The Complete Guide
All You Want to Know
All You Want to Know
About Eastern & Oriental Express
The Eastern & Oriental Express, operated by Belmond, is one of the world's great luxury trains — a colonial-era icon that glides through the jungles, paddy fields, and coastal landscapes of Singapore and Malaysia in timeless elegance. From Michelin two-star cuisine and the first Dior Spa in Southeast Asia to curated wildlife and cultural excursions, every detail is crafted to make the journey as extraordinary as the destination. Whether you choose the sun-drenched shores of Langkawi, the ancient rainforests of Taman Negara, or a festive Christmas voyage, the E&O delivers Southeast Asia at its most unforgettable.
At a Glance
| Region | Asia · Singapore · Malaysia |
| Countries | Malaysia, Singapore |
| Journey length | 3–4 nights |
| Itineraries | Essence of Malaysia; Wild Malaysia; Festive Malaysia |
| Price | from $4,650 per person (varies by cabin & season) |
| Upcoming departures | 21 dates, Jul 2026 – Dec 2026 · view dates → |
| Reservations | 1-800-724-5120 · travel@palacetours.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Eastern & Oriental Express and where does it travel?+
The Eastern & Oriental Express is a Belmond luxury train that travels through the heart of Southeast Asia, linking Singapore and Malaysia in colonial-era grandeur. The train winds through lush jungles, rubber plantations, rice paddies, and coastlines, stopping at destinations including Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang, and Taman Negara National Park — all from the comfort of elegantly appointed private cabins.
What journeys and itineraries are available, and how long do they take?+
Three 4-day / 3-night itineraries are offered. Essence of Malaysia (Singapore → Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi → Penang → Singapore) combines a snorkelling excursion at Pulau Payar Marine Park with a cultural immersion in Georgetown, Penang. Wild Malaysia (Singapore → Taman Negara → Penang → Singapore) ventures into one of the world's oldest rainforests for a tiger-conservation experience in Taman Negara National Park. Festive Malaysia follows the Essence of Malaysia route during the Christmas season, with a special holiday atmosphere onboard. All journeys depart and return to Singapore.
How much does the Eastern & Oriental Express cost?+
Fares start from $4,650 per person for a Pullman Cabin, from $6,500 per person for a State Cabin, and from $10,600 per person for a Presidential Suite. Final prices vary by cabin category, season, and party size — contact Palace Trains at 1-800-724-5120 (toll-free), +1-786-408-0610 (international/WhatsApp), or travel@palacetours.com to confirm pricing for your chosen departure.
What cabin types are available onboard?+
The train offers four accommodation categories. Pullman Cabins (62 sq ft) convert from a daytime lounge with banquette sofa to upper and lower berths at night, with en-suite shower, WC, and in-room safe. State Cabins (84 sq ft) provide a private lounge by day and two single beds at night, with full en-suite facilities. Presidential Suites (125 sq ft) are the ultimate in onboard luxury, featuring a complimentary stocked bar (refilled throughout the journey), welcome champagne, and priority transfers to and from a Singapore hotel. All cabins feature cherry wood and elm burr panelling with intricate marquetry and fine fabrics.
What is included in the fare?+
Most luxury train fares cover accommodation, onboard dining, and curated excursions — inclusions can vary by journey and cabin category. Presidential Suite guests additionally receive a complimentary stocked bar, welcome champagne, and Singapore hotel transfers. We will confirm exactly what is included for your chosen departure and cabin; please contact us at 1-800-724-5120 or travel@palacetours.com.
What dining and bar experiences are available onboard?+
Dining is overseen by Michelin two-star Chef André Chiang, whose menus celebrate the biodiversity and cultures of Southeast Asia using sustainably sourced ingredients. Lunch and dinner are served in the Malaya and Adisorn restaurant cars, while breakfast is delivered to your cabin. The Piano Bar Car and the open-air Observation Car offer cocktail menus designed by The Cocktail Professor, featuring Malaysian-inspired signatures, vintage cocktails, champagne, sake, craft beers, and rare spirits, alongside Malaysian coffees served by local baristas throughout the day.
When does the Eastern & Oriental Express operate, and how many departures are there?+
The train operates from July through December, with 21 upcoming departures. Essence of Malaysia runs from July through December; Wild Malaysia departures run from July through October; and the Festive Malaysia voyage departs on 23 December 2026. See the train's departure table on the Palace Trains website, or contact us for current availability.
Who operates the Eastern & Oriental Express and what makes it special?+
The Eastern & Oriental Express is operated by Belmond, a world leader in luxury travel experiences. What sets it apart is the rare combination of iconic colonial-era atmosphere — Singapore Slings, afternoon teas, and a tinkling piano in sumptuous carriages adorned with Thai silks and Malaysian embroidery — with genuinely immersive excursions and world-class onboard amenities, including the first Dior Spa in Southeast Asia and cuisine by a Michelin two-star chef.
What is the Dior Spa onboard, and what treatments are offered?+
The E&O is home to the first Dior Spa in Southeast Asia, occupying 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. Specific treatment menus are best confirmed when booking — contact Palace Trains for details.
What is the Taman Negara excursion on the Wild Malaysia journey?+
On the Wild Malaysia itinerary, guests alight at Merapoh for an extraordinary conservation experience in Taman Negara National Park — one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests, formed some 130 million years ago. The excursion includes meeting local villagers and conservation organisations working to protect the critically endangered Malayan tiger, the emblem of both Malaysia and the Eastern & Oriental Express itself.
How do I book or check availability for the Eastern & Oriental Express?+
Palace Trains specialises in booking the Eastern & Oriental Express and can help you choose the right itinerary, cabin, and departure date. Reach us toll-free at 1-800-724-5120, internationally at +1-786-408-0610 (also WhatsApp), or by email at travel@palacetours.com. You can also view available departures on the train's page and submit an enquiry directly online.