Eastern & Oriental Express sets off after a four-year hiatus
The romance of train journey is well and alive on the Eastern & Oriental Express.
The iconic forest green Belmond train, Eastern & Oriental Express, set forth from Singapore's Woodlands station last Sunday, the 11th of February, and will be weaving its way through Penang and Langkawi before returning to Singapore.
This is the 15-carriage train's first journey after a four-year hiatus. With restyled interiors and elevated on-board experiences, get ready to immerse into the rich mosaic of the region. For the romantic in us, a train journey can feel like a fever dream, and in Eastern & Oriental Express, you'll enter a dreamscape of eight sleeping carriages, two restaurants, a Piano Bar, and an open-air Observation Car.
Each cabin, from the Pullman to the Presidential Suites, is opulently decorated, creating a sanctuary inspired by the landscapes it travels through. Elements such as scents, lights, playlists, teas, and premium bedding come together to provide a sensorial in-cabin experience.
Culinary maestro Chef André Chiang, a luminary with two Michelin stars and a spot in the World's 50 Best Restaurants, has taken the reins as the Culinary Curator. He has curated a dining experience that echoes the diverse terroir of Southeast Asia. When asked about his favourite dishes on the train, he suggested the Laksa Bouillabaisse, Black-bone Chicken Consommé with green chilli and the 9-pepper Beef Cheeks.
Guests can also sip on botanical-inspired libations and vintage cocktails, courtesy of The Cocktail Professor in the Piano Bar Carriage and Observation Car.
Train journeys from now to May 2024
Launching in March, the new Wild Malaysia itinerary offers an excursion into the ancient Taman Negara National Park, providing guests with the choice of an educational tour, a wildlife photography class, or an exploration of the rainforest's ancient caves.
From 22-25 April 2024, the Veuve Clicquot Solaire Journey beckons. A partnership with the leading Champagne Maison, this bespoke experience unfolds amid the wonders of Malaysia, guided by the pioneering spirit of Madame Clicquot. From champagne tastings led by Veuve Clicquot's Cellar Master, Didier Mariotti, to bespoke dishes crafted by Chef André Chiang, this journey is a celebration of the joie de vivre embodied by the champagne's yellow label. Veuve Clicquot's Solaire Journey runs from 22 - 25 April 2024. Click here to book.
In May, the Tiger Express journey, in collaboration with Save Wild Tigers, aims to raise awareness about the endangered Malayan Tigers, contributing to the fight against illegal poaching and habitat loss. This unique journey incorporates the Wild Malaysia itinerary, concluding with two nights at The Datai in Langkawi.
The journey is not just about the destinations but the encounters along the way. Daytime interactions with locals are complemented by nightly entertainment, featuring resident musicians and special acts like the Shang Sisters, a trio blending Jazz tunes with Nanyang flair. The Eastern & Oriental Express is not just a train; it's a portal to a world where every moment is a celebration of the extraordinary.
Prices start from USD$3410.
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