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.
