Malaysia Product & Destination Update

• AirBorneo Takes Flight: A Game Changer for Sarawak Travel

AirBorneo, Sarawak’s new full-service airline, is set to improve connectivity following the acquisition of MASwings. Designed to attract business and leisure travelers, it will offer premium in-flight services and initially focus on Rural Air Services (RAS) and regional routes, with plans to expand into key international markets. Code-sharing agreements with major carriers like Malaysia Airlines will further enhance access.

For our partners, AirBorneo creates new opportunities to structure Borneo trips with greater flexibility. Direct access to Sarawak—bypassing Kuala Lumpur—makes multi-destination travel more seamless and supports the growing demand for off-the-beaten-path experiences. Planned connections to Indonesia, Singapore, and Hong Kong position Sarawak as a more convenient hub, encouraging longer stays and more immersive itineraries highlighting the region’s rich culture, adventure tourism, and diverse natural landscapes.

• EXO Malaysia Guide Training

EXO Malaysia recently conducted dedicated guide training for Borneo and Peninsular guides led by the Operations team. The two-day program covered EXO’s core values, responsible tourism, safety protocols and operational guidelines.

Specialized sessions with product and operations teams along with EXO Head Office experts focused on guiding standards, health and safety and customer service. A separate session with accounts and inbound teams improved payment procedures and communication.

Nearly 50 guides from Sarawak and Sabah attended the Borneo training, while over 30 joined in Peninsular Malaysia. The event concluded with certificates and a special awards dinner where top guides received ‘Best Guide of the Year’ honors, plaques and cash prizes.

Through ongoing training, EXO Malaysia continues to uphold excellence in guiding and guest experiences.

• Borneo Lodges: Limited Availability for Peak Season

As the high season approaches, we’d like to remind our partners that from June to September, all key Borneo lodges—Sukau Rainforest Lodge (SRL), Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL), and Kinabatangan Wetland Resort (KWR)—are now fully booked. Availability for other months is extremely limited, with less than 5% remaining.

With demand at an all-time high, early planning is key to securing preferred accommodations for your clients.

Given the ongoing demand and continued summer 2025 requests, we strongly recommend booking now for the 2026 season, as availability is still open but filling up quickly.

• Malaysia Hotel Refurbishment: The Victory Annexe Refurbishment at Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang

The Victory Annexe at Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang will undergo refurbishment from April 1 – September 30, 2025, impacting select floors. Work will take place daily from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, with efforts to minimize guest disruption. All key facilities will remain operational, and guests will be assigned rooms away from affected areas whenever possible.

• Peninsular East Coast Islands Reopen in March 2025

As the monsoon season comes to an end, Perhentian, Redang, Kapas, Tioman, and Lang Tengah islands will welcome visitors again starting in March 2025. With ferry services and resorts resuming full operations, this marks the best time to explore Malaysia’s pristine island escapes. The ideal travel period for these destinations is March to October, offering sunny days perfect for snorkeling, diving, and beach getaways. Travelers are advised to pre-book accommodations and activities in advance due to high demand during the dry season.

• Ramadan in Malaysia and what to expect in our destination (March 2025)

As we approach March, Malaysia is preparing for the holy month of Ramadan, expected to begin on the evening of March 1, 2025, with the first day of fasting on March 2. This sacred period is observed by Muslims across the country through fasting from dawn until sunset, prayer, and reflection. Travelers visiting Malaysia during this time will experience a unique cultural atmosphere filled with vibrant traditions and culinary delights.

A highlight of Ramadan in Malaysia is the vibrant Ramadan Bazaars, where evening markets offer a variety of traditional dishes for Iftar such as satay, rendang, murtabak, and kuih-muih. These bazaars are a great way to experience local flavours and the festive spirit of the season.

As the country slows down to embrace the spirit of Ramadan, businesses and daily operations may adjust accordingly. Response times from suppliers may be slower and special requests could require additional coordination with suppliers and management. We appreciate your understanding and recommend planning ahead for any service requirements.