The iconic Eastern & Oriental Express train company has announced its return to the rails for February 2024. On board its luxurious Belmond trains, the company is offering two seasonal journeys from Singapore to discover Malaysia. Come aboard and discover this South Asian country!
After a long period of suspension, the Belmond Train of the Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia, has announced its return to the rails in February 2024.
The train will offer two new seasonal journeys from Singapore, traversing the ever-changing landscapes and bustling cities of Malaysia: Essence of Malaysia (November to February) and Wild Malaysia (March to October). The iconic train’s 15 dark-green carriages will depart from Singapore’s Woodlands station and travel to destinations including Penang, Langkawi and, for the first time, Taman Negara National Park, before returning to the Garden City.
With its refurbished interiors, exceptional on-board experiences and journeys that blend culture, gastronomy, art and architecture, the Eastern & Oriental Express continues to elevate rail travel in the region to new heights. And setting a standard of excellence unmatched in Southeast Asia.
The “Essence” of Malaysian culture
The Essence of Malaysia tour is a three-night excursion through the wonders of western Malaysia. It takes you from Singapore to the colorful island of Penang, via Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi. After a relaxing day on board, passengers disembark the train at Alor Setar and embark on a private cruise to Langkawi. For the first time, the Eastern & Oriental Express offers passengers a snorkeling excursion to explore the rich underwater life of Pulau Payar Marine Park, Langkawi’s finest snorkeling site.
The third day is devoted to discovering Penang, a multicultural island famous for its capital, George Town. It’s home to centuries-old UNESCO World Heritage sites, vibrant street art and an exciting culinary scene. While exploring Penang, travelers will have the opportunity to visit local art galleries, ancient temples in the old quarter of George Town, and shop at local markets. They can then take part in an authentic Peranakan cooking class in a private hilltop residence, followed by a traditional tea ceremony. They can also enjoy the picturesque atmosphere of George Town’s streets at their own pace, riding in traditional tricycles and exploring the surrounding area with local guides before heading back south to Singapore on the train.
“Wild” for adventure
As a brand-new destination on the Eastern & Oriental Express, the Wild Malaysia itinerary takes you through the pristine regions surrounding the “Jungle Railway” on the eastern side of the peninsula, and offers travelers a unique opportunity to visit Taman Negara National Park. Designed in collaboration with the global tiger conservation organization Save Wild Tigers, this journey combines relaxing moments on board the train with a touch of adventure. Taman Negara National Park, one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests and a true explorer’s paradise, is home to hundreds of species, including tigers, leopards and Sumatran rhinos. Visitors can take part in a variety of excursions, from learning about Malay tiger conservation to a unique photography course and a jungle foraging experience.
On the third day, after an inspiring rainforest immersion, travelers will head west to visit Penang. Guests will have a choice of three different activities to explore the city’s artistic, culinary and historical heritage, and soak up the local culture before returning aboard the train for their final night.
Return of an icon
The Eastern & Oriental Express will return to service with 15 redesigned cars, including eight sleeping cars, two dining cars, a piano-bar car and the iconic open-air observation car. From marquetry work to Malaysian embroidery and Oriental silks, the train dazzles with its contemporary allure and offers a captivating experience of Southeast Asia through carefully selected design elements and color combinations.
The cabins, which are truly warm refuges in cherry wood, come in three categories: Pullman, State and Presidential. All cabins feature air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. Pullman cabins are inspired by the vibrancy of Kuala Lumpur, with red sofas blending with blue cushions, drapes and carpets to evoke the city’s spectacular skyline. State staterooms, in vivid blue and green, reflect Penang’s marine environment. As for the Presidential cabins, they celebrate the local culture with gilded hues and embroidered ornaments.
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Featured photo : © Belmond
