Eastern & Oriental Express Restarts in February 2024 in Malaysia & Singapore
The Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train will finally restart operations in February 2024 after a long 4-year hiatus. Notably, the new 2024 itineraries will only be serving Malaysia and Singapore, breaking from the traditional Singapore-Bangkok route. Departures are also notably lesser than previous, at once a week on Mondays, with all journeys starting from Singapore. With the change in itinerary and destinations, the new 2024 itineraries are also more intense on Malaysian destinations, with the new Wild Malaysia journey even going along the Jungle Railway to Taman Negara.
Eastern & Oriental Express
The Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train comprises of 8 sleeping cars, 2 restaurant cars, and a Piano Bar and open-air Observation Car. These cars feature beautiful marquetry, traditional Malaysian and Thai embroidery, and luxurious oriental silks, along with cherry wood paneling.
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers 3 cabin categories: Pullman, State, and Presidential. Each cabin is air-conditioned and equipped with private bathrooms, ensuring the utmost comfort and privacy. The Pullman cabins are furnished with red sofas, blue cushions, and drapery reflecting the dramatic skies. The State cabins feature a bright blue and green color palette. The Presidential cabins exude regional opulence, adorned with golden accents and embroidered pieces.
Essence of Malaysia
Essence of Malaysia is a new 2024 itinerary of the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train. It operates in February, November, and December 2024, which are also notably during the monsoon season in Malaysia. The Essence of Malaysia journey plies from Singapore through Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi (via Alor Setar), Penang (via Butterworth), and back.
Information is sourced from Belmond Management Limited as of 12 July 2023.
Day 1: Singapore-Kuala Lumpur
Board the Eastern & Oriental Express at Woodlands Train Checkpoint (Woodlands CIQ), Singapore, and settle into your air-conditioned cabin.
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the beautiful scenery while your steward provides a delightful afternoon tea in your cabin. As the night approaches, prepare yourself for dinner by getting dressed in appropriate attire.
Indulge in the delectable regional dishes in the Dining Car, infused with local influences, and afterwards, delight in captivating onboard entertainment.
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur-Langkawi
While enjoying your breakfast in the Dining Car, take in the magnificent vistas as the train glides past the picturesque rice paddies and timeless rural villages of western Malaysia.
After lunch, disembark at Alor Setar Railway Station for a 25-minute boat journey to Langkawi’s Pulau Payar Marine Park, celebrated for its vibrant marine life, ranging from parrot fish and angel fish to moray eels and grouper.
At the park, a luxurious picnic set will be provided, offering you a variety of options. Relax and rejuvenate with wellness experiences like massages, meditation, and tai chi. Engage in paddle boarding and snorkeling or set off on a leisurely island stroll.
You’ll be warmly welcomed by the locals and have access to a bar serving cocktails and a BBQ, creating a true glimpse of paradise.
Upon returning to the train, an evening of lively festivities awaits in the Piano Bar Car, with local entertainers providing a delightful atmosphere while you savor a delectable dinner.
Day 3: West Coast Line-Butterworth
Today, you will arrive at Penang Island (via Butterworth Railway Station), known as Malaysia’s cultural hub, where you’ll have a variety of excursion options to choose from.
The first option is a culinary exploration of Peranakan cooking. You’ll have the opportunity to visit a spice shop and traditional grocery stores to gather herbs and vegetables before immersing yourself in the art of preparing enticing local dishes.
The second option is tailored for those with a passion for culture and art. You’ll venture into Georgetown Old Quarter to witness stunning temples, visit a contemporary studio, and experience an opera and puppet house.
Lastly, you can opt for independent exploration. Equipped with a map, a tri-shaw, and a driver, you can navigate the charming streets of Georgetown at your own pace. Your driver will be at your disposal, ready to take you anywhere you desire, whether it’s popular attractions or hidden gems.
Afterward, return to the train at Butterworth for a leisurely afternoon on board, accompanied by a delicious lunch.
As the day comes to an end, indulge in a final celebratory evening filled with irresistible cuisine, captivating entertainment, and delightful company. If you happen to be awake shortly after midnight, you’ll catch a glimpse of Kuala Lumpur as the train passes through.
Day 4: West Coast Line-Singapore
Savor a delightful breakfast either in your cabin or the Dining Car while the train takes you through the captivating landscapes of Johor, the southernmost state of Malaysia renowned for its pristine beaches and lush rainforests.
Shortly after, the train will cross the strait, bringing you to the vibrant city-state of Singapore, where your journey comes to an end, leaving you with cherished and enchanting memories.
Eastern & Oriental Express Essence of Malaysia Inclusions
The Eastern & Oriental Express Essence of Malaysia luxury train journey includes:
- 3 nights’ accommodation aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train
- Dedicated 24-hour steward service
- Daily 4-course dinner: Seasonal table d’hôte menu, including coffee, tea and petits fours
- Daily continental breakfast served in your cabin
- Daily 3-course lunch and afternoon tea
- A visit of Georgetown, Penang Island
- All house wine, house spirits and local beer will be included throughout your journey. Premium drinks and drinks ordered to your cabin will be an additional charge.
Book the Eastern & Oriental Express Essence of Malaysia luxury train journey here.
Wild Malaysia
Wild Malaysia is a new 2024 itinerary of the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train. It operates in March, April, May, July, August, September, and October 2024, which are also notably during the dry season in Malaysia. The Essence of Malaysia journey plies from Singapore to Taman Negara National Park (via Merapoh), through Kuala Lumpur, Penang (via Butterworth), and back.
Information is sourced from Belmond Management Limited as of 12 July 2023.
Day 1: Singapore-Gemas
Board the Eastern & Oriental Express at Woodlands Train Checkpoint (Woodlands CIQ), Singapore, and settle into your air-conditioned cabin.
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the beautiful scenery while your steward provides a delightful afternoon tea in your cabin. As the night approaches, prepare yourself for dinner by getting dressed in appropriate attire.
Indulge in the delectable regional dishes in the Dining Car, infused with local influences, and afterwards, delight in captivating onboard entertainment.
Day 2: Taman Negara-Kuala Lumpur
After enjoying breakfast in your cabin, take in the breathtaking views of the Jungle Railway as the train meanders through some of the most untamed and untrodden parts of Malaysia.
Once you’ve had a satisfying lunch on board, you’ll arrive at Merapoh Railway Station, where you’ll disembark for extraordinary experiences in Taman Negara National Park. Taman Negara, with its origins dating back 130 million years, stands as one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world.
Immerse yourself in the dense jungle, vast rivers, and verdant mountains that serve as habitats for a diverse range of wildlife, including water buffalo, macaques, tapirs, hornbills, and even the majestic Malayan tiger. It’s a true paradise for adventurous explorers.
Here, you’ll have the opportunity to partake in various excursions. Learn about the edible ingredients found in the jungle, join a photography course amidst the lush rainforest, or embark on an exhilarating wildlife expedition in support of the critically endangered Malayan tiger.
Conservation lies at the core of the Eastern & Oriental Express philosophy. In collaboration with Save Wild Tigers, discover Taman Negara National Park and engage with local villagers and organizations committed to safeguarding this noble and endangered wild cat species and its natural habitat.
Upon returning to the train, a vibrant evening filled with local entertainment awaits you in the Piano Bar Car, setting the stage for a delightful dinner experience.
Day 3: West Coast Line-Penang
Indulge in a delectable breakfast and lunch on board the train before disembarking at Butterworth Railway Station for the journey to Penang Island.
On Penang Island, a selection of immersive experiences that celebrate Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity are available. Art enthusiasts can explore Georgetown Old Quarter alongside a knowledgeable guide, delving into the vibrant temples, visiting a contemporary art studio, and experiencing the captivating world of opera and puppetry.
For food aficionados, a culinary adventure in Peranakan cooking. Begin by purchasing specialty ingredients from local spice and grocery stores before mastering the art of preparing delicious local dishes in a hands-on cookery class.
Alternatively, if you prefer to explore at your own pace, a tri-shaw, a skilled driver, and a map can be provided, allowing you to meander through the enchanting streets of Georgetown, visit its attractions, and discover its hidden gems according to your own desires.
Return to the train at Butterworth Railway Station for a convivial and memorable final evening on board. Delight in sublime cuisine and be entertained by fabulous performances, celebrating the remarkable journey you have embarked upon.
Day 4: West Coast Line-Singapore
Savor a delightful breakfast either in your cabin or the Dining Car while the train takes you through the captivating landscapes of Johor, the southernmost state of Malaysia renowned for its pristine beaches and lush rainforests.
Shortly after, the train will cross the strait, bringing you to the vibrant city-state of Singapore, where your journey comes to an end, leaving you with cherished and enchanting memories.
Eastern & Oriental Express Wild Malaysia Inclusions
The Eastern & Oriental Express Wild Malaysia luxury train journey includes:
- Transfer from the check-in venue to the train
- 3 nights’ accommodation aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train
- Dedicated 24-hour steward service
- Daily 4-course dinner: seasonal table d’hôte menu, including coffee, tea and petits fours
- Breakfast served in your cabin or in the restaurant
- Daily 3-course lunch and afternoon tea
- Guided tour of Taman Negara National Park
- Excursion to Penang Island and choice of cultural immersions
- Selection of wines, spirits and local beers will be included throughout your journey. Premium drinks and drinks ordered to your cabin will be an additional charge.