Eastern & Oriental Express: Wild Malaysia (Tour code: 12967)
Highlights
Three nights aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express in a Pullman cabin
Exploration and discovery excursion in the Taman Negara National Park
Excursion to Penang Island and choice of cultural immersions
Retreat to the piano bar for a refreshing nightcap
Head to the Observation Car to enjoy the breeze and the ever-changing views
After a night of revelry, retire to your private cabin, decorated with intricate marquetry, delicate fabrics and vintage charm
Overview
A story 30 years in the making, the Eastern & Oriental Express has been narrating adventures since its inaugural journey from Bangkok to Singapore in 1993. After American businessman James B Sherwood purchased the luxury train carriages in Japan, these were remodelled in Singapore with elegance, echoing the spirit of ancient Indochina.
The signature cream and green exterior gives way to polished wood-panelled corridors and silken furnishings with a hint of multiple Asian designs. Once inside, take your seat at the Bar car where a jazz-club ambience reigns with music lingering in the air, while stewards serve champagne and signature cocktails.
Today, the Eastern & Oriental Express takes you on a grand journey in Southeast Asia to capture the heart of Malaysia.
Inclusions
Itinerary
Day 1 Singapore Gemas
Board the striking green and cream carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express at Woodlands Station, Singapore. Settle into your modern cabin and watch as the train travels through lush, green landscapes, setting the scene for your immersion into wild Malaysia. After the afternoon tea, spent soaking up the vistas from your cabin, dinner and onboard entertainment await in the Dining Car.
Overnight onboard The Eastern & Oriental Express
Day 2 Taman Negara Kuala Lumpur
This morning, enjoy your breakfast and admire the views of the Jungle Railway as the train courses through some of the wildest parts of Malaysia. Alight at Merapoh station for some extraordinary experiences in Taman Negara National Park—formed 130 million years ago, it’s one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world.
The dense jungle, wide rivers and lush mountains are home to wildlife ranging from water buffalo to macaques, tapirs, and hornbills to the Malayan tiger—a true explorer’s paradise. From here, choose among a wide variety of excursions: learn about edible jungle ingredients, take a photography course in the rainforest, or venture into a thrilling wildlife excursion in support of the endangered Malayan tiger.
Return to the train for lunch and a leisurely afternoon as the train travels down the jungle line past rice paddies, palm trees and rural Malaysian villages. Tonight, relax over a delicious dinner followed by a lively evening of music in the Piano Bar Car.
Overnight onboard The Eastern & Oriental Express
Day 3 West Coast Line Penang
Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board, before alighting for the crossing to Penang Island.
Here, there are a choice of interests that make the most of Malaysia’s cultural melting pot. Art lovers can explore Georgetown Old Quarter with a guide, delving into temples, a contemporary studio and an opera and puppet house. Food aficionados can embark on a discovery of Peranakan cooking, purchasing specialities from spice and grocery stores before mastering delicious local dishes in a cookery class. Or, for those who prefer to explore independently, travel onboard a tri-shaw, with a driver and a map and wind through Georgetown’s enchanting streets and visit its attractions at whim. Rejoin the train at Butterworth for a pleasant final evening on board with sublime cuisine and fabulous entertainment.
Overnight onboard The Eastern & Oriental Express
Day 4 Johor Singapore
Linger over 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 guests disembark with their magical memories.
Accommodation
The Eastern & Oriental Express
Upgrade availableA paradise of vintage charm, the twin bed setting of the Pullman cabins dazzles and delights. Relax onto plush seating by day as your cabin is flooded with light, courtesy of the two large windows. After the stars emerge, enjoy upper and lower berths cosy with crisp linens. Pullman cabins are fully air-conditioned and fitted with ensuite shower and WC.
Room Upgrades
State Cabin
The light, airy State Cabins of the Eastern & Oriental Express connect you to the passing landscapes outside. Recline in spacious elegance by day; toast the day’s adventures with a nightcap before settling into two single lower-level beds at night. Marvel at the unique designs of the State Cabins, as Malaysia rushes by. State cabins are fully air-conditioned and fitted with ensuite shower and WC.
Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.
Presidental Suites
The Presidential Suite offers supreme space with extra luxury touches and a large bathroom with enhanced amenities. Use the Wi-Fi onboard and set the ambience with your own music as you recline in the plush seating area. Presidential Suites are fully air-conditioned and fitted with ensuite shower and WC.
Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.
Additional information
2025 departure dates:
- 17, 24 & 31 March
- 07, 14, 21 & 28 April
- 05 & 19 May
- No departures in June
- 21 & 28 July
- 04 & 11 August
- 01, 08, 15, 22 & 29 September
- 06, 13, 20 & 27 October
- No departures November & December
Excluded
- International airfares and taxes
- Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
- Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
- Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
- Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
- Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
- Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package (Entrance tickets to sites and museums)
FAQs
What is the dress code onboard the train?
The atmosphere on board is one of relaxed refinement. During the day dress for relaxed comfort for onboard the train and when embarking on excursions. It is recommended to wear light cotton clothing for sightseeing. Please respect local cultures by wearing appropriate clothing when visiting religious sites. Evenings call for smart-casual attire with a touch of understated elegance and guests are suggested to wear a jacket or dress equivalent for dinner. Please refrain from wearing jeans or trainers.
Which drinks are available aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express?
Complimentary tea and coffee are available at all times. A selection of wines, spirits and local beers can also be served. Premium drinks and drinks served to your cabin will incur an additional charge. Bar drinks may be ordered in the Observation Car, the Bar Car, or served in your cabin by your steward. The Bar Car stays open, but drinks service may be temporarily suspended at the Singaporean/Malaysian border for Customs formalities or at the Train Manager’s discretion.
Can I confirm dining reservations in advance?
In order to comfortably accommodate all passengers, meals have multiple seating times. Preferences for seating times can be noted in advance, however reservations will be confirmed once on board.
Will the Eastern & Oriental Express accommodate special dietary preferences?
Provided a detailed request has been made at time of booking – special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian and vegan, can be arranged. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavour to prepare a dish with the ingredients available on board.
Will I need to tip the Eastern & Oriental Express staff?
Gratuities for staff and guides are at the passenger’s discretion.
Is there air conditioning on board?
There is a centrally controlled cooling system on board, however individual cabins are not temperature controlled separately with cooling. Guests can control the flow and volume of cooled air into their cabins by opening or closing a vent.
What is the luggage allowance for travelling guests onboard the train?
Space constraints require that luggage is limited, per passenger, to one 30kg piece of hand luggage for Pullman and State compartments passengers. Guests travelling in the Presidential Suite are allowed to bring one 30kg luggage, plus one hand luggage (to be placed in your cabin). Please keep your tickets, passports and any medication with you; do not pack them in your through or compartment luggage. Please note, durian fruit must not be taken on board. We recommend that you label your luggage with a contact address, your hotel and your destination. It will be taken care of as follows:
Through luggage:
We suggest that items not required for your journey are packed separately in a sturdy case. At check-in, this luggage will be labelled by E&O staff, after which it will not normally be accessible until you reach your destination. Ideally, large and/or hard cases should be checked in as through luggage.
Compartment luggage:
This should contain clothing and items you need during your journey. When you plan your luggage, please bear in mind that storage space is limited. 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.
Hand luggage:
Your passport, tickets, jewellery, money, camera, fragile items and any medication should be kept in your hand luggage and not checked in. We advise that you take out insurance to cover any loss or damage to your luggage and recommend that all valuable items are kept in your cabin’s safe.
What are the custom formalities between Singapore and Malaysia?
During your journey, staff and agents of Eastern & Oriental Express will help facilitate border formalities. You will be required to provide relevant information and hand over your passport at the appropriate times. Please note, however, that it is the responsibility of each individual passenger to ensure that they are in possession of the necessary and valid documentation. Eastern & Oriental Express assumes no responsibility for the consequences of any failure to comply.
At the Singaporean/Malaysian Customs and Immigration facility, the Eastern & Oriental train stops, and passengers must disembark and pass-through Customs and Immigration. Passengers must take all their hand baggage with them while their main luggage is removed for security screening procedures. Please ensure you allow sufficient time for these formalities when organising your onward arrangements.
Passport and customs formalities take place at the border between Singapore and Malaysia. At Woodlands Checkpoint, passengers will clear the Singaporean exit by themselves. After you clear both immigration procedures, cabin stewards will collect passengers’ passports and process the Malaysian Immigration formalities before returning them. On the way back, passports will be collected again to process the Malaysian Immigration formalities, before being returned to the passengers. Finally, passengers will cross the Singaporean border by themselves, once again.
What type of sleeping accommodation is available onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express?
The Eastern & Oriental Express train features elegant private cabins. All are fully air-conditioned with ensuite shower, toilet, hairdryer and a personal safe. Sockets are suitable for 3-pin UK standard plugs (220 volts).
During the day, berths — or single beds — are converted into comfortable seating.
Pullman Single Cabins. Daytime seating converts at night to a single bed at floor level. Dimensions are 5 sq metres.
Pullman Cabins. Daytime seating converts to upper and lower berths at night. Dimensions are 5.8 sq metres.
State Cabins. Daytime seating converts to two single beds at floor level at night. Dimensions are 7.8 sq metres.
Presidential Suites. Daytime seating converts to two single beds at floor level at night. There is ample room to entertain one or two of your fellow guests in a daytime configuration. Suites also feature a complimentary minibar, CD player and an adaptor for your personal iPod/MP3 player. Dimensions are 11.6 sq metres.
Is smoking permitted onboard?
In keeping with indoor air quality regulations in the region, and as a courtesy to fellow travellers, smoking is not permitted throughout the air-conditioned carriages of the train. However, guests may smoke in the open-deck area of the Observation Car.
Will I need travel insurance?
As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.
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