Eastern & Oriental Express: Essence of Malaysia

With included UK airport lounge access, you’ll enjoy a relaxing start to your holiday before your overnight flight to the island city of Singapore.

On arrival in Singapore, a private driver will then be waiting at the airport to see you on to your luxury accommodation – the Fullerton. Set in the city’s neoclassical colonial post office, it combines National-Monument heritage with the likes of infinity pools and first-class spa treatments. It’s a perfect introduction to the city’s contrasting charms.

One moment you could be admiring a multi-tiered Chinese temple or tucking into mouth-watering hawker markets, and the next marvelling at man-made super-tree ecosystems and giant, surfboard-capped skyscrapers.

Today, a private transfer will see you to Singapore’s Woodlands Station where you’ll board the famous green and cream carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express – one of the world’s most elegant trains. Indeed, between its Cherrywood-panelled corridors, Malaysian embroidery, the atmospheric bar car and the fine marquetry of its restaurant carriage, it’s the ultimate way to explore in style.

As you begin your journey north, you’ll settle into your air-conditioned cabin, enjoying an exquisite afternoon tea with sweeping views of Malaysia’s cities, towns, jungles and coastline, taken in either from the comforts of your suite or the observation car, complete with open-air viewing platform.  In the evening, dress for dinner, and savour the flavours of locally inspired specialities in the Dining Car, followed by an evening of entertainment on board. 

During breakfast in the Dining Car, soak up the vistas as the train courses past the rice paddies and timeless rural villages of western Malaysia. After lunch, alight at Alor Setar station for a 25-minute boat trip to Langkawi’s Pulau Payar Marine Park, renowned for its vibrant underwater life, from parrot fish and angel fish to moray eels and grouper. Here, you will be provided with a luxury picnic set and have an array of options to choose from. Unwind with wellness experiences such as a massage, meditation and tai chi, try paddle boarding and snorkelling or stride off on an island walk. With a friendly welcome from the locals and access to a bar for cocktails and a BBQ, this is a true glimpse of paradise. Returning to the train, an evening of lively celebrations with local entertainers awaits in the Piano Bar Car, accompanied by a delicious dinner.

Today you arrive in Penang Island, Malaysia’s cultural melting pot, where you have a choice of excursions. The first is a discovery of the culinary art of Peranakan cooking, where you will visit a spice shop and traditional grocery stores to purchase herbs and vegetables, before trying your hand at making some enticing local dishes. The second suits those with a passion for culture and art, taking you to Georgetown Old Quarter to see stunning temples, a contemporary studio and an opera and puppet house.

Lastly, you can choose to explore independently. Armed with a map, a tri-shaw and a driver, navigate Georgetown’s picturesque streets at your own pace. Your driver will take you anywhere you want to go, from grand attractions to hidden corners.

Rejoin the train at Butterworth for lunch and a leisurely afternoon on board. A final celebratory evening beckons with irresistible cuisine, entertainment and company. If you’re still up shortly after midnight, you’ll glimpse Kuala Lumpur as the train passes through.

Enjoy breakfast in your cabin or the Dining Car as you travel through the southernmost state of Johor, known for its beaches and rainforest. Soon afterwards, the train crosses the strait to Singapore, where you disembark with your magical memories.

Om arrival into Singapore today a private transfer will whisk you to the Fullerton Hotel for a final night before your flight home.

After a leisurely breakfast and, depending on your flight time, a last chance to explore, a private transfer will see you to the airport in time for your overnight flight home.