Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express:
Wild Malaysia

Board the striking green and gold carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express at Woodlands Station, Singapore. Settle into your air-conditioned cabin, a sanctuary of cherrywood panelling, Thai silks and Malaysian embroidery. As the train travels through the wild, green landscapes of Malaysia, it sets the scene for your immersion in nature. Weave through tangled jungle, rubber and palm plantations, soaking up the vistas as afternoon tea is served in the comfort of one of the dining cars. Soon, evening falls and it’s time to dress for a memorable celebration before joining the Train Manager and your fellow travellers in the Piano Bar for a welcome cocktail. Afterwards, make your way to one of the two sumptuous restaurant cars for your first gastronomic dinner. Designed by star chef André Chiang, each menu is a celebration of the region’s diversity and kaleidoscopic cultures. Afterwards, enjoy engaging entertainment – such as Malaysian jazz – on board. When sleep calls, retire to your comfortable cabin and enjoy a peaceful rest. Throughout the journey, the train continues moving through the night.

Early this morning, the train arrives into Merapoh Station, gateway to Taman Negara National Park. After breakfast in your cabin, plunge into the ancient rainforest, formed 130 million years ago, to enjoy a choice of tours crafted and guided by local experts. Taman Negara’s dense jungle, wide rivers and lush mountains are home to incredible flora and fauna and ancient caves and have a special energy ideal for wellness activities. Your options include venturing into the forest to explore the habitat of the critically endangered Malayan tiger (though sightings are not expected) and to meet local activists striving to safeguard its future.

Alternatively, join a nature photographer and conservationist for a wild and wonderful immersion, hearing the chant of gibbons as you learn to focus in on the jungle’s beguiling details.

Thirdly, discover the otherworldly allure of the magnificent caves of the region, gliding from one to another by e-bicycle. Or, finally, enjoy a sublime wellness experience, including sunrise yoga, forest bathing and sound meditation. In each experience, expect to meet local villagers, savour popular Malaysian snacks and gain a wealth of insight from dedicated experts.

Return to the train for lunch and a leisurely afternoon, soaking up the vistas as you travel down the jungle line past rice paddies, oil palm trees and rural Malaysian villages. Linger over a sublime dinner, followed by a lively evening of music in the Piano Bar Car.

Enjoy breakfast, before alighting for the crossing to Penang Island, Malaysia’s cultural melting pot. Here, you have a choice of excursions curated by local experts, offering you an enriching experience deeply rooted in Penang’s cultural heritage. Art lovers can explore George Town Old Quarter on the backseat of a Vespa with a guide, discovering its vibrant architecture and cultural influences before visiting some brilliant local artists in their studios. Food aficionados can dive into the market to be awed by the range of spices, then journey up Penang Hill for breathtaking views and a cooking lesson in the magnificent, Art Deco-influenced Eythrope Bungalow. Or, for those who prefer to explore independently, we present you with a trishaw, a driver and a map, so that you can wind through George Town’s enchanting streets and visit stores, coffee shops and attractions at whim.

Rejoin the train at Butterworth for lunch and a leisurely afternoon on board. Now could be the time to indulge in an Asian-inspired ritual in our opulent Dior Spa. Choose from rejuvenating massages and facials surrounded by handcrafted tropical woods and Dior’s iconic Toile de Jouy motif. Later, continue relaxing on the train or take the opportunity to stroll through the Malaysian city of Ipoh, gateway to the Cameron Highlands, where old-world charm meets contemporary street art. The former tin capital boasts a wealth of splendid architecture due to its iron ore mining industry. Back on board, a final celebratory evening beckons with irresistible cuisine, entertainment and company. Shortly after dinner, you may glimpse Kuala Lumpur as the train passes through.

Linger over breakfast in the dining car as you travel through Johor, the southernmost state of Malaysia, known for its beaches and rainforest. Soon afterwards, the train crosses the strait to Singapore, where you disembark with your magical memories.