Singapore takes centre stage this month, with MICE and incentive travel firmly back on the radar of European markets.
Following EXO’s participation alongside the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) at IMEX Frankfurt in May, interest in high-end corporate groups and incentive programmes was notably strong. With three new Singapore hotel partners now live – spanning the city centre, Sentosa and the Boat Quay heritage strip – EXO is well placed to build programmes around each group, pairing the right accommodation with curated experiences and seamless logistics.
Inside this update:
- MICE Singapore spotlight: what EXO brings to group and incentive programmes
- Three new hotel partners: Amara Singapore, Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa and 21 Carpenter
- F1 double-header in October: Bahrain GP at Sepang and Singapore GP Sprint Weekend
- Destination notices: Sarawak haze, KLIA airspace closures, Borneo lodge availability, transfer timing updates and more
- LIMA 2027 advisory: Langkawi hotel closures from 14 to 26 April 2027
Singapore for Groups:
What EXO brings to the table
EXO joined the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) at IMEX Frankfurt in May, and the interest from European markets was notable. Singapore is firmly back on the radar for high-end corporate groups and incentive travel – and EXO is well-placed to deliver it.
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) support is worth raising early
Qualifying MICE groups can access financial and non-financial support through the SECB, including complimentary experiences, delegate privileges and more. Some of these programmes can even apply before a destination is locked in, making them a genuine decision-making tool rather than an afterthought. Kimmo, our Events Manager, can walk you through what’s relevant for your client and connect you directly with STB.
What EXO curates on the ground
There are no fixed packages as every programme is built around the group. Kimmo’s regular toolkit includes ethnic quarter immersions across Little India, Kampong Gelam, and Chinatown with proper local tastings woven in.
The Singapore City Gallery is a great add-on for delegations who want more context with their cultural explorations (book ahead for larger groups); the Sustainability Gallery at Marina Barrage offers something less expected for eco-conscious clients; the Singapore Sidecars experience works well for groups of up to 40; and The Intan is ideal for intimate Peranakan dining experiences best suited to fewer than 20 guests.
Pharmaceutical incentive groups and cruise port day programmes are both areas where EXO is actively growing its Singapore footprint. If either sounds like a fit for a client you have in mind, reach out to Kimmo directly. He’s the best starting point for any Singapore group inquiry.
Featured properties
We’ve added three new properties to the Singapore portfolio this season, spanning the city centre to Sentosa – each with contracted rates now available to book through EXO. Here’s a quick look at who they’re best suited for.
Amara Singapore
Singapore
Set in the heart of Tanjong Pagar, Amara Singapore sits at the intersection of Singapore’s business district and its most characterful dining and nightlife enclave. The hotel is sleek without being impersonal – well-appointed rooms, strong city connectivity and a location that lets guests walk to both the financial quarter and the independently-run restaurants of Keong Saik Road. A solid choice for itineraries where Singapore is a transit point as much as a destination.
Best for: Corporate travellers, short-stay city breaks, FIT clients who want easy access to the CBD and the emerging Chinatown fringe without paying top-end luxury rates.
Amara Sanctuary Resort, Sentosa Island
Singapore
Tucked into the forested hillside of Sentosa, Amara Sanctuary is one of the island’s quieter luxury options – villa-style accommodation set around landscaped gardens, away from the theme park crowds. The property has a genuinely resort-like quality that’s surprisingly rare on Sentosa, with a sense of seclusion that makes it feel a world removed from the mainland while remaining accessible. Room categories extend from deluxe rooms up to one-bedroom villas with private terraces.
Best for: Couples and families seeking a proper resort feel within Singapore, honeymoon extensions and clients who want Sentosa’s beach access and attractions without staying in one of the larger convention-style hotels.
21 Carpenter, Boat Quay
Singapore
A boutique property in the Boat Quay precinct, 21 Carpenter occupies a restored heritage building and positions itself firmly at the premium lifestyle end of the boutique segment. Room categories range from Urban Rooms up to Heritage Suites, with breakfast included across all categories. The location gives guests immediate proximity to the Singapore River, easy access to the CBD and a genuinely different aesthetic from the larger international chains – something that independent and design-conscious travellers increasingly ask for.
Best for: Premium independent travellers, design and culture-oriented clients, and itineraries where accommodation character is part of the experience rather than just a bed for the night.
Destinations news
Singapore
Singapore Grand Prix Sprint Weekend (9–11 October 2026)
The Sprint Weekend format this year means a more concentrated three days of racing, and the Marina Bay night race is one of those experiences clients genuinely rave about. The flip side: Singapore hotel rates spike hard and availability shrinks fast. Clients who want to be there should be confirming now, not later.
Inventory hold for Singapore F1 GP – 2027 (24 September – 13 October 2027)
Official race dates for Singapore F1 2027 are yet to be confirmed, but we’ve already placed a temporary hold on Singapore hotel inventory in EXO Create for this window. If you have clients eyeing this period, reach out to us directly and we’ll check availability and rates on your behalf. We’ll update you as soon as the official calendar drops.
Singapore Parkroyal Collection Pickering – New club room inclusion
Parkroyal Collection Pickering has introduced a farm-to-table lunch inclusion for guests in Collection Club rooms – a thoughtful addition to an already distinctive property. The hotel’s sky gardens and biophilic design are already one of its standout selling points; this inclusion gives it a genuine food experience to lead with too. Worth highlighting for clients who prioritise sustainability credentials alongside property character. Dynamic rates apply; contact the team for pricing.
Destination & operations news in Peninsular Malaysia
Bahrain Grand Prix relocated to Sepang (4 October 2026)
A strong add-on for clients with flexible Malaysia itineraries around that date. Sepang is easy to access from KL, the crowd is international and the atmosphere delivers. Hotels in the KL–Sepang corridor will tighten around race weekend – factor that in early if this is going into a programme.
KLIA airspace closures – National Day flypast (26–31 August 2026)
The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) airspace will be temporarily suspended on the following dates due to National Day flypast rehearsals and the main event. Please factor these windows into ground transfer schedules and manage client expectations for any flights in or out of KL during these periods.
- 26–28 August: 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM (Rehearsals)
- 29 August: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Full Rehearsal)
- 31 August: 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM (National Day flypast)
Full details via Business Today.
SEA Games 2027 – Malaysia (18–29 September 2027)
Malaysia will host the 34th Southeast Asian Games from 18 to 29 September 2027, spread across four regional clusters: Sarawak (opening ceremony and major events), Kuala Lumpur (closing ceremony), Penang and Johor. This is a significant event for the country and will have a considerable impact on accommodation availability and travel logistics across all four host destinations. For clients considering travel to Malaysia during this window, we strongly recommend confirming bookings well in advance. The ASEAN Para Games follow on 17 to 23 October 2027, primarily in Kuala Lumpur.
BOH Tea Factory, Cameron Highlands — Monday and public holiday closures (Permanent operational rule)
A reminder that the BOH Tea Factory is closed every Monday and on public holidays. When building Cameron Highlands itineraries for Mondays or public holidays, please offer the Cameron Highlands Mystery Walk or High Tea at The Smokehouse as alternatives. Both are strong substitutes and work well in the same slot.
Destination & operations news in Malaysian Borneo
Sarawak haze advisory (Ongoing – until further notice)
Haze from open burning in neighbouring countries is currently affecting parts of Sarawak, particularly Kuching, Serian and Sri Aman. Depending on conditions, this may impact outdoor tours and cause discomfort for clients with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Guides have been briefed to advise clients to wear face masks and stay well hydrated throughout their time in the affected areas. Please brief clients accordingly when building Sarawak programmes and monitor conditions ahead of travel. For the latest Air Pollutant Index readings, check the live tracker: APIMS.
AirBorneo – Online extra baggage booking unavailable (Until further notice)
AirBorneo’s online extra baggage purchase option has been temporarily removed from their website. For the time being, additional baggage allowance can only be purchased directly at the airport counter at the existing rate of RM5 per kg.
Please ensure clients are informed ahead of their departure so there are no surprises on the day. Extra legroom seats remain bookable through AirBorneo’s call centre – our team can continue to arrange this as usual. We will share an update once the online baggage feature is reinstated.
Sandakan & Lahad Datu airport transfers – Revised pickup timings (Effective 6 August 2026 – Until further notice)
Ongoing road construction between Sandakan, Sukau and Lahad Datu is causing significant traffic delays along the route. Departure pickup times for transfers from Sukau and Bilit to both Sandakan Airport (SDK) and Lahad Datu Airport (LDU) have been extended to five hours prior to scheduled flight departure. This applies to all new and existing bookings from 7 August through 30 September 2026. Please review and update any affected guest itineraries, driver schedules and welcome letters accordingly, and brief clients on the road situation to manage expectations.
Hotel renovations & property news in Peninsular Malaysia
Mutiara Taman Negara – Construction & availability notice (1 September – 31 December 2026)
A mock-up chalet construction will take place near Chalet No. 106 from 1st September 2026, with completion expected by end of December. All resort facilities, guest rooms, activities and services will continue to operate as normal throughout this period, and access to Taman Negara National Park remains fully unaffected. Some noise may be expected during certain construction stages; working hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Clients with bookings during this window should be briefed prior to arrival.
LIMA 2027 — Langkawi (14 to 26 April 2027)
Worth flagging now for anyone building 2027 Langkawi programmes. The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition runs 20 to 24 April 2027, and all Langkawi hotels are closed out in our system across the full surrounding fortnight. Individual properties may have their own restriction windows outside of this, but treat 14 to 26 April as unavailable across the board.
Hotel renovations & property news in Malaysian Borneo
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu — Phased enhancement (October 2025 – Q2 2027)
A resort-wide phased enhancement is underway – Phase 1 runs through September 2026, with full completion in Q2 2027. Guestrooms, the lobby, dining venues, bars, fitness facilities, and the water park and pools are affected in rotation. STAR Marina, Chi The Spa and Cafe TATU remain accessible. Note that The Kinabalu Wing closure continues. Verify current availability before confirming bookings and brief guests accordingly.
Tanini Sepilok – Refurbishment works ongoing (Until October 2026)
Renovation and refurbishment works are currently underway at Tanini Sepilok as part of a new room category development. Two areas are affected: works in front of Gajah Chalet and beside Enggang 4 may involve some noise during heavier construction stages, though these will be scheduled during daytime hours and where possible when guests are out on tours. Additional works around the reception and restaurant areas are expected to have minimal impact on guests. The renovation is projected to complete by October 2026. Please brief clients with bookings at Tanini Sepilok accordingly.
Borneo Nature Lodge — Day trip policy (Effective 1 July 2026)
Due to ongoing fuel supply constraints, Borneo Nature Lodge has introduced a minimum of four passengers per day across all three of their day trip programmes. This applies to new bookings only and remains in place until further notice. For FIT clients or small groups where numbers may fall short of the minimum, factor this in early as it affects itinerary structure and quoting. Rates for existing confirmed bookings are unaffected.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge – River rafting suspended (Effective immediately – until further notice)
River rafting at Borneo Rainforest Lodge is temporarily suspended due to low water levels and weak river flow conditions. The lodge is monitoring the situation closely and the activity will resume once conditions are safe and suitable. All other lodge activities and facilities continue to operate as normal.
Borneo Lodge availability – Act now for peak season
April to May 2027 is worth planning ahead for now – availability is considerably better and rates are more favourable in both windows.
Holiday schedule
EXO Malaysia (Peninsular & Borneo Office):
- 31 Aug (Mon): National Day
- 16 Sep (Wed): Malaysia Day
EXO Malaysia & EXO Singapore Annual Team Building: Office closure notice.
- 19 November (Thursday): Closed
- 20 November (Friday): Closed
- 21 November (Saturday): Weekend closure (as usual)
Please be advised that during the upcoming national holidays, some departments will experience reduced staffing, which may lead to slightly slower response times.
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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