notes from kong

Practical guides for operators.

Field notes, research, and lessons from working with tour operators and class providers across Southeast Asia. Written by the people building Kong.

More from Kong

16 posts
KongKong
AI search · 2026
The truth about GEO
Marketing · AI search

The Ultimate Guide to GEO (AI Search Optimisation) for Tour Operators

GEO is mostly snake oil. Why good SEO still wins AI search — and how to supercharge it with AI to get found by ChatGPT and Gemini.

Blake Ng July 15, 2026 13 min read
A channel manager syncing one pool of 20 seats across GetYourGuide, Viator, Klook, hotel desks and your own website
Operations · Honest comparison

The Best Channel Managers for Tour Operators in 2026 (And Whether You Need One at All)

Eight channel managers compared honestly: real pricing, worked cost examples, Klook and Traveloka coverage, and whether you need one at all.

Blake Ng July 6, 2026 24 min read
KongKong
Honest comparison · 2026
GetYourGuide vs Viator vs Klook
OTAs · Honest comparison

GetYourGuide vs Viator vs Klook: An Honest Comparison for Operators

Written for operators, not tourists — real 2026 commission rates, payouts and audience fit to decide where to list your tours.

Blake Ng June 29, 2026 20 min read
KongKong
Pillar guide · 2026
How to get more tour bookings
Marketing · Pillar guide

How to Get More Bookings for Your Tour Business

Every channel that works in 2026 — SEO, OTAs, ads, email, referrals — and how to fit them together without giving away your margin.

Blake Ng June 29, 2026 17 min read
KongKong
Step-by-step · 2026
How to become an OTA supplier
OTAs · Step-by-step guide

How to Become an OTA Supplier: Viator, GetYourGuide & Klook

Step-by-step to list your tours on each platform — what they require, how long approval takes, what it costs, and the honest pros and cons.

Blake Ng June 29, 2026 15 min read
Best website builders in Malaysia 2026 compared
Website builders · Comparison

Best Website Builders in Malaysia (2026): An Honest Comparison

Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, SiteGiant, WordPress and Kong compared — with real RM pricing, local payment support, and which one fits your business.

Blake Ng June 29, 2026 16 min read
How much does a website cost in Malaysia 2026
Pricing · Guide

How Much Does a Website Cost in Malaysia? (2026 Price Guide)

Freelancer, agency, DIY builder, AI and free options compared — with real RM prices, the hidden ongoing costs, and whether you need to pay anyone at all.

Blake Ng June 29, 2026 15 min read
How to start a tour business in Malaysia
Starting out · Guide

How to Start a Tour Business in Malaysia (2026)

From idea and company setup to licensing, getting found, and taking your first bookings — the practical, step-by-step guide for new operators.

Blake Ng June 26, 2026 14 min read
MOTAC license guide
Licensing · Guide

MOTAC License: The Complete Guide for Tour Operators

Company setup, premises, the TTMC course, capital, fees and timeline — exactly how to get your MOTAC (TOBTAB) licence in 2026.

Blake Ng June 26, 2026 12 min read
TOBTAB licence explained
Licensing · Explainer

TOBTAB Licence Explained

What the TOBTAB licence is, what the TTMC course involves, and how they fit into getting MOTAC-licensed — the acronyms untangled.

Blake Ng June 26, 2026 6 min read
Tourism tax in Malaysia
Tax · Guide

Tourism Tax in Malaysia: What Operators Need to Know

What the RM10 tourism tax is, who pays it, who collects it, and whether it applies to your tour or activity business.

Blake Ng June 26, 2026 8 min read
Website for tour operators
Getting online · Guide

How to Build a Website for Your Tour Business

Your real options, what each costs, and the honest truth: you might not need a full website to start taking bookings.

Blake Ng June 26, 2026 11 min read
Get more Google reviews for your tour business
Marketing · Guide

How to Get More Google Reviews for Your Tour Business

When to ask, how to ask, the QR-code trick, and how reviews drive your Google Maps ranking and bookings.

Blake Ng June 26, 2026 11 min read
Google Business Profile and local SEO for tour operators
Local SEO · Guide

Google Business Profile & Local SEO for Tour Operators

Set up your profile and climb the Google Maps rankings — the playbook that took one operator from position 8 to 1.

Blake Ng June 26, 2026 16 min read
Best tour booking systems in Australia
Honest review · Booking systems

Best Tour Booking Systems in Australia (2026)

An honest comparison of Rezdy, FareHarbor, Bokun, Checkfront, and Kong for Australian operators — including where Kong's AU fit is genuinely narrow.

Blake Ng June 24, 2026 18 min read
Channel manager for tour operators
Operations · Channel management

What is a Channel Manager for Tour Operators?

Most Southeast Asian tour operators don't know channel managers exist — or how they work. What they do, how they save 18+ hours monthly, and how to choose one.

Blake Ng November 3, 2025 12 min read
Class booking system
Operations · Class booking

How to Choose the Right Class Booking System

A class booking system can lift conversions 35% and cut no-shows by up to 75%. Here's how to pick the right one for cooking classes, workshops, yoga, and creative sessions.

Blake Ng August 28, 2025 7 min read
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Kong is the booking and channel platform we wish Southeast Asian operators had. No subscriptions, no upfront costs.