Singapore is more than what meets the eye—it’s a city of hidden stories, immersive experiences, and sustainable innovations. This month’s Mindful Metropolis: Your Sustainable Guide to Singapore invites you to go beyond the usual, discovering the city’s rich heritage, eco-conscious stays, and cultural gems. Plus, get the latest travel insights, from major festivities to hotel updates.
Key Takeaways:
- Products: Discover immersive walking tours that highlight Singapore’s diverse heritage and sustainable urban living.
- Hotels: Discover thoughtfully selected eco-luxury hotels, now with more options for relaxing beach escapes near Singapore at our new Bintan location.
- Destination News: Get up to speed on festivities, hotel renovations, and key travel insights across Malaysia and Singapore.
Product updates
Newton & Orchard
Food Tour
Evening Tour
This evening tour offers a delicious and sustainable way to experience Singapore’s diverse culinary and cultural landscape, using public transport, a key component of its sustainable urban living, ideal for foodies and culture enthusiasts.
- Enjoy a blend of culinary exploration and cultural immersion, showcasing Singapore’s commitment to preserving its heritage.
- Savor authentic hawker delights at Newton Food Centre, supporting local vendors.
- Explore the architectural heritage of Emerald Hill and the vibrant energy of Orchard Road.
City Exploration Civic District and Chinatown
Half Day
This walking tour showcases Singapore’s rich history and culinary diversity, promoting sustainable urban exploration via the city’s efficient public transport and highlighting local food culture, ideal for history and food lovers.
- Explore the historical Civic District and its colonial architecture, accessible via MRT.
- Discover the cultural significance of Thian Hock Keng Temple, a heritage landmark.
- Savor Michelin-recommended hawker dishes at Amoy Street Food Centre, supporting local vendors.
Ethnic Walk in Kampong Glam & Little India
Full Day
This full-day walking tour offers a deep dive into Singapore’s diverse cultural heritage, promoting sustainable exploration via public transport and highlighting the rich traditions of its ethnic enclaves, perfect for culture lovers and curious explorers.
- Explore the vibrant streets and landmarks of Little India and Kampong Glam by MRT.
- Immerse in local culture through bustling markets, historic temples, and traditional crafts.
- Experience Singapore’s multiculturalism through authentic food tastings and interactions with local communities.
A Peranakan Walk in
Joo Chiat & Katong
Half Day
This walking tour offers a unique glimpse into Singapore’s Peranakan heritage, promoting cultural appreciation and sustainable exploration by utilizing public transport and supporting local businesses.
- Explore the beautifully conserved terrace houses of Joo Chiat, showcasing Peranakan architecture.
- Savor authentic Peranakan Laksa at 328 Katong, a local culinary icon.
- Immerse in Peranakan culture at the Peranakan Mansion, a historical treasure trove.
Hotel updates
Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
Singapore
Introducing our new partner, the Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, an eco-luxury retreat nestled within Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve, offering unique treehouses and family suites with unparalleled access to five wildlife parks.
Four Points by Sheraton Bintan
Singapore
This modern, 308-room resort offers a relaxing coastal escape with Lagoi Bay views, with a focus on responsible tourism, on-site dining, and access to golf and mangrove tours, ideal for travelers seeking a blend of leisure and nature.
Voco Orchard Singapore
Singapore
Voco Orchard Singapore is a sustainable gem right in the bustling heart of Orchard Road. This chic 423-room hotspot pairs eco-savvy style with a rooftop pool, top-notch dining, and a round-the-clock gym—ideal for green-minded travelers—while championing sustainability with recycled-plastic bedding, providing plant-based toiletries, equipping rooms with water filtration systems to reduce plastic bottle usage, and featuring responsibly sourced seafood on its dining menu.
Destination News
Immerse in Festivities & Plan Ahead
- Hari Raya Celebrations: A Tapestry of Joy (31 March – 1 April 2025)
Hari Raya is a month-long celebration in Malaysia and Singapore, filled with rich cultural traditions. While the official public holidays fall on 31 March and 1 April 2025, the festive atmosphere extends throughout April. Expect vibrant bazaars offering delicious kuih sweets, lively community events, and a general sense of joy and togetherness.
During this period, particularly around the public holiday dates and throughout April, travelers should anticipate increased traffic and bustling activity as families and friends gather. You’ll witness a beautiful array of traditions, including open houses where homes are opened to visitors, traditional music performances, and colorful decorations adorning streets and buildings. Prepare your clients for a truly immersive cultural experience during this special time.
- Singapore: Lady Gaga’s Electrifying Arrival (May 2025)
Lady Gaga’s concerts on May 18, 19, 21, and 24, 2025, have resulted in a complete hotel closeout in Singapore. Inform clients that due to high demand, most hotels are fully booked. We recommend booking alternative accommodations in nearby locations.
- Malaysia: Borneo Rainforest Lodge: High Demand – Book 2026 Now
The allure of Borneo’s rainforest is undeniable! Due to overwhelming demand, Borneo Rainforest Lodge is fully booked for March 2026. Secure your clients’ 2025 adventures or plan for late 2026 to guarantee their spot in this pristine wilderness.
- Penang: Navigating Airport Traffic (Ongoing)
Advise your clients traveling to Penang to anticipate potential airport delays. Drivers may experience wait times of up to two hours. Recommend confirming flight schedules well in advance to ensure seamless and stress-free transfers.
Hotel Updates, closures
& maintenances notices
Important Updates: Supplier Maintenance and Enhancements
We are pleased to provide the following updates regarding maintenance and enhancement projects at our partner hotels in Singapore and Malaysia. Please share this information with your clients to ensure they are aware of potential disruptions during their travel dates.
- Singapore:
PARKROYAL on Beach Road:
The spa, pool, gym, and fitness studio will undergo renovations starting 8 March 2025. Reopening will occur in phases: Spa, Gym, and Studio on 14 May, Wellness Bar on 28 May, and Pool on 9 June. Alternative spa services and nearby pool/gym access will be provided. Further details will be shared as available.
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering:
The pool and spa on Level 5 will undergo maintenance from 21 March to 13 April 2025. Minor noise disruptions may occur.
- Malaysia: Borneo:
Sukau Rainforest Lodge & Utan Rainforest Lodge (Sabah):
The final phase of upgrades, including room, dining, and lounge enhancements at Sukau, and a poolside bar upgrade at Utan, will be completed by early March 2025.
Mulu Park Authority (Sarawak):
The Wind Cave Jetty will be closed for maintenance and construction of a new access platform from 7 March 2025. Reopening dates are unclear but do stay tuned for updates.
- Peninsular:
Four Seasons, Langkawi:
A renovation project will commence after 13 April 2025, affecting select villas and rooms. Please provide travel dates and passenger numbers for inquiries about availability.
The Habitat, Penang Hill:
The train will be closed for bi-annual scheduled maintenance from 16 to 22 June 2025. The park will reopen on 23 June 2025.
Impiana Hotel, Ipoh:
The Swimming pool is temporarily closed for maintenance (17 February to 31 August 2025).
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Ipoh:
Jeff’s Cellar will be closed from April-June 2025 for a major revamp, reopening July 2025 with a bold new dining experience. Share this with guests booking during this period. Meanwhile, savor the exclusive Jeff’s Chefs seven-course menu (1 April – 30 June 2025), celebrating Ipoh’s heritage with unforgettable flavors.
Holiday Schedule
Hari Raya Celebration – [31 March – 2 April]
Our offices in Malaysia (Peninsula & Borneo) will have limited team members handling urgent matters from March 31 to April 1 due to Hari Raya celebrations.
Additionally, April 2 is a replacement holiday for the Sabah Governor’s birthday, we will have limited team members in our Sabah office.
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:
- Thursday, December 11th, 2025: Closed
- Friday, December 12th, 2025: Closed
- Saturday, December 13th, 2025: Weekend Closure (as usual)
Response times will be delayed, however, our Customer Service and Operations ground teams will remain available 24/7 to assist with any urgent matters.
24/7 Emergency Contacts:
Malaysia Peninsula: +60 12 252 3090 | Email: [email protected]
Borneo: +60 13 881 9332 | Email: [email protected]
Customer Care: [email protected]
Singapore: +65 8085 2376 | Email: [email protected]
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