supported by the government body Yayasan Sabah and aims to both enhance the guest experience and contribute to the sustainable development of the destination. Please note that final arrangements are still under discussion and subject to change as coordination continues with local stakeholders.
Peak Season Reminder: Sabah Lodge Availability (2026)
Demand remains exceptionally strong for Borneo’s premier jungle lodges throughout 2026, with many top properties already reporting limited or fully booked dates as early as Q1.
Recommendation:
Secure bookings at least 12 months in advance for preferred dates and room types. For greater flexibility, consider May–June or October–November, when rainforest experiences remain just as rewarding, but there is wider availability.
With the high season underway, teams across Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia are ready and excited to welcome all travellers with the warmth, expertise and seamless support that define the experience.
Malaysia extend SST scope from July 1st, 2025
Effective 1 July, 2025, the Malaysian government will implement an expanded scope of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), introducing newly taxable services and revising several existing categories. These changes may affect certain tourism-related services and pricing structures.
While these updates may affect some tourism-related services within Malaysia, current agent rates will remain unaffected. EXO is actively monitoring any operational implications and will continue to provide timely updates as further details emerge. As always, EXO remains committed to transparency and compliance with all regulatory changes to ensure smooth and seamless service delivery.
KLIA Aerotrain Back on Track
Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s aerotrain service resumed on 1 July 2025 after a three-year upgrade. The fully automated, driverless system now accommodates up to 270 passengers per train, enhancing connection times and passenger flow between KLIA1 (Main Terminal) and KLIA2 (Satellite Terminal), where most domestic flights operate.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the aerotrain is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, powered by electricity and using minimal energy compared to traditional transport options. With these improvements, the aerotrain now offers faster, more comfortable transfers with air-conditioned cabins, perfect for travellers with tight layovers.
This upgrade aligns with Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia Year 2026 initiative, reflecting the country’s commitment to improving travel infrastructure and ensuring a seamless experience for both international and local visitors.
Sales Director Site Visit: Firsthand Insights from Sabah:
To better understand Sabah’s unique appeal and how to align it with guest interests, EXO’s Sales Director Amanda recently conducted a site inspection across the region. Her reflections and practical selling tips are now featured in our latest Sabah Travel Guide—a useful resource for advisors looking to match the right clients to Borneo’s nature, culture and soft adventure highlights.
Hotel Updates, closures
& maintenances notices
Langkawi: Berjaya Langkawi Resort — Room Enhancements & Nearby Works
- Room upgrades: Ongoing enhancements focused on Premier Seaview Chalets. Light refurbishments, no significant noise or visual disturbances, scheduled mainly during low occupancy periods.
- Nearby construction: A new hotel project roughly 300 meters from the resort beachfront. Guests typically do not see or hear this work, though there have been occasional noise reports. The new property is expected to open in 2025.
Advisory:
No major impact, but best to brief guests seeking absolute tranquillity.
Sabah: Shangri-La Tanjung Aru — Multi-Phase Upgrades
- New Tanjung Wing Pool: Starts 15 September 2025, a nine-month build for an expansive luxury pool with sunset views.
- New Speciality Restaurant: 24 September 2025 – March 2026, conversion of the Wedding Planner space into a modern dining venue.
- Tanjung Wing Lobby & Borneo Lounge: 1 December 2025 – July 2026, stylish renovations to public areas.
- Phase 2 Major Refurbishments: Q2 2026 – Q1 2027, covering Kinabalu Wing rooms, pools, kids’ areas, gym, hotel shop, STAR Lounge, Shang Palace and more.
Advisory:
Works are carefully phased to limit guest disruption, but visitors during late 2025–2026 should be informed of ongoing enhancements.
Malacca: Baba House Melaka — Long-Term Expansion Project
- New Building Development: Started June 2025 – Completion expected by late 2027 to early 2028. A new separate block (approx. 100m from the main property) will house 51 luxury suites and a swimming pool.
- Noise Mitigation: The site is fully hoarded with sound-reducing barriers, and the main lobby shophouse acts as a buffer. Construction is weekdays only, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with no work on weekends or public holidays.
- Guest Experience: No visual or noise impact reported. The construction zone is detached from all heritage buildings and guestroom views remain unaffected.
Advisory:
No guest complaints have been received so far. However, as work continues through 2025–2027, it’s best to brief guests in advance—especially those seeking a heritage stay with minimal surrounding development.
Kuala Lumpur: Sama Sama Hotel KLIA — Pool Refurbishment
- Pool Area Upgrade: 21 July – 15 October 2025. The hotel’s outdoor swimming pool, located within the hotel compound, is undergoing a scheduled refurbishment and enhancement.
- Noise & Visual Mitigation: The refurbishment zone is fully enclosed with protective hoarding to minimise visual impact. Work takes place Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, with weekend work only upon management approval.
- Guest Impact: There is no impact on room bookings or guestroom views. The project is limited to the pool area and no guest complaints have been reported to date.
Advisory:
No relocations or compensations are planned, as the refurbishment does not interfere with room comfort. However, best to advise guests in advance—particularly those expecting full access to the pool facilities during this period.
Holiday Schedule
On the following dates, the team will be celebrating local festive occasions. While general response times may be slightly delayed, the Customer Service and Operations teams remain available 24/7 to assist with any urgent matters.
We truly appreciate your understanding and continued support!
EXO Malaysia (Borneo & Peninsular Offices):
- 31 August (Sunday) – National Day
- 1 September (Monday) – National Day Replacement Holiday
EXO Singapore:
9 August (Saturday) – National Day
Customer Care Contacts — 24-Hour Helpline Availability
Customer Care is reachable 24/7 via Phone Call & WhatsApp, ensuring urgent guest matters are always supported across all destinations.
For in-country client queries, please WhatsApp your name, your booking reference num (KKEN,KLEN,KKLX,XCEN), your location, and your query. This helps us quickly direct your inquiry to the right team for a faster, accurate response.
EXO Malaysia – Contact Numbers (Call & WhatsApp available)
From outside Malaysia:
• +60 (0) 12 252 3090 (Peninsular Malaysia)
• +60 (0) 13 881 9332 (Borneo)
EXO Singapore (New number)
From outside Singapore: +65 8066 7499 (WhatsApp available)
From inside Singapore: 8066 7499 (WhatsApp available)
We recommend saving these numbers and sharing them with your guests. Our team is always here to help, day or night, with urgent needs given priority no matter the hour.
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
