From the sunlit shores of Langkawi to the heritage streets of Malacca, our team has been actively exploring our local gems this October, gathering fresh, first-hand insights to enhance your upcoming bookings. While the low season brings a quieter pace, we remain busy conducting thorough site inspections to ensure our product quality remains exceptional.
Meanwhile, up in the Cameron Highlands, we are thrilled to expand our wellness offerings with two new restorative experiences: Forest Bathing at Coral Hill and Plantation Walk with Sound Healing. To guarantee we continue delivering top-tier service, our team have also recently sharpened their skills and regional knowledge during our Annual Guide Training in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Before the peak travel season sneaks up on you, please take note of our essential operational updates and holiday closures.
- Highland wellness: Introducing Forest Bathing at Coral Hill and Plantation Walk with Sound Healing in the Cameron Highlands.
- New hotel partners: Dusit Princess Melaka and The Hari Singapore join the EXO portfolio, with rates now live and available for booking.
- Operational notices: Upcoming events in Kuala Lumpur, plus hotel renovation updates across Taman Negara, Cameron Highlands, Danum Valley and Sabah.
Get inspired - Featured experiences
Forest Bathing
at Coral Hill
Half day
A slow-paced, mindful trek through Cameron Highlands’ mossy forest, guided by a certified practitioner and integrating Japanese shinrin-yoku with somatic and breathing exercises.
Ideal for: Wellness seekers, active travellers and mindful couples with an average to athletic fitness level looking to reconnect with nature.
Plantation Walk
with Sound Healing
Half day
A peaceful, guided walk through the historic BOH Tea Plantation, followed by an exclusive 60-minute sound healing session using Tibetan singing bowls overlooking the rolling emerald tea hills.
Ideal for: Wellness enthusiasts, couples and mindful travellers seeking a tranquil, rejuvenating escape from fast-paced city life.
Featured properties
Dusit Princess Melaka
Malacca
Set on Jalan Bendahara, just outside the bustle of the UNESCO World Heritage zone, Dusit Princess Melaka brings signature Thai hospitality to Malaysia’s most storied city. The contemporary property offers well-appointed rooms, a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to the heritage centre.
A reliable choice for itineraries where Melaka is a cultural stop between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, the hotel suits families, with activities such as The Junior Chefs, and FIT clients looking for modern comforts, including a ninth-floor outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness centre and a yoga room.
This makes it a convenient central base that pairs well with our Historical and Cultural Malacca Full Day Tour.
The Hari Singapore
Singapore
Bridging Emerald Hill’s heritage shophouses and the pulse of Orchard Road, The Hari Singapore offers a refined, art-focused retreat, with 326 rooms and suites overlooking the city and the Istana. Dining options include an all-day restaurant, a regional restaurant and a cocktail bar. The hotel offers a distinct, culturally rooted boutique stay, just steps from Singapore’s premium shopping district.
Best for: FIT clients, couples and leisure travellers who want a quiet luxury stay with immediate access to Orchard Road.
We recommend pairing The Hari Singapore with our Newton & Orchard Food Tour. This curated experience allows guests to step just beyond the luxury boutiques and dive straight into the lively heart of the city’s beloved hawker food scene.
Sustainability news
Another milestone in responsible tourism: GSTC Certification
We are incredibly proud to announce that both EXO Malaysia and EXO Singapore have achieved GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) certification! As the worldwide benchmark for responsible travel, GSTC verifies that our operations meet the highest global standards for environmental protection, community support and cultural preservation. This certification is a testament to our rigorous sustainability standards and ongoing pledge to protect the destinations we love.
Celebrating 15 Years of the EXO Foundation
To mark the EXO Foundation’s 15th anniversary, we are turning our sustainability commitment into measurable action with a team-wide challenge running through early November! A points-based system has turned the challenge into a friendly competition, and it has been inspiring to see the team rally around four hands-on initiatives that put our values into practice:
- Acts of Kindness: Showing small gestures of appreciation for randomly paired colleagues.
- Active for a Cause: Shared fitness goals tracked through our EXO Strava Club.
- Photo Challenge: Creative shots on the themes ‘Fun, Joy & Care / Happy Place’.
- Fundraising & greener habits: Donations to our Koffee Karma Jars, recycling used cooking oil in Kota Kinabalu and logging green commutes in Kuala Lumpur, all raising funds for EXO Foundation projects.
It’s a reminder that responsible tourism doesn’t stop when a tour ends. It starts with the daily habits of the people designing it. When a team is personally invested in green transport, waste reduction and community care, that commitment naturally translates into the sustainable products and experiences we offer your clients.
Destination news - Singapore
Hotel renovations & property news
Mondrian Singapore Duxton: Dining venue changes
Effective immediately
Please be advised that Christina’s has officially closed its doors. Moving forward, Bottega di Carna has become the property’s primary all-day dining venue. The team remains fully dedicated to ensuring guests receive warm hospitality and high standards of service. Please update your internal systems, collateral and client pre-arrival briefings accordingly.
Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix 2027: Citywide
8 to 10 October 2027
The dates for the 2027 Singapore Grand Prix have been officially announced for 8-10 October 2027. During this period, expect event surcharges across various properties. Note that some hotels will also enforce minimum-stay requirements. Please factor this in early for any late 2027 Singapore programming and brief guests accordingly.
JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La: Guestroom refresh
From 1 April 2027
To elevate guest experiences, the hotel will begin a refresh on its guestrooms in 2027. Room inventory will be reduced as sections of the hotel are taken offline during the transformation. Consequently, the property will be unable to offer static wholesale contracts from 1 April 2027 onwards. All bookings from this date will be handled via ad hoc enquiries at dynamic rates. Please verify current rates and availability before confirming bookings.
Upcoming events
Deepavali
8-9 November 2026 (public holiday on 9 November)
Little India comes alive with lights, decorations and festive bazaars in the lead-up to the Festival of Lights. Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere, crowds around the precinct and temporary closures for some businesses.
Destination news - Malaysia
Annual Guide Training in Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026
As part of our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, we recently concluded our Annual Guide Training sessions across Kuala Lumpur and Penang, with a total of 46 guides taking part. This yearly initiative ensures our frontline ambassadors remain sharp, informed and aligned with our service standards. They responded especially well to sessions on customer care, sustainability and delivering itineraries accurately.
By continuously investing in our team’s development, we actively uphold one of EXO’s core values: seeking excellence. This proactive approach to training guarantees that every client journey is led by a knowledgeable, passionate and highly skilled professional. We look forward to continuing the training in Q1 2027, with sessions across both Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo.
New flights between Germany & Malaysia
Lufthansa resumed nonstop flights between Kuala Lumpur and Frankfurt since 26 October 2026, operating five times weekly and restoring a direct connection after nearly a decade.
Flight LH705 departs Kuala Lumpur at 11.55pm and arrives in Frankfurt at 6am the following day, while LH704 departs Frankfurt at 9.30pm and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 4.40pm the next day.
Getting back into the field: Low season team inspections
As we enter the low season, our teams are heading out of the office to immerse themselves back into our destinations. Over October and November, we’re embarking on a robust schedule of FAM and product inspection trips across Malaysia.
Our agenda includes dedicated FAM trips to Langkawi and Malacca, alongside a multi-day inspection of Sarawak’s spectacular Mulu and Niah caves. In Sabah, the team is testing out local day-trip experiences, from Kiulu and Padas white-water rafting routes to countryside cycling and the North Borneo Train. By experiencing these tours first-hand, we can continue to confidently connect your clients with the very best of our destinations.
Annual team-building
The team will be attending our annual team-building event in Kuching, Sarawak from 19-21 November. Please note that some departments will experience reduced staffing, which may lead to slightly slower response times. However, our Customer Care and Operations teams will continue to be fully available 24/7 for urgent support. We appreciate your understanding and continued partnership.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge: Boat Shuttle Paused, Overland Transfers from 1 Nov
1 November 2026 – 1 February 2027
Sukau Rainforest Lodge has temporarily paused its scheduled boat shuttle for the low season. During this period, guests will travel to and from the lodge by overland transfer, arranged by the lodge. Our Travel Consultants will be in touch directly regarding any affected bookings.
Hotel renovations & property news
Travelodge Ipoh, Perak: Hotel rebranding
Effective immediately
The property is currently undergoing a rebranding process and is transitioning from Travelodge Ipoh to Dusit Princess Ipoh. Please update your records and ensure any future bookings reflect the new name.
Mutiara Taman Negara, Pahang: Phased renovations
Ongoing, with major works from 1 April 2027
Following our last update, work on the mock-up chalet will continue through December 2026, with minor noise expected between 09:00 and 17:00.
Major renovations will begin on 1 April 2027 and will be carried out in phases, with no full closure. During the first phase, which runs for approximately 20 months, 40 chalets, the main reception and the restaurant will stay open, and all park activities will continue as normal. Please brief guests on possible ongoing works before arrival.
The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands: Adjacent construction works
Ongoing, expected completion by May 2027
The land-filling works that previously caused heavy noise are now complete, and the project has moved into the internal works phase. Noise levels have decreased, but construction may still be visible from parts of the property. Please brief clients staying during this period accordingly.
Sama-Sama Hotel, KLIA: MotoGP close-out dates
January and October 2027
The hotel will be closed out for two MotoGP periods, with limited availability expected:
- MotoGP testing: 24 January to 4 February 2027
- MotoGP race week: 17 to 24 October 2027
Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley: Facility improvements
5 October to 18 December 2026
As part of ongoing facility improvements, construction is underway at the entrance near the Frog Pond area. Works are scheduled daily between 08:00 and 18:00. Please brief clients with upcoming stays accordingly.
Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu: Room category renaming & additions
Effective now
The resort has renamed two room categories and added a new one:
- Garden Wing Deluxe Family is now Garden Wing Family Balcony Room
- Ocean Wing Junior Suite Family is now Questers Ocean Wing Junior Family Room
- New: Garden Wing Family Garden Room
Please check and update any bookings with old category names, or contact EXO for clarification.
Thank you for your continued partnership. Our December issue will bring updates from our recent FAM trips, with first-hand insights to help you sell Malaysia and Singapore with confidence. Until then, do not hesitate to reach out to the team with any questions.
Upcoming events
Deepavali
8–9 November 2026
Expect vibrant celebrations for the Festival of Lights and bustling bazaars, particularly around Brickfields in Kuala Lumpur. While the celebrations create a vibrant cultural atmosphere for visitors, they may also bring larger crowds to certain areas and temporary closures of some businesses.
Holiday schedule
Please be advised of the following changes to our office schedule over the coming weeks. Throughout both periods, our Customer Care and Operations ground teams will remain available 24/7 for any urgent matters.
Deepavali: Reduced Staffing (EXO Malaysia: Peninsular & Kuching Offices)
Our offices will remain open over the Deepavali holiday, with reduced staffing in some departments:
- 8 November (Sunday): Deepavali
- 9 November (Monday): Deepavali (replacement holiday)
Response times may be slightly longer during this period.
Annual EXO Malaysia & EXO Singapore Team Building 2026: Office Closure
Our offices will be closed for our annual EXO Malaysia & EXO Singapore team building and EXO Culture Day on the following dates:
- 19 November (Thursday): Closed
- 20 November (Friday): Closed
- 21 November (Saturday): Weekend closure (as usual)
We appreciate your understanding and continued partnership.
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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