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Eastern & Oriental Express

A colonial-era journey through the lush heart of Southeast Asia

About the Train

The Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond luxury train, offers a panoramic journey through the mystical landscapes of Singapore and Malaysia. The bygone Colonial era — Singapore Slings, afternoon tea, and a tinkling piano amidst sumptuous surroundings — conjures up a forgotten world, while carriages incorporating Eastern motifs and themes make it as exotic as it sounds.

The majesty and splendour of the E&O, with its elegant lounges and suites, panoramic windows, delicious cuisine, and superb service, combined with the adventure of a journey through the heart of Asia, is a truly unique way to experience this remarkable region. Each journey begins with stewards in exquisite uniforms waiting to welcome you onboard — a promise of the memorable voyage to come.

Gallery

Accommodation

The Eastern & Oriental Express offers four categories of elegant private cabins: Pullman, State Cabin, and Presidential Suite. All are fully air-conditioned with en-suite shower and toilet. Cherry wood and elm burr panelling provide the backdrop for decorative marquetry friezes and intricate design inlays that enhance the fine fabrics and carpets.

Pullman Cabin

Ten Pullman Cabins, each 62 square feet, convert from a private daytime lounge with banquette sofa to upper and lower beds at night. Each includes an en-suite shower, washbasin, WC, hairdryer, toiletries, wardrobe, and in-room safe.

State Cabin

Twenty State Cabins of 84 square feet each are configured as a private lounge by day, converting to two single beds at night. Full en-suite facilities, wardrobe, and in-room safe are included.

Presidential Suite

Two Presidential Suites at 125 square feet each represent the ultimate in luxury train comfort. Suites feature a complimentary bar stocked with gin, whisky, vodka, rum, beers, and soft drinks — refilled throughout the journey. Presidential Suite guests also enjoy transfers to and from their Singapore hotel, complimentary champagne, and priority service.

Dining Cars

Two restaurant cars — Malaya and Adisorn — are overseen by Michelin two-star Chef André Chiang, who curates menus celebrating the biodiversity and cultures of Southeast Asia with sustainably sourced ingredients. Lunch and dinner are served in the restaurants; breakfast arrives in your cabin.

Bar Cars

The Piano Bar Car and the Observation Car with its open-air deck both offer a cocktail menu designed by The Cocktail Professor, featuring Malaysian-inspired signatures alongside vintage cocktails, champagne, sake, craft beers, and rare spirits. Local baristas serve Malaysian coffees throughout the day.

Observation Car

With an open observation deck and a colonial-style interior of teak flooring, rattan furniture, and potted plants, the Observation Car is perfect for watching the scenery drift by over a cocktail at dusk or an early-morning coffee at sunrise.

Dior Spa

The first Dior Spa in Southeast Asia occupies one of the train's 16 carriages. Two treatment cabins, adorned in the iconic Toile de Jouy motif and hand-crafted tropical wood, offer rejuvenating treatments that bring the art of Malayan wellness onboard.

Itineraries

Choose the journey that calls to you. Each itinerary may be reserved through our concierge.

Essence of Malaysia
3 nights · 4 days · Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore
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A four-day journey blending relaxation onboard with inspiring exploration — snorkelling at Pulau Payar Marine Park, cultural tours in Georgetown, Penang, and a scenic crossing back to Singapore.

Day 1 — Singapore to Kuala Lumpur

Board the handsome green and cream carriages at Woodlands Station, Singapore, and settle into your air-conditioned cabin. Cherrywood panelling, Malaysian embroidery, and Thai silks create the perfect sanctuary. Enjoy exquisite afternoon tea served by your steward as lush landscapes glide past, then dress for dinner in the Dining Car and enjoy engaging onboard entertainment.

Day 2 — Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi

Over breakfast, soak up vistas of rice paddies and timeless rural villages. After lunch, alight at Alor Setar for a boat trip to Langkawi's Pulau Payar Marine Park, renowned for its vibrant marine life. Enjoy a luxury picnic, wellness activities, paddle boarding, snorkelling, or an island walk. Return to the train for a lively evening with local entertainers in the Piano Bar Car.

Day 3 — West-coast Line to Penang

On Penang Island, choose your excursion: a Peranakan cookery class at local spice shops and markets; a cultural tour of Georgetown's temples, studios, and opera house; or independent exploration by tri-shaw through Georgetown's picturesque streets. Rejoin the train at Butterworth for a celebratory final evening of cuisine and entertainment.

Day 4 — Johor to Singapore

Enjoy breakfast in your cabin or the Dining Car as you travel through Johor, known for its beaches and rainforest, before crossing the strait back to Singapore.

Detailed itinerary & questions →

Enquire about this itinerary
Wild Malaysia
3 nights · 4 days · Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore
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An adventure through Malaysia's wildest jungles — a tiger-conservation excursion in Taman Negara National Park, cultural immersion in Penang, and blissful moments of relaxation onboard.

Day 1 — Singapore to Gemas

Board at Woodlands Station and settle into your cabin of cherrywood panelling, Thai silks, and Malaysian embroidery. As the train weaves through tangled jungle, rubber and palm plantations, your steward serves a healthy afternoon tea. Dress for dinner and indulge in sustainable specialities enhanced with herbs from remote regions, followed by onboard entertainment.

Day 2 — Taman Negara to Kuala Lumpur

After breakfast, the Jungle Line unfolds through some of Malaysia's wildest terrain. Alight at Merapoh for an extraordinary conservation experience in Taman Negara National Park — formed 130 million years ago, it is one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests. Meet villagers and organisations working to protect the critically endangered Malayan tiger, emblem of both Malaysia and the Eastern & Oriental Express. Return for a lively evening of local entertainment.

Day 3 — West-coast Line to Penang

After breakfast and lunch onboard, cross to Penang Island for a choice of immersions: a guided cultural walk through Georgetown's temples and art spaces; a hands-on Peranakan cookery class; or independent tri-shaw exploration of Georgetown's enchanting streets. A convivial final evening of sublime cuisine and entertainment awaits onboard.

Day 4 — Johor to Singapore

Linger over breakfast as you travel through Johor before the train crosses the strait to Singapore.

from $4,650 per person (Pullman Cabin)

Detailed itinerary & questions →

Enquire about this itinerary
Festive Malaysia
3 nights · 4 days · Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore
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A celebratory Christmas voyage through Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and Penang, with a festive makeover onboard, excursions, champagne, and fine dining throughout the holiday season.

Detailed itinerary & questions →

Enquire about this itinerary
Malaysia Celebration
3 nights · 4 days · Singapore → Malaysia → Singapore
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Published by Belmond; loaded from their departures API 2026-08-09.

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Tiger Express
Singapore → Malaysia → Singapore
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Published by Belmond; loaded from their departures API 2026-08-09.

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Tastes of Tomorrow: Wild Malaysia
3 nights · 4 days · Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore
+

Published by Belmond; loaded from their departures API 2026-08-09.

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Tastes of Tomorrow: Essence of Malaysia
3 nights · 4 days · Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore
+

Published by Belmond; loaded from their departures API 2026-08-09.

Enquire about this itinerary

Departure Dates

DateDirection / RouteStatus
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 7 Sep 2026 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 14 Sep 2026 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 21 Sep 2026 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 28 Sep 2026 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 5 Oct 2026 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 12 Oct 2026 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 26 Oct 2026 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 9 Nov 2026 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Sold out Reserve →
Mon, 16 Nov 2026 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 23 Nov 2026 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 30 Nov 2026 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 14 Dec 2026 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Wed, 23 Dec 2026 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Tue, 29 Dec 2026 Singapore → Malaysia → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 4 Jan 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 11 Jan 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 18 Jan 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 25 Jan 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 1 Feb 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 8 Feb 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 15 Feb 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 22 Feb 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 1 Mar 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 8 Mar 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 15 Mar 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 22 Mar 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 29 Mar 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 5 Apr 2027 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 12 Apr 2027 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 19 Apr 2027 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 26 Apr 2027 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 3 May 2027 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Sun, 9 May 2027 Singapore → Malaysia → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 17 May 2027 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 19 Jul 2027 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 26 Jul 2027 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 2 Aug 2027 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 9 Aug 2027 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 16 Aug 2027 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 20 Sep 2027 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 27 Sep 2027 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 4 Oct 2027 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 11 Oct 2027 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 18 Oct 2027 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 25 Oct 2027 Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 1 Nov 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 8 Nov 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 15 Nov 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 22 Nov 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Sold out Reserve →
Mon, 29 Nov 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Mon, 13 Dec 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Thu, 23 Dec 2027 Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore Available Reserve →
Wed, 29 Dec 2027 Singapore → Malaysia → Singapore Available Reserve →

Cabins & Prices

Cabin / SuiteBasisPrice
Pullman Cabinper personUSD 4,650
State Cabinper personUSD 6,500
Presidential Suiteper personUSD 10,600

Prices are indicative and subject to change and availability. Contact us for the latest rates and offers.

Destinations on This Journey

In-depth guides to the places you'll visit — what to see and where to eat at each stop.

Questions About the Eastern & Oriental Express

What actually happens when you step aboard the E&O for the first time?+
Uniformed stewards greet you on the platform in Singapore and escort you to your cabin, where the daytime lounge configuration, gleaming cherry wood and elm burr panelling, and a chilled welcome drink set the tone immediately. Within the first hour you'll typically be invited to explore the open-air Observation Car and the Bar Car, where a pianist often plays as the train pulls north through the causeway. It's a deliberately theatrical arrival, evoking the golden age of colonial-era rail travel. Palace Trains can arrange your pre-cruise hotel night in Singapore so you arrive rested for boarding — call 1-800-724-5120 or email travel@palacetours.com.

More in the journal →

How far in advance should I book, and how do I check which dates are available?+
Because the E&O runs a limited number of departures each year across its three itineraries, and the two Presidential Suites and twenty State Cabins sell out well ahead of peak periods like the Festive Malaysia Christmas voyage, we recommend booking as early as your travel plans allow. Availability and confirmed departure dates are held directly with Palace Trains rather than published generically. Call our toll-free line at 1-800-724-5120 or email travel@palacetours.com and our team will check live availability for your preferred route and cabin category.

More in the journal →

Is the Eastern & Oriental Express worth the price for a first-time luxury rail traveller?+
For travellers weighing their first luxury train experience, the E&O's appeal is that it compresses an extraordinary amount into a short 3–4 night window — Michelin-level dining, a genuinely unique heritage train, a rare onboard Dior Spa, and excursions across two countries — without the logistics of planning each leg independently. It suits people who want a milestone trip (anniversary, honeymoon, retirement) rather than a budget-conscious rail hop. Compared to piecing together flights, hotels, and guides yourself, the value shows up in the seamlessness and the caliber of service. Palace Trains can talk through whether this or another train better matches your budget and bucket list.

More in the journal →

Read the full Eastern & Oriental Express Journal — 23 questions answered →

From the Journal