The Eastern & Oriental Express is a Belmond train that travels through Southeast Asia at an unhurried, relaxed pace. The train is composed of the beautiful remodelled carriages – purchased from Japan by James B Sherwood – created in a contemporary chinoiserie-style. A blend of the 17th and 18th European vision of East Asian aesthetics and modern design. It’s one of the most iconic journeys, travelling through Singapore to Malaysia – often through the capital of Kuala Lumpur and the archipelagos of Langkawi.
If you’re planning a trip aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, this complete guide will cover all the need-to-know for the journey – the cabins, life onboard, routes, and dining.
What Is The Eastern & Oriental Express?
The Eastern & Oriental Express is a luxury train that travels through Southeast Asia, primarily Malaysia, often departing from Singapore. From the same luxury travel curators of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Train, the British Pullman, the Royal Scotsman and many more – the Eastern & Oriental Express features carriages with polished marquetry, silks, and ornate details on every carriage so every glance is a look of luxury and glamour.
Journeys onboard will take passengers across tropical and rural areas, historical and cultural hubs – all the while delivering the finest cuisine, from Chef André Chiang, featuring bounties of Malaysia alongside five-star hospitality and service.
As it’s such a popular train, journey demand is high and often outstrips how often the Eastern & Oriental Express can supply these journeys. During the dry season (November to March in the West Coast), this journey is particularly popular so those months typically sell out first. When planning, we recommend securing a cabin at least six months in advance or even 12 to secure your preferred cabin.
Key Itineraries And Journeys On The Eastern & Oriental Express
There’s 7 journey types available on the Eastern & Oriental Express. 6 of which occur throughout the year and 1 taking place annually so routes and itineraries vary from journey-to-journey. Although, typically you can expect to depart and return to Singapore after your journey through the peninsula of Malaysia.
Here’s our trip by trip breakdown of each journey and what you can expect:
Essence Of Malaysia
Start in Woodlands Station, Singapore and glide through the landscape as you enjoy afternoon tea. Dress up for dinner and settle in the Dining Car for a locally-inspired menu and jubilant onboard entertainment.
On day two, have breakfast in your cabin and savour the view of the rice paddies and villages as you arrive in Langkawi. After enjoying your lunch, you can choose from a set of curated excursions. Langkawi beach with wellness activities as the waves wash by and a boat ride through Kilim Geoforest; Perlis Geopark by bicycle and visit a historic tin mine; or be immersed in Perlis art and culture – with batik, antiques, and local tea before returning to the train to enjoy dinner and onboard evening entertainment.
After another restful night of sleep in your cabin and breakfast, you’ll arrive in Penang Island for excursions, led by cultural experts to explore George Town with local artists, indulge and explore cuisine via market food, enjoy sights and views from Penang Hill, and try your hand at cooking authentic cuisine at a cooking class – or alternatively, roam independently by trishaw. By lunch, you’ll reboard the train for relaxation – with plenty of time to enjoy the Dior Spa onboard, or stroll through Ipoh.
Celebrate decadently for the evening of your final night onboard before retiring to your cabin. The train travels overnight and as you enjoy breakfast for the final day onboard, you’ll travel through scenic Johor – admire the last view of Malaysia’s beaches and rainforest in the southernmost part before crossing into Singapore where you’ll disembark.
Festive Celebration In Malaysia
The first two days of this journey are identical to the ‘Essence of Malaysia’ trip. Start in Singapore’s Woodland Station. Coast through beautiful sights as you stop in Langkawi and choose from curated cultural excursions – expertly led before returning for dinner and entertainment onboard. Then Penang Island to explore and engage with the art, food, and natural beauty of the landscape.
On your last day, you’ll celebrate Christmas on the culturally-rich Penang Island. Again, you’ll be able to choose from 3 excursion types to your taste. Learn about Perankan cuisine through eating at markets and a cooking class; explore the art, temples, and cultural sites in George Town; or explore independently by trishaw.
You’ll then rejoin onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express for lunch and a laidback afternoon – commemorate the day with a festive celebration of champagne, fine dining, entertainment while you pass Kuala Lumpur.
On your last day, you’ll have breakfast onboard as you say goodbye to Malaysia through Johor and arrive back in Singapore.
New Year Celebration In Malaysia
Much like the previous journeys as described above, the itinerary remains quite similar.
Board in Singapore’s Woodland Station, enjoy afternoon tea and dress for dinner in the Dining Car to sample the local flavours and specialties followed by evening entertainment. Spend the next day in Langkawi. After breakfast, you’ll arrive and can choose from 3 excursion options. Langkawi beach and wellness activities as well as a Kilim Geoforest boat ride; Perlis Geopark by bike and a historic tin mine; or Batik, antiques, and local tea as you admire Perlis art and culture. Return again for dinner onboard and evening entertainment.
On the final day of the year, you’ll explore Penang Island in a similar fashion to the journeys listed above. Exploring George Town’s art and culture, enjoying Peranakan cuisine, or roam independently before rejoining the train for lunch.
In the evening, you’ll celebrate the New Year onboard with fine dining and exquisite entertainment as you toast while Kuala Lumpur’s fireworks light up the dreamy night sky.
Say goodbye on your final day onboard the Eastern & Oriental as you enjoy breakfast. The train will then soon cross back into Singapore where your journey comes to a close.
Tastes of Tomorrow Essence Of Malaysia
Nearly identical to the Essence of Malaysia journey, this journey in particular welcomes acclaimed chef and the train’s ‘Culinary Curator’, Chef André Chiang. Meals aboard this journey are something different and special. In line with the Tastes of Tomorrow Series, world acclaimed chefs join Chef André Chiang for this Malaysian-adventure.
Other than the expected tour of cultural and historical sites – spending evenings with elegant entertainment and dining delicious cuisine – on day 3, the journey culminates in a spectacular gala-dinner. Asian flavours reimagined. Dishes made with artistry are served and enjoyed before your last night draws to an end.
Say goodbye on your final day as your return to Singapore after breakfast, with a whole host of new, magical, memories and day-after-day of decadent delights for your tastebuds.
Wild Malaysia
A truly unique voyage through Malaysia on the Eastern & Oriental Express – you’ll board again, at Woodlands Station in Singapore, settle in and watch the passing lush landscapes with afternoon tea before dinner, accompanied by evening entertainment.
The magic and wonder that nature inspires really begins on day two. As you enjoy breakfast, the train passes through the Jungle Railway – winding through remote Malaysia. After lunch, you’ll arrive in Merapoh where you’ll be able to explore one of the world’s oldest rainforests in Taman Negara National Park. It’s home to nature’s greatest bounties and sites. Rivers, mountains, wildlife – macaques and Malayan Tigers – you can enjoy the National park between the variety of excursions offered. Take a conservation walk, experience photography immersions, explore caves via e-bike, or participate in a restorative wellness experience. Whatever your choice, you’ll return onboard for a relaxed afternoon and dinner.
The next day, you’ll cross into Penang Island after breakfast. Explore George Town with an expert art guide, relish in Peranakan cuisine in markets and a hands-on cookery class, or roam independently by tri-shaw. Again, you’ll then return onboard for lunch and a relaxed afternoon before celebrating your final night on board.
On your last day, you’ll enjoy breakfast onboard as the Eastern & Oriental Express winds through Johor and crosses into Singapore. Your journey draws to a close here, as you say goodbye to friends made onboard and depart – enriched by the journey and with all your new memories made on your expedition through Malaysia.
Tastes of Tomorrow Wild Malaysia
Much of the journey is the same as the wild Malaysia journey – except this journey has the honour of having Chef André onboard and the chance to taste his incredible culinary creations.
Like the original ‘Wild Malaysia’ journey, as you depart from Singapore through Malaysia, you’ll spend a day immersed in Malaysian wilderness at Taman Negara National Park and spend a day in Penang before the main event really happens.
On the evening of your third day onboard, a gala dinner by Chef André commences. Sip and savour signature cocktails; taste the dishes, inspired by Asian flavours and cuisine; relish in fine conversation and entertainment.
On your final day, enjoy breakfast before your journey ends and your train returns to Singapore through Johor.
Tiger Express
Only available once a year, this breathtaking journey is in collaboration with Save Wild Tigers. For 6 nights, you’ll plunge headfirst into the elegant and rich beauty of Malaysia.
Start in Singapore. On day one, your adventure starts with a luxurious overnight stay at the iconic Raffles Hotel – the birthplace of the Singapore Sling. You’ll check-into you your luxurious suite before making your way to the East India Room for a private reception and prepare for the journey ahead with a 5 minute film, starring Ray Winstone, on behalf of Save the Tigers.
On day two, the train journey really begins as you board the elegant carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express at Singapore’s Woodlands Station. Admire and savour the sights of the green landscapes as the train travels into Malaysia over afternoon tea. When evening falls, we’ll move to the Dining Car to indulge in a specially crafted dinner by Chef André Chiang. Enjoy your meal alongside onboard evening entertainment before finishing off with a nightcap.
Retreat to your cabin for a restful night of sleep before arriving at Merapoh Station on your third day of the journey after enjoying breakfast.
You’ll be given a choice between three sets of excursions in Taman Negara National park – which is one of the world’s oldest rainforests. You can either explore tiger habits, join a nature photography immersion, or set out to discover some of the stunning caves in the forest – all the while learning from local experts.
Afterwards, you’ll return to the train, partaking in lunch as the train glides by scenic views of nature, rice paddies, and rural villages. In the evening, dinner is served alongside lively entertainment in the Piano Bar Car.
On day four, you’ll step off to cross into Penang after a leisurely breakfast. Soak in the UNESCO Heritage Sites of George Town as you ride by trishaw before participating in an exclusive tour of Cheah Kongsi Temple. You’ll get the chance to visit Cheong Fatt Tze, otherwise known as The Blue Mansion with the owner and a conservator. You can also try traditional batik techniques and admire the ‘Eye on the Tiger’ exhibition with curator Alan Oei. Rejoin for lunch, then transfer to Kuala Perlis by boat to Langkawi.
Here, you’ll check in to The Datai for a leisurely evening – a luxury nature-resort located within Langakwi’s 10 million year old rainforests, overlooking the Datai Bay – a true immersion into thriving nature. On day five, you’ll be able to enjoy what the Datai resort offers – a serene haven of wellness right on idyllic and award-winning Datai Bay. Spend the day in leisure before exploring the local cuisine at a restaurant of your choosing.
On your last night of this journey, continue to indulge in your time at The Datai. The rainforest hides all sorts of creatures and beings. Spot and look for colourful canopy birds, the grey spectacled langurs and their bright orange infants, the tokay lizards – known for their distinct ‘to-kay’ call, or any of the other mystical and stunning wildlife found in the rainforest. If strolling the white-sand beach is more your style – or a The Spa for a Malay treatment – indulge as much as you’d like before dinner for a final celebration.
Sip cocktails beachside before you’re seated for an intimate and tearful gala as you prepare to say goodbye to the friends you met on this trip.
On your last day, enjoy breakfast leisurely before you check out of The Datai and step into a personal limousine which will take you to Langkawi Airport for your journey on.
Accommodation Onboard The Eastern & Oriental Express
All the accommodations on board the Eastern & Oriental include a private en-suite bathroom for privacy which includes a shower, washbasin and WC. Each features air conditioning and 24-hour steward service and large windows which allows you to really soak in the passing panorama.
If availability allows, you may choose between the Presidential Suite, the State Cabins, or the Pullman Cabins.
The Presidential Suit is a spacious 11.6 square meters – fitted with stunning marquetry and plush fabrics, sourced locally. The ensuite has ample space with enhanced amenities – making a perfect spot to pamper yourself before the day or evening ahead.
Included are indulgent extras including roundtrip transfers alongside a 45-minute treatment per person in the stunning and tranquil Dior Spa.
The State Cabins are 7.8 square meters with plush seating and a private ensuite – by nightfall, your cabin is transformed into a room with twin beds for restful sleep – allowing plenty of space during the day and deep comfort during nights.
The Pullman Cabins are 5.8 square meters – charming and cosy. A plush row-sofa by day which converts into a comfortable upper and lower berth for a restful night of sleep.
Dining Onboard The Eastern & Oriental Express
Lunch and dinner onboard is enjoyed in the stunning and exquisite dining cars, Malaya and Adisorn which ooze refined elegance. Seating 28 guests at tables of two and four. Whilst the Malaya takes inspiration from tropical landscapes with its corals, rich greens, and batik-inspired details – meant to flaunt Malaysian artistry and its native wild orchids, the Adisorn evokes a different feeling entirely. Whilst Malaya evokes delicate elegance, Adisorn is rich and serene – sharp and deliberate. Green ombre carpets inspired by tea plantations – woven with gold threads inspired by Thai Ikat silk – the carriage is luxurious and decadent with decor.
To complete the visual experience, tables see hand-cut crystal glassware, Italian-designed chinaware, and silver cutlery made by Orfeverle Chambly in France.
Chef André Chiang is the genius behind the food – the train’s culinary curator as mentioned in the ‘Tastes of Tomorrow’ series of journeys available on the Eastern & Oriental Express. With two Michelin stars under his belt, he brings innovation onboard the train.
His menus draw from Southeast Asia’s regional ingredients and brilliant culinary heritage. He blends the tradition and taste of Southeast Asia with innovation – bringing a brilliant fusion of culture to his menus, producing dishes such as laksa bouillabaisse and black-bone chicken consommé. His recipes are rooted in seasonality and sustainability, bringing out the best of Malaysia's history, culture, and flavour in each dish.
The menu itself is a play of spices and a celebration of Southeast Asian cuisine – not limited to just Malaysia with the likes of mapo tofu, wagyu beef, tempura techniques, kimchi nicoise, and many other blends of eastern cuisine with a western twist. You may also enjoy the privacy of your own cabin from the in-room menu – dim sum, satay, salad, and more.
For foodies, though every journey features a brilliant menu, we recommend the ‘Tastes of Tomorrow’ journeys – where a host of chefs, whose culinary repertoire is rooted in tradition and contemporary technique, each chef brings onboard their own cultural influences and philosophies alongside Chef André Chiang.
Onboard mixologists also use local botanicals for unique creations, mangosteen, pandan leaf, and more marry into an excellent, extensive, and delectable drinks menu. Enjoy these creations in the Bar Car alongside live piano in evenings.
Breakfast and afternoon tea is served directly in your private cabin by your steward to allow you to dine whilst enjoying the passing scenery. For a morning coffee or an evening nightcap, we recommend heading to the Observation Car to admire the view as the train winds through Malaysia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who operates the Eastern & Oriental Express train?
The Eastern & Oriental Express are operated by Belmond, who are owned by LVMH. Belmond also operates several other popular train journeys.
What is the passenger-capacity of the Eastern & Oriental Train?
Onboard, the Eastern & Oriental can carry up to 64 guests per journey on the 15 carriages.
What is included in the Eastern & Oriental Express?
Included in your Eastern & Oriental ticket is on-board fine dining, select beverages, brilliant steward service, and depending on your journey – guided off-train excursions. It should be noted that drinks outside of meals and memorabilia purchased are billed separately at checkout.
How long are Eastern & Oriental journeys?
While there are a variety of journeys for the Eastern & Oriental Express, most last 3 nights, with the exception of the ‘Tiger Express’ journey which lasts 6 nights.
Is Wi-Fi available on the Eastern & Oriental Express?
Wi-Fi is available in some communicable carriages such as the Observation Car and Bar Car, but due to the remote areas the train will pass through, signal strength will vary. Guests are encouraged to embrace a ‘digital detox’ mindset and embrace the journey by being fully present.
How much luggage can I bring?
Space in the cabins are limited. We advise travelling with one overnight suitcase or duffle bag per person.
Passengers are limited to one piece of luggage up to 30kg and one piece of hand luggage (which will be kept in your cabin.)
Items not needed for your journey, we suggest you pack into a sturdy case which will be labelled by staff and will be ready to collect once the journey ends at your destination.
Compartment luggage should contain what you need for the journey. “There is a luggage rack, plus an additional storage cupboard with hangers. One or two soft-sided suit carriers or similar can be comfortably accommodated in each compartment.”
Any personal effects – your phone, passport, ticket, medications, money, camera, and other fragile items should not be checked in and instead, kept in your hand luggage.
Do I need a visa for the Eastern & Oriental Express?
Passengers need to hold a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity from your return date alongside any visa and documentation.
