This month’s update dives into immersive new experiences across Sabah Borneo and celebrates the people behind our community-based tourism product selection. From a brand-new Kinabatangan River Safari to supplier stories that matter—plus timely updates on peak-season availability and hotel updates. You won’t want to miss this update.
Key Takeaways:
- Products: Introducing a tailor-made Kinabatangan River Safari experience featuring the region’s first overnight riverboat stay and intimate wildlife encounters.
- Hotels: We highlight eco-stays like Saloma Village Stay and Nanga Sumpa Lodge—ideal for clients seeking cultural immersion and Travel for Good experiences.
- Destination News: Meet the people behind our community-based tourism initiatives in Malaysia (Peninsular & Malaysian Borneo) through their stories—real, on-the-ground insights from our lodge partners, plus key reminders on Sabah Borneo lodge availability during the 2025 peak season and other hotel updates to stay ahead.
Product updates
Introducing our Newest Adventure on the Kinabatangan River
We’re thrilled to unveil a brand-new journeys designed for travelers seeking a truly immersive journey into Borneo’s wild heart. These newly crafted tours offer an intimate look at the Kinabatangan River’s rich biodiversity and, for the first time, include a first-of-its-kind overnight safari aboard a private riverboat. Combining comfort, conservation and culture, these tours are perfect for slow travelers, wildlife lovers and anyone ready to connect deeply with Sabah’s remarkable rainforest landscapes.
Cruising the Wild
Heart of Borneo
4 Days / 3 Nights
This immersive river and rainforest journey explores Sabah’s richest wildlife corridor, combining sustainability with soft adventure and comfort. Ideal for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and those seeking authentic encounters in the Bornean jungle.
- Meet rescued orangutans and sun bears at world-class conservation centers in Sepilok.
- Cruise the Kinabatangan River in search of proboscis monkeys, hornbills and pygmy elephants.
- Spend two magical nights aboard an exclusive riverboat, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
- Venture into Gomantong Caves and witness one of Borneo’s most unique natural spectacles.
Wild Sabah:
Rainforest to River
5 Days / 4 Nights
This extended river expedition allows guests to journey deeper into Sabah’s lush landscapes and legendary wildlife havens. Designed for eco-conscious travelers looking for a blend of adventure, education, and comfort in the wild.
- Encounter orangutans, sun bears, and other native species in ethical sanctuaries around Sepilok.
- Explore the Kinabatangan River aboard a pioneering overnight river cruise for an immersive rainforest experience.
- Discover the mystical Gomantong Caves and track wildlife along both river and jungle trails.
- Enjoy slow travel with meaningful moments — from dawn river safaris to sunset reflections on deck.
- Ideal for travelers wanting more time in nature without sacrificing comfort or sustainability.
Hotel Feature
Travel for Good: Community Empowerment
Empowering Communities through Meaningful Stays
This month we’re shining a spotlight on two remarkable properties, Nanga Sumpa & Saloma Village Stay in Sarawak that embody the spirit of Community-Based Tourism. As your DMC partner, we proudly offer these meaningful stays as part of our product line—where each booking contributes directly to local communities, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship.
Nanga Sumpa Lodge
Batang Ai, Sarawak
A remote rainforest lodge with under 10 rooms, co-developed with the local Iban community and fully solar-powered. Accessible via an approximate 4-hour drive from Kuching and a longboat journey, it’s ideal for adventurous, eco-conscious travelers seeking cultural immersion. Best enjoyed on a 2-night stay to fully explore the surrounding trails and engage with the local community. Tip: Combine a 3D2N program with a night deeper upriver at Lubok Kasai Jungle Camp—ideal for immersive nature, Iban encounters, and upriver travel.
Note: Limited capacity—advance booking highly recommended.
Saloma Village Stay
Padawan Highlands, Sarawak
Located just 45 minutes from Kuching, this community-run homestay offers a handful of comfortable rooms amidst Bidayuh village life. Ideal for families, small groups, or mindful travelers keen on cultural exchange. A 1–2 night stay allows for guided jungle walks, traditional cooking sessions, and waterfall visits. Easily added to a Sarawak itinerary with Kuching and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.
Note: Customizable packages available. Ask us about 2D1N & 3D2N stay packages with guided village and nature activities.
Destination News
Featured Tours: Stories That Travel Deeper
These tours aren’t just experiences; they are stories of resilience, heritage and empowerment. At the heart of each journey is a local champion or community working to preserve their way of life while welcoming travelers with open arms.
By showcasing our partners in community-based tourism (CBT), we are supporting initiatives that empower local communities, preserve cultural identities and create meaningful connections between hosts and guests.
Magical Kampung Baru – Kuala Lumpur
Led by local storyteller Fuad Fahmy, this walking tour offers an insider’s glimpse into KL’s last traditional Malay village. Beyond food, explore faith, heritage, and identity—woven together through powerful personal narratives as you stroll the streets of this living museum, sample local snacks, and meet friendly residents with EXO Malaysia’s half-day guided tour.
Half Day Walk in The Living Museum of Kampung Baru – Check it out!
Kiulu Farmstay – Sabah
From humble beginnings to full community ownership, Kiulu Farmstay is a shining example of tourism as a force for empowerment. Guests don’t just stay here—they become part of a living story of cultural pride, conservation, and self-reliance. Spend 3 days and 2 nights with the locals through EXO Malaysia’s immersive farmstay experience, where you’ll cook traditional dishes, walk with local guides, and soak in the beauty of Kiulu’s river valley.
3D2N Kiulu Valley Farmstay – Check it out!
Native Discovery – Serendah
An indigenous-led journey into Orang Asli culture, where storytelling, tradition, and autonomy go hand in hand. Created by the community, for the community—each visit supports local livelihoods and cultural preservation. Join EXO Malaysia’s Serendah Indigenous Exploration and spend a day in the ancestral lands of the Temuan people, learning their ways of life and fostering deeper cultural understanding.
Full-Day Serendah Indigenous Exploration – Check it out!
Hotel Updates, closures
& maintenances notices
Peak Season Reminder: Malaysian Borneo (Sabah) Lodge Availability 2025–2026
As we plan for 2026, we’d like to gently remind you that Borneo’s most sought-after jungle lodges are booking out faster than ever. Many of our preferred properties are already fully booked for July–September 2025, with limited alternatives available.
Given the limited room inventory in remote areas and sustained high demand, we strongly recommend securing bookings at least 12 months in advance. Alternatively, consider shoulder season travel in May–June or October–November, when availability is more flexible and the experience remains exceptional.
Current Availability Snapshot:
- Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Fully booked: March, July, August
<5% availability in remaining peak months
October: Deluxe Villas fully booked
November–December: Still available (rainy season) - Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Fully booked: May–September
<5% availability during other periods - Kinabatangan Wetland Resort
Fully booked: May–September
<5% availability during other periods
We hope this update helps you and your guests plan and secure the best stays during the upcoming seasons. Let us know how we can assist with early reservations.
Closures & Maintenances
Keep Your Guests in the Know — So They Travel Confidently
We’ve gathered the latest updates on hotel renovations and property closures that may affect upcoming bookings. Please review the details and share them with your clients as needed. We also offer alternative suggestions to ensure smooth travel planning!
Malaysian Borneo Properties
Tabin Wildlife Reserve (Lahad Datu, Sabah)
New Mud Observation Tower Construction
- Dates: 21 April – 31 December 2025
- Impact: Daily works (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) near the 700m guest trail to the Lipad Mud Volcano
- Guest Notice: Minor noise and shared trail usage. Safety protocols are in place.
Suggestion: Continue promoting Tabin with a heads-up to nature-loving guests. The wildlife experiences remain untouched — and the new tower will be worth the wait!
Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai (Kota Kinabalu, Sabah)
Renovation in Progress – Ocean Wing & Horizon Lounge
- Dates: 17 April – 10 July 2025
- Affected Areas: Ocean Panorama Deluxe Rooms (Block A, Levels 1 & 2) & Horizon Lounge
- Impact: Visual & noise disturbance expected (rated 6–7/10). Lounge access unavailable.
Suggestion: Book Ocean Panorama Deluxe in Block B or C for uninterrupted stays. The resort’s other facilities remain fully operational.
Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge (Sukau, Sabah)
Temporary Closure for Construction
- Dates: 14 November – 20 December 2025
- Impact: Lodge closed completely. No guest bookings accepted during this period.
Alternative: Abai Jungle Lodge – a quieter, less-crowded option with immersive river and wildlife experiences. Perfect for guests looking for a serene alternative to busy Sukau.
Mulu National Park (Mulu, Sarawak)
Canopy Walk Closure for Maintenance Works
- Date: 22 April – 26 April 2025
- Note: All other tours and activities within the park will continue as usual.
We recommend adjusting any guest itineraries accordingly and appreciate your understanding as the park carries out these essential upgrades to ensure safety and quality for future visits.
Peninsular Malaysia Properties
One&Only Desaru Coast (Desaru, Johor)
Temporary Hold on Bookings
We would like to inform you that One&Only Desaru Coast is currently in the midst of a management transition. While the resort remains open and operational, new bookings are temporarily on hold until further notice.
All existing reservations will be honoured as confirmed. Should there be any changes affecting your booking, we will reach out to you directly. In the meantime, our team is happy to recommend alternative luxury resort options in the region.
Royal Selangor Visitor Centre (Kuala Lumpur, WP Kuala Lumpur)
One-Day Closure – Jazz Festival
- Date: 10 August 2025 (Sunday)
- Note: Visitor Centre will be closed for the day due to the Royal Selangor Jazz Festival. No bookings accepted.
Suggestion: Consider alternative cultural highlights such as Batu Caves and Thean Hou Temple. Guests may also opt for our half-day tour package, ‘Kuala Lumpur’s Iconic Temples’, which offers an immersive experience of these sacred landmarks, including National Mosque & Petronas Twin Towers.
The Scarlet Singapore, Singapore
Full Hotel Closure & Management Transition
- Closure Date: From 1 June 2025
- Reopening: Tentatively October 2025 under new management (details TBC)
- Action: All bookings from 1 June onwards will be cancelled. Agents will be contacted to assist with rebooking.
Suggestion: We recommend similar boutique & lifestyle hotels in the area such as Amoy, The Clan, Artyzen, and The Standard, all offering unique design, curated experiences, and prime city locations.
Holiday Schedule
On the following dates, our team will be celebrating local festive occasions. While general response times may be slightly delayed, our Customer Service and Operations teams remain available 24/7 to assist with any urgent matters.
We truly appreciate your understanding and continued support!
Malaysia Public Holidays to Note:
Celebrated by the Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan & Kuala Lumpur (All) offices:
- 1 May (Thursday) – Labour Day
Celebrated by the Kuala Lumpur office only:
- 12 May (Monday) – Wesak Day
Celebrated by the Kota Kinabalu & Sandakan offices only:
- 30 & 31 May (Friday & Saturday) – Harvest Festival
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