Eastern & Oriental Express & Borneo's Orangutans

On arrival in Singapore, you’ll be met and privately transferred to The Fullerton – a grand neoclassical landmark overlooking the famous Marina Bay. Majestic Palladian columns, marble interiors and glittering chandeliers set the tone for your stay, placing you at the heart of the city’s waterfront. Spend the rest of the day unwinding or exploring nearby icons such as Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and the historic Singapore River.

This morning, transfer to Singapore’s Woodlands Station to board the legendary Eastern & Oriental Express. Painted in its iconic green and cream and trimmed with polished brass, the train evokes the golden age of travel the moment it glides into view. Stewards welcome you aboard, escorting you to your private cabin, a beautifully restored sanctuary of lacquered woods, Thai silks and picture windows framing the world beyond. As Singapore’s cityscape gives way to Malaysia’s wild landscapes, sink into the gentle rhythm of the rails, watching palm plantations, rural villages and mist‑draped hills unfold from your cabin.

Afternoon tea is served in your cabin, with delicate pastries and fragrant tea before you dress for dinner. In the Dining Car, polished teak panels, white‑linen tables and sparkling crystal set the stage for a multi‑course feast inspired by Southeast Asia’s vibrant flavours. Afterward, retire to the Bar Car for cocktails accompanied by live music, or simply return to your cabin where your bed has been prepared for the night.

Wake to the sight of dense rainforest sweeping past your window as the train travels along Malaysia’s storied Jungle Railway. After breakfast and a leisurely morning onboard, the train pulls into Merapoh, the gateway to Taman Negara National Park. Regarded as one of the world’s oldest rainforests, this 130‑million‑year‑old sanctuary offers a rare glimpse into a primeval world of towering trees, cascading vines and the echoing call of distant wildlife.

Your afternoon in the park is shaped by your own interests. Those curious about conservation may follow expert guides into the habitat of the critically endangered Malayan tiger, gaining insight into the dedicated work being done to protect this elusive species. Others may choose a more creative approach, observing the rainforest through the lens of a nature photographer who will help you attune your senses to its intricate details — the shimmer of butterflies, the delicate patterns of fungi, the soft chant of gibbons in the canopy. For a more adventurous perspective, you may find yourself travelling by e‑bicycle through the region’s extraordinary limestone caves, or if serenity calls, enjoying a wellness‑focused immersion of forest bathing, meditation and sunrise yoga beneath ancient trees. After your return to the train, the afternoon unfolds at a relaxed pace, followed by an elegant dinner that celebrates local flavours.

This morning, the train glides towards the shimmering coastline and pauses for your crossing to Penang Island. On arrival, the island’s cultural richness becomes immediately apparent, with George Town’s UNESCO‑listed streets blending Peranakan traditions, colonial heritage and contemporary artistic expression. You may find yourself exploring the Old Quarter on the back of a Vespa, weaving through narrow alleys as local artists open their studios and share the stories behind their work. Alternatively, your day may revolve around Penang’s celebrated cuisine, beginning with the scent of spices drifting from market stalls and continuing into a hands‑on experience that reveals the intricate flavours of Peranakan cooking. Should you prefer a day of independent wandering, a private tri‑shaw and driver are at your disposal, enabling you to meander through heritage mansions, temples and colourful neighbourhoods at your own rhythm.

Returning to Butterworth, you rejoin the Eastern & Oriental Express in time for lunch, after which a gentle afternoon unfolds on board – an ideal opportunity to enjoy a treatment at the Dior Spa or simply relax in your cabin as the scenery drifts by. Later in the day, a stop in Ipoh reveals a charming blend of colonial history and modern street art, before you settle in for a final celebratory dinner and a night of music and camaraderie aboard this iconic train.

Your final morning aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express sees you travel through Johor’s landscapes towards the causeway linking Malaysia and Singapore. After breakfast in the Dining Car, the train eases into the city, drawing your Wild Malaysia journey to a graceful close. Yet your time in Singapore continues, with another night at The Fullerton offering the chance to unwind, enjoy a leisurely afternoon or dine along the river once more as the city lights shimmer into view.

Check out following breakfast in time for a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu, on Borneo island – the third largest island in the world and home to some of the world's oldest rainforests. On arrival in Borneo, you are greeted and driven to your boutique hotel, where the remainder of the day is yours to relax. You may wish to take a stroll along the waterfront, savour the region’s fresh seafood or simply unwind after your flight, easing into the gentler pace of Borneo.

Stay: Hyatt Centric

Your journey begins with a warm welcome on arrival in Sandakan following a short flight. After being met at the airport, you are transferred directly to your hotel where the remainder of the day is yours to relax and settle into the tropical pace of Sabah. Whether you choose to unwind by the pool, stroll through the surrounding streets or simply enjoy the laid‑back charm of this coastal city, today is a gentle introduction to the wonders that await.

The following day visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre, one of Sabah’s best introductions to Borneo’s biodiversity. Walk the 620‑metre canopy skywalk for sweeping views of the treetops and follow shaded trails lined with informative displays that uncover the secrets of this ancient forest. With luck, you may spot some of the rainforest’s more elusive residents resting in daylight hours. Returning to Sandakan, visit the historic St. Michael’s Church and nearby St. Mary’s Cathedral before enjoying lunch at the hilltop English Tea House overlooking the harbour. Afterwards, step into the life of author Agnes Keith at her former home, now a charming museum. Continue past the William Pryer Monument and Sandakan Liberation Monument before ending the afternoon at the tranquil Sandakan Memorial Park, set on the site of the former WWII Prisoner of War camp. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Stay: Ormond Hotel

This morning takes you to the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where a documentary introduction leads into an unforgettable visit to the feeding platform and the nursery area, offering close but respectful encounters with these remarkable primates. Nearby, the Sun Bear Conservation Centre provides insight into the world’s smallest bear and the efforts being made to protect it. After lunch, board your scheduled riverboat for the scenic two‑and‑a‑half‑hour journey to Sukau. As you travel deeper along the Kinabatangan, the riverbanks come alive with birdlife and the calls of monkeys hidden in the canopy. On arrival at Sukau Rainforest Lodge, head straight back onto the water for a late‑afternoon wildlife cruise before returning for dinner and an informative evening talk by the lodge naturalist.

Rise early the next day for a morning cruise to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake, where mist rises from still waters and birdlife is abundant. After breakfast, join the lodge’s in‑house naturalist on a guided walk along the Hornbill Boardwalk before enjoying time at leisure. Later in the afternoon, return to the river for another wildlife cruise as the forest becomes most active before dusk.

Stay: Sukau Rainforest Lodge

After breakfast, travel overland to the Danum Valley Conservation Area, where regenerating forest gradually gives way to a vast expanse of pristine rainforest believed to be over a million years old. On arrival at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, settle into your jungle retreat before a guided introduction along the Nature Trail and Canopy Walkway, both offering outstanding views across this untouched wilderness. After lunch, a presentation helps you understand the valley’s ecological significance, and later, if weather permits, you venture out on a night drive to spot Danum’s nocturnal wildlife.

The next day, wake to the calls of gibbons echoing through the valley before trekking to a view point and the ancient Coffin Cliff burial site for panoramic views across the forest. After returning for lunch, spend the afternoon exploring on guided jungle walks or enjoy a refreshing water‑tubing experience along the Danum River.

Stay: Borneo Rainforest Lodge

After breakfast and lunch at the lodge, depart for Lahad Datu and board your flight back to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. The following morning, enjoy a scenic drive to Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its staggering biodiversity. Stop at Pekan Nabalu en route for views of Mount Kinabalu and local fruits and produce. Within the park, your guide leads you through forest trails that reveal distinct vegetation zones and a dazzling variety of orchids and pitcher plants, many found nowhere else on earth. At the Mountain Garden, gain a closer look at rare species along its curated pathways. Lunch is served at the park restaurant before returning to Kota Kinabalu in the afternoon.

Stay: Hyatt Centric

After checking out, transfer to the airport for your onward flight, taking with you extraordinary memories of river safaris, ancient forests and Southeast Asia’s most captivating wildlife.