This month’s edition spotlights our experts’ first-hand inspections across Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore — part of October and November’s series of familiarisation trips designed to deepen product knowledge, strengthen local partnerships and ensure every EXO journey meets our standards of quality, authenticity and care.
Introduction:
From Kundasang’s cool mountain air to Penang’s flavourful streets and Singapore’s contemporary hotels, our teams have been on the ground testing the routes, stays and experiences that shape EXO’s product portfolio. These inspections not only verify quality and comfort but also allow our travel consultants to experience first-hand the journeys we curate for clients, seamless logistics to local storytelling and hospitality.
Key Takeaways:
- Products: Recent inspections across Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore reaffirmed strong product readiness with seamless logistics, diverse routes and authentic experiences tested first-hand by our teams.
- Hotels: Singapore hotels such as The Barracks Sentosa and Oasia Downtown received excellent feedback for their service consistency, convenience and design, while Perhentian Marriott stood out as a new 5-star addition ideal for families and couples.
- Destination News: Petronas Twin Towers ticket prices increased effective 2nd October; multiple Sabah and Peninsular properties have staged maintenance through November–December.
Product updates
Team members across Malaysia and Singapore have been on the move inspecting hotels, routes and experiences to ensure every EXO product meets the highest standards of quality, authenticity and comfort.
From off-the-beaten-track adventures in Kundasang, to cultural and culinary journeys through Peninsular Malaysia and luxurious city stays in Singapore, these familiarisation trips reflect the diversity and depth of our product portfolio. Each inspection strengthens our partnerships, sharpens product knowledge and ensures our guests experience seamless journeys with confidence and peace of mind.
Here’s what our team discovered on the road this month.
Sabah: Kundasang &
Kinabalu Park
By Aishah Madi, Reservations Officer
“A journey through Sabah’s natural beauty — where the cool mountain air awakens the senses, the aroma of tea invites calm and the healing waters of Poring offer pure relaxation.”
In the highlands of Sabah, the team embarked on a 3D2N inspection through Kundasang and Ranau to review accommodations and routes around Kinabalu Park.
The most striking impression was the majestic sight of Mount Kinabalu itself. Visible from nearly every stay along the route, each offering a unique vantage point of the mountain’s ever-changing beauty.
At Tanak Nabalu, Cha May was reminded of the warmth of Sabah’s people: “We were welcomed like family, served with generous portions of local food and shown how the villagers turned their home into tourist attractions. Everyone supports one another — it’s truly heartwarming.”
At Kinabalu Pine Resort, the chalets’ strategic location offers unobstructed mountain views (weather permitting) and convenient access to the restaurant, reception and parking — especially suitable for families and senior travellers.
Tips from EXO:
- Depart early (around 07:00–07:30) to enjoy clearer views of Mount Kinabalu.
- At Poring, recommend swimwear, mosquito repellent and hiking shoes for those keen to explore.
Ideal for: Honeymooners, couples or groups seeking scenic beauty, authentic local interaction and soft adventure.
Classic Peninsular Malaysia
By Lia, Contracting Executive
From the misty calm of Cameron Highlands to the vibrant pulse of Penang, this familiarisation trip captured Malaysia’s sensory diversity. One journey, countless textures. At the BOH Tea Plantation, the aroma of freshly brewed tea mingled with sweeping emerald views, while an impromptu beca ride through George Town unveiled the city’s warmth through its people and stories.
Operationally, the 7-day journey ran with precision and ease. The ETS train connection between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh proved punctual, scenic and comfortable, an ideal alternative to road travel. Within the capital, exploring by LRT offered a fast, clean and local experience, while overland transfers from Ipoh to Penang were executed seamlessly, ensuring both comfort and confidence at every stage.
Tips from EXO: Clearly indicate that Mossy Forest is a boardwalk experience rather than a hike and advise clients to schedule outdoor visits during cooler hours to avoid Malaysia’s midday heat.
Ideal for: Small groups, couples or FIT travellers who appreciate a balance of heritage, culture and scenic discovery and who prefer a gentler, more immersive travel pace.
Perhentian & Redang Islands
By Ilaria Coco, Head of Product, Contracting & Database, EXO Malaysia
Further east, the team conducted inspections along the Terengganu coastline, covering hotel and transfer quality across Perhentian and Redang Islands.
The crystal-clear water, teeming with marine life, left a lasting impression. Guests can spot baby sharks and colourful fish right from the shore with the best view points including Perhentian Island Resort and The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort on Redang.
The Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa, the first 5-star property in the area, showcased spacious family facilities and contemporary comfort. It features one of the largest kids’ clubs in the area, a dedicated children’s pool and cultural experiences showcasing Terengganu’s heritage and cuisine.
Ideal for: Families and couples seeking a luxurious tropical retreat with direct access to marine life and pristine beaches.
Hotel updates
The Barracks Hotel, Sentosa
Singapore
By Audi, Operations Executive, EXO Singapore
“The Barracks Sentosa — where timeless heritage meets quiet luxury.”
Across the causeway, Audi visited The Barracks Hotel Sentosa — a five-star property steeped in colonial charm and quiet luxury.
The former military barracks have been transformed into a tranquil heritage retreat, where vintage touches and lush gardens create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The service is exemplary: personalised check-in, attentive staff escorts and flawless evening canapé service ensure every guest feels truly cared for.
Ideal for: Honeymooners and luxury travellers seeking exclusivity, privacy and heritage-inspired comfort.
Oasia Hotel Downtown
Singapore
By Lina, Inbound Supervisor, EXO Singapore
“A refreshing retreat in the city — modern, connected and effortlessly inviting.”
In the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, Audi also inspected Oasia Hotel Downtown, a vibrant 4-star property that blends contemporary design with nature-inspired serenity.
Amid the city’s energy, Oasia offers a refreshing oasis with its open-air pool, abundant greenery and attentive service across three levels. Its location makes it ideal for both leisure explorers and business travellers, with complimentary bicycles for easy access to nearby cafés and attractions.
Ideal for: Urban travellers who appreciate convenience, comfort and contemporary style.
Destinations News
Kuala Lumpur:
Petronas Twin Towers ticket prices increased effective 2nd October 2025.
Langkawi:
Official memo from Majlis Perbandaran Langkawi Bandaraya Pelancongan — Heritage fees will apply during the following 2025 events (Rates vary by hotel category):
- LIMA (20–24 May)
- Le Tour De Langkawi (27–28 September)
- Ironman Langkawi (1–2 November)
Sabah (Borneo) Resort/Hotel Updates:
Last week, a few of our team members personally visited Bungaraya Island Resort and Gayana Marine Resort to assess the current condition of both properties following the recent storm. The inspection aimed to provide our partners with first-hand insights into the ongoing restoration efforts and the overall guest experience to expect in the coming weeks.
- Bungaraya Island Resort: The team noted structural works are ongoing at several top-level villas, with kitchen repairs expected to be completed by the end of October. Only three villas were affected by a recent landslide: two-bedroom, superior, and deluxe villa categories. The resort’s Pantai Restaurant was affected by the landslide. Management anticipates the restaurant will resume full operation by the end of the month. The resort’s canopy walk is now permanently closed. This decision was made for safety reasons as the support trees holding the structure are internally rotten.
- Gayana Marine Resort: The resort is undergoing minor recovery works. While the visual impact of a past landslide is still visible near the land-facing chalets, no structural damage was caused to any of the villas. The clearing of the debris from the landslide is an ongoing process. Moreover, issues with pool water clarity are being resolved following a recent pump malfunction.
Nexus Resort Karambunai (Kota Kinabalu)
Updated Room Name Category
Renovation of Block A, Levels 1 and 2 in the Ocean Wing has been completed. The resort has restructured and updated its room categories to reflect upgraded facilities. This primarily involved name changes, but most notably, a new room category, ‘Ocean Nexus Deluxe,’ was added. Additionally, the ‘Nexus Club Deluxe’ category has been updated to ‘Borneo Sea View’ and no longer includes club benefits.
Sabah Hotel (Sandakan): Renovations on Levels 3–7 and Plantation Café from 20 Nov – 13 Dec 2025.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge (Sandakan)
Deluxe Room Renovation Works
- 01 November – 22 November 2025: All 20 Deluxe Rooms in Abai Wing and Bilit Wing will be temporarily closed.
- 22 November 2025 – 31 January 2026: 10 Deluxe Rooms will reopen and remain available, while the other 10 will continue to undergo renovation.
Other Upgrades:
- Gomantong Hall – Washroom refurbishment
- Gecko Lounge, Kadai (souvenir shop), Reception & Kitchen Area – Roof replacement
Peninsular Malaysia Hotel Updates:
Strawberry Park Resort (Cameron Highlands): Pool closed 1–15 Nov 2025 for upgrades.
Sama-Sama Hotel (KLIA): Pool reopening delayed to 17 Nov 2025.
The Ritz-Carlton (Langkawi): Langkawi Kitchen works 19–24 Sep 2025; Horizon Bar/Lounge and adults-only pool closed 16 Sep – 26 Nov 2025.
M Boutique Hotel (Ipoh): Rates effective 1 Sep 2025 are ROOM ONLY (breakfast discontinued).
Belum Rainforest Lodge (Belum):
Enhancement Project at Sidai Restaurant (03 September – 31 December 2025)
Alternative dining venues remain available at Hornbill Restaurant and Kupi Kupi.
Berjaya Langkawi (Langkawi):
Year-End Restriction: Check-ins are allowed from 29–31 December 2025, but no check-outs are permitted on those dates.
No check-ins will be permitted on 01–02 January 2026. However, check-outs are allowed for stays that include 31 December 2025, but these stays are subject to a compulsory New Year’s Eve dinner.
Perhentian Island Resort (Perhentian Island):
Following an on-site inspection by our team, it was observed that the Superior Room category is currently in poor condition due to maintenance and quality issues. To uphold service standards and avoid potential guest dissatisfaction, this room category will be closed from sale until further notice.
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.
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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