After a long hiatus, the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia has announced its return to the rails in February 2024. The train will launch two new seasonal journeys: “Essence of Malaysia” (November to February) and “Wild Malaysia” (March to October). The journeys will depart from Singapore’s Woodlands station.
The “Essence of Malaysia” is a three-night journey, from Singapore through Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and finally to the island of Penang. After spending the first day onboard, guests will disembark the train in Alor Setar and join a private cruise to Langkawi. For the first time, the Eastern & Oriental Express will offer guests the chance to go on a snorkeling excursion in Langkawi’s Pulau Payar Marine Park.
The third day is dedicated to discovering Penang, whose capital, George Town, is home to century-old UNESCO World Heritage Sites, street art and a vibrant food scene. Guests can visit local art galleries and ancient temples in George Town’s Old Quarter; shop in the local markets and partake in a Peranankan cooking class in a private hillside residence followed by a traditional tea ceremony; or soak up the views of George Town’s streets at their own pace, hopping on traditional tri-shaws and touring the surroundings in the company of local insiders, before rejoining the train and traveling south towards Singapore.
A new destination for the Eastern & Oriental Express, the “Wild Malaysia” itinerary covers the areas surrounding the “Jungle Railway,” towards the Eastern side of the peninsula. The three-night journey offers guests the chance to visit the Taman Negara National Park. Devised in collaboration with Save Wild Tigers, the journey combines relaxation and adventure. The Taman Negara National Park is home to hundreds of species such as tigers, leopards and Sumatran rhinos. Guests can embark on a range of excursions including a photography masterclass, a foraging experience in the jungle, and learning about the safeguarding of the Malayan tiger.
On Day Three, guests will travel to the west side to visit Penang. Guests can choose from three activities to explore Penang’s artistic, culinary and historic heritage before getting back on the train for their last night on board.
The Eastern & Oriental will return to the rails with 15 restyled carriages including eight sleeping cars, two restaurant cars, a Piano Bar Car and the open-air Observation Car. There are three cabin categories—Pullman, State and Presidential—all complete with air-conditioning and private bathrooms.
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