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Get ready for the ride and adventure of a lifetime as the Eastern & Oriental Express makes a return. Belmond has been the front runner in luxury travel for over 45 years and has maintained the legendary art of travel after the opening of the famous Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976.
This hospitality and leisure company has constantly indulged its travellers on breathtaking adventures. With a portfolio that extends across 24 countries with 50 remarkable properties, Belmond has made its way to becoming the number one choice when it comes to luxury travelling. Part of the world’s leading luxury group LVMH, Belmond’s essence derives from the heritage of the brand, to the craftsmanship and the genuine, authentic service. Be prepared to be swept off your feet the minute you step onto a Belmond train.
The New Journeys aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express
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The Eastern & Oriental Express returns to the rails in February 2024. The new and improved train adds two new seasonal journeys – the Essence of Malaysia and Wild Malaysia. Departing from Singapore, passengers will be taken on a journey through Malaysia’s renowned landscapes and lively cities. With restyled interiors, travellers will enjoy elevated onboard experiences and charming journeys that embrace culture, gastronomy, architecture and the arts.
Both experiences are three-night affairs, and start at USD3,410 per person in a Pullman cabin. This includes all meals, a selection of refreshing alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, onboard entertainment, and exciting onboard and offboard activities as per itinerary.
Essence of Malaysia: A Gateway into Malay Culture
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This three-night journey through the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia takes you on an exhilarating tour from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and, finally, Penang. After the first relaxing day on the train, guests will disembark in Alor Setar and join a lavish private cruise to the tropical island of Langkawi. Be immersed in the thrilling activities that await you, such as a snorkelling trip at the Pulau Payar Marine Park. Following the fun and activities on the second day, the third day of the journey brings guests on a riveting tour through Penang, where you can explore fascinating cultural highlights like ancient temples and expand your cooking skills at a interactive Peranakan cooking class.
Wild Malaysia: Exploring Sights Unseen
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The brand-new exciting experience covers untouched areas that surround the ‘Jungle Railway’, taking guests on a trip around the eastern side of the Peninsula. Travellers have the opportunity to explore the Taman Negara National Park, where they, in collaboration with a global tiger conservation organisation, Save Wild Tigers, will enjoy a variety of adventures where they can learn more about safeguarding the Malayan Tiger, photography masterclass as well as expand their foraging experience in the jungle. With a choice of three different activities, guests can also choose to explore Penang’s artistic, culinary and historic heritage, where they will be able to immerse themselves into the local culture before boarding the train for their last and final night of fun activities.
Life on Board: A Celebration of Local Culture
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Guests aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express are invited to live and breathe the culture of South-East Asia. Each day of the journey is planned with exciting encounters, alongside locals and passionate artisans, where each guest will learn ancient crafts and hear century-old tales. Be captivated by the Nanyang jazz and vintage Malay tunes that fill your cabin through the evening. Discover contemporary dishes that are rooted in Peranakan culture, a fascinating blend of Chinese, Malay and other South-East Asian culinary influences that tantalise your tastebuds with every bite. The train’s executive chef adds a modern twist to ancient recipes, turning every meal you have into a flavourful journey.
Restyling of an icon
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The new journey returns with 15 restyled carriages, eight sleeping cars, two restaurant cars, a Piano Bar Car and the iconic open-air Observation Car. Designed with ornate marquetry, Malaysian embroidery and Oriental skills, the train has a sense of contemporary grandeur that brings a flamboyant experience of South-East Asia. Equipped with three different cabin categories – the Pullman, State and Presidential – each cabin is furnished with air-conditioning and private bathrooms.
The Pullman Cabin is inspired by the radiance of Kuala Lumpur and is fully decorated with red sofas with complementing blue cushions, drapery and pelmets to reflect the city’s sky. The State Cabin, however, reflects Penang’s marine locale, with a luminescent blue and green colour palette. Celebrating regional opulence, the Presidential cabin is designed with hues of gold and embroidered decor elements. Green carpet and blooming Tiger Orchid stretch across the entire length of the Piano Bar Car, while traditional Malay batik-filled carpet decks Malaya restaurant. At the very end, the observation car has laid-back interiors paired with natural wicker details, colourful cushions and hand-painted pots.
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