Far more than a gleaming stopover, Singapore is a living social fabric of heritage and island escapes. This month, we focus beyond the skyscrapers on experiences that uncover the city’s authentic soul and the newly rebranded Singapore Oceanarium. Meanwhile in Malaysia, the ‘Emerald Season’ nears, bringing Borneo’s ancient rainforests to life at their most vivid, alongside an enhanced indigenous cultural immersion just outside Kuala Lumpur.
Whether seeking urban beach retreats or deep jungle serenity, this update showcases the true heart of the region.
Inside this update:
- Regenerative retreats: Transition from biophilic urban stays to the plastic-free serenity of private conservation islands in Singapore.
- Cultural deep-dives: Experience indigenous weaving traditions in Malaysia and the historic districts of Singapore.
Destination News: Stay updated on key hotel closures and refurbishments across the region and have a look at all the non-stop flight connections from major hubs in Europe and North America.
Product updates
Serendah Indigenous Exploration
Full day
An immersive visit to a rare cultural enclave of the Temuan people just outside Kuala Lumpur, now enhanced with a hands-on weaving workshop.
EXO opinion: Intergenerational storytelling shapes this experience, from village elders to the Gen Z youth, all dedicated to preserving their heritage.
Ideal clients: Cultural seekers and families looking for a meaningful, hands-on connection to Malaysia’s roots.
Lush Borneo
4 Days / 3 Nights
A fully private immersion into a 130-million-year-old rainforest during the tranquil ‘Emerald Season’.
EXO opinion: This package redefines the ‘rainy season’ narrative; the forest is at its most vibrant, and the value for a private guided tour is unmatched.
Ideal clients: Nature enthusiasts and luxury seekers who value exclusivity and lush, verdant landscapes.
Note: This exclusive itinerary and promotional rate are available only during the low season months of January, February, November and December.
Nature’s Playground:
A Sustainable Family
Adventure in Singapore
8 Days / 7 Nights
A dual-destination journey bridging Singapore’s ‘Future of Nature’ biophilic stays with the ‘Preservation of Nature’ at a private eco-island.
EXO opinion: This is the ultimate family itinerary for 2026, combining fast-tracked Universal Studios thrills with meaningful conservation impact.
Ideal clients: Families looking for a mix of high-energy fun and plastic-free, zero-waste serenity.
Hotel updates
We’ve curated this selection to showcase the ‘New Wave’ of 2026 – blending ultra-luxury private islands with iconic heritage revivals that prove Singapore is a destination for longer, deeper stays.
Nikoi Private Island
Bintan Archipelago
A ‘Robinson Crusoe’ luxury feel with beach houses crafted from driftwood and alang-alang grass. These open-plan designs capture natural breezes, eliminating the need for air conditioning.
- EXO opinion: A Global Ecosphere Retreat member where sustainability is the soul, not just a label.
- Ideal clients: Multi-generational families and eco-conscious travellers seeking a sophisticated yet barefoot escape. Learn More
Cempedak
Private Island
Bintan Archipelago
An adults-only sanctuary featuring dramatic bamboo architecture. The villas boast private plunge pools and sweeping views of the South China Sea.
- Facilities: Features a grass tennis court, dhow sailing and a spa integrated into the natural granite boulders.
- Ideal clients: Discerning couples or solo travellers seeking absolute tranquility and romantic privacy. Learn More
The METT (Formerly Hotel Fort Canning)
Singapore
A 2026 icon where heritage meets high-design. Rooms are housed within a restored heritage building with high ceilings and ‘urban beach’ aesthetics.
- Facilities: Features an expansive mineral pool, a state-of-the-art wellness centre and lush garden terraces.
- EXO opinion: A brilliant rebranding that transforms a heritage icon into a sophisticated ‘urban beach escape’ within the city centre.
- Ideal clients: History buffs, design lovers and luxury travellers wanting a resort-style retreat in the heart of the city. Learn More
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.
- EXO opinion: This is the contemporary ‘secret garden’ alternative to the historic city landmark. It feels worlds away from the urban bustle – ideal for those wanting iconic service with total modern privacy.
- Ideal clients: Honeymooners, privacy-seekers and those seeking a modern pool-villa experience. Learn More
Destinations news
Logistics & operations
Travellers to Malaysia and Singapore can rely on expanded long-haul direct flights from Europe and North America.
Direct flight connections from Europe to Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur):
- Malaysia Airlines: Daily flight from London (LHR) and Paris (CDG).
- British Airways: daily flight from London Heathrow
- Air France: daily flight from Paris CDG
- KLM: daily flight from Amsterdam
- Lufthansa: Launching 5 weekly flights from Frankfurt starting October 25, 2026.
- Royal Brunei Airlines: direct flights between Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN) and London Heathrow (LHR).
Direct flight connections from Europe to Singapore:
- British Airways: daily flights from London Heathrow
- Air France: daily flight from Paris CDG
- KLM: daily flight from Amsterdam
- SWISS: daily flight from Zurich
- Singapore Airlines:
- London Heathrow: 4–5 flights daily.
- Frankfurt: 3 flights daily.
- Paris (CDG), Amsterdam and Zurich: Daily service.
- 5 weekly flights from Barcelona (from July 1 to September 3)
Direct flight connections from North America to Singapore:
- West Coast: LAX and SFO.
- East Coast & Midwest: JFK, EWR, ORD, and IAH.
- Pro Tip: Once in Singapore, it’s just a one-hour hop to reach Kuala Lumpur.
This increased direct capacity creates a natural opportunity to extend stays. Turn Singapore stopovers into two to three immersive nights such as beautiful island extensions to Bintan.
Borneo lodge alert
Lead times of 12 months or more are standard for Borneo’s premier lodges. Capacity for July to September 2026 is currently nearing zero. Guiding guests toward April, May or October offers better rates and improved availability.
Sustainability news
Nikoi and Cempedak continue to lead through the 4Cs (Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce), supporting over 16,000 locals through The Island Foundation.
Singapore Oceanarium
The former S.E.A. Aquarium has officially rebranded and expanded as the Singapore Oceanarium. The facility features 22 themed zones across an area three times its original size. The site offers immersive marine storytelling, spotlighting local biodiversity and prehistoric marine life.
Closures & refurbishments
Malaysia
- The George (Penang): Development of a new building behind the hotel is ongoing through December 2026. While the hotel remains open, Deluxe and Pearl Suites without balconies may have impacted views. Although major works are already complete, leaving only minor noise between 10:00 and 22:00, noise-treated windows and earplugs are provided for comfort. Through a close partnership with management, measures are in place to ensure a seamless stay, including prioritised room placement and upgrades whenever possible.
- The Prestige Hotel (Penang): The swimming pool is closed for maintenance from 24 March to 30 April 2026. Dining and wellness facilities remain fully operational.
- Sepilok Forest Edge (Sabah, Borneo): The resort pool and private room renovations are complete, with bookings available from April 2026. Maintenance continues on a new Family Chalet through mid-May 2026. The resort remains open with strict noise management in place.
Singapore
- Oasia Hotel Downtown: Upgrading works will take place at the Level 27 pool from 1 April to 30 June 2026. One pool remains open for use, though noise levels may increase during this period.
- Village Hotel Sentosa: The Adventure Pool will be closed for improvement work from 20 April to 20 June 2026. All other pools remain open.
Events & seasonality
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
In 2027, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is projected to begin around 10 March. This shift into early March means the fasting month of Ramadan will take place primarily in February. Expect peak domestic travel and reduced availability of support staff in the days surrounding these dates.
Planning advice
- Advance logistics: For travel during the ‘Raya’ month, it is recommended to secure all transportation and regional flight segments at least six months in advance.
- Traffic buffers: Allow for significant additional travel time when moving between cities, particularly on the North-South Expressway in Malaysia.
- Operational notes: While major tourist sites remain open, standard Public Holiday Surcharges for guide services apply during official gazetted holidays.
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 & EXO Singapore Annual Team Building: Office Closure Notice.
Our offices will be closed for our annual team-building event and EXO Culture Day from 19-21 December.
Response times will be delayed; however, our Customer Care and Operations ground teams will remain available 24/7 to assist with any urgent matters.
EXO Malaysia’s 24/7 Urgent Emergency Contact Information:
Peninsular Malaysia +60 12 252 3090 | Email: [email protected]
Borneo: +60 13 881 9332 | Email: [email protected]
Malaysia Customer Care: [email protected]
EXO Singapore’s 24/7 Urgent Emergency Contact Information:
Singapore: +65 806-67499 | Email: [email protected]
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