Daniel is a copywriter who has well and truly been bitten alive by the 'travel bug'. After ticking off several North American National Parks and exploring Europe by train, his sights are now set on South East Asia. Usually with at least one camera locked and loaded, you'll find Daniel wherever there are mountains, lakes or beaches.
Great news for luxury train travelers this week as The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, announces it will return to the tracks of Southeast Asia.
After a four-year hiatus, from February 2024 the lavish train company will launch two seasonal return-trip journeys departing from Singapore and explore the breathtaking landscapes of Malaysia.
The trains were paused as the COVID-19 pandemic to hold and struggled to relaunch due to various lockdown measures and travel restrictions.
The carriages have had a restyle during their downtime, with eight sleeper cars, two restaurant cars, a classy piano bar, and an open-air observation added. Aesthetic nods to Malaysia have been put in with silks and embroidery, while the cherry wood paneling provides a cozy warmth through the carriages.
Travelers will have the choice of three different cabins during their journey: Pullman, State, and Presidential.
“The Pullman cabins are inspired by the radiance of Kuala Lumpur, boasting red sofas juxtaposed with blue cushions, drapery, and pelmets that reflect the city’s dramatic skies, while the State cabins reflect Penang’s marine locale, with a bright blue and green color palette,” states a Belmond press release on the new routes.
For a truly luxurious experience, the Presidential Cabin will be the right choice for you, “The Presidential cabins celebrate regional opulence, with hues of gold and embroidered decor elements.” A single ticket for this grand suite will set you back $8,600, whilst the Pullman and State cabins will cost $3,410 and $4,840, respectively.”
The Journey
From February to November, embark on an unforgettable adventure known as the Essence of Malaysia, a captivating three-night expedition through the enchanting wonders of the country’s western region. Commencing at Singapore’s Woodlands station, the journey takes you on a mesmerizing route that includes stops in Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and culminates on the beautiful island of Penang.
During this extraordinary trip, travelers will have the opportunity to indulge in snorkeling escapades within the Pulau Payar Marine Park, marvel at the time-honored UNESCO World Heritage sites in George Town, and engage in serene tea ceremonies and a delightful cooking class.
The second trip will run from March to October, a bewitching three-night Wild Malaysia itinerary curated in collaboration with the conservation group Save Wild Tigers. This remarkable journey unveils the pristine landscapes of the “Jungle Railway” on the eastern side of the peninsula. Departing from Singapore, the train embarks on an awe-inspiring expedition through breathtaking mountains, culminating in the vibrant destination of Penang.
En route, guests will have the privilege of visiting the renowned Taman Negara National Park, one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world, estimated to be 130 million years old. This biodiverse sanctuary is home to a myriad of extraordinary species, including tigers, leopards, and Sumatran rhinos.