Eastern & Oriental Express
As the sister of the celebrated Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the opulent Eastern & Oriental Express will take you on an unforgettable journey in Southeast Asia capturing the heart of Malaysia.
Eastern & Oriental Express Holidays
Getting to know you
A crucial part of our process, discuss your plans with us either by phone, video or in person.
Helping you to design your trip
Entirely tailor-made, there is complete flexibility to incorporate all your requirements.
On-hand support, when you need it
Our team are on hand to answer any questions and ensure you are fully ready, and excited, for your trip.
Full confidence whilst you are away
Enjoy full support from our UK team and trusted local partners throughout your journey.
We’re pleased to confirm that Pettitts Travel will not apply any surcharges to our package holidays when we are operating as a tour operator, regardless of changes in global costs. The price you agree at the time of booking is the price you will pay, a commitment we have proudly upheld for the past 38 years.
Train & Cabin Information
A story 30 years in the making, the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express has been creating intrepid adventures since its inaugural journey from Bangkok to Singapore back in 1993.
The signature green and cream exterior gives way to wood-panelled corridors and luxurious furnishings all finished with traditional Asian designs, echoing the spirit of ancient Indochina. Nestled within the opulent carriages guests will find exquisite cabins featuring beautiful interiors that will transform into cosy sleeping quarters. During the day guests can enjoy the spectacular landscapes of Malaysia from the comfort of their private lounge.
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers two types of cabins: Pullman Cabins and State Cabins. The Pullman Cabin emulates vintage charm with plenty of natural light from the two large windows and at night the seating transforms to upper and lower berths. The State Cabin is spacious, light and airy and offers guests two single beds at floor level at night. There is also a Presidential Suite available which offers the upmost luxury and space. Guests can also enjoy impeccable personalised service from their steward as well as air-conditioning and en-suites with a shower.
The train also boasts two beautiful dining cars where guests can enjoy exquisite gastronomy as well as the Piano Bar Car. Located at the rear, there is also the Observation Car which offer wonderful views of the ever-changing landscapes during the day and stargazing at night.
Train Routes
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers two main routes throughout Singapore and Malaysia. As Southeast Asia’s most luxury train, this iconic journey has been capturing the hearts of explorers for decades. The two current itineraries offered on the Eastern & Oriental Express include:
Essence of Malaysia:
- Day 1 - Singapore to Kuala Lumpur
- Day 2 - Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi
- Day 3 - West Coast to Butterworth
Day 4 - Johor to Singapore
Wild Malaysia:
- Day 1 - Singapore to Gemas
- Day 2 - Taman Negara to Kuala Lumpur
- Day 3 - West Coast to Penang
- Day 4 - Johor to Singapore
Dinner & Dining
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers guests a unique fine dining experience aboard its indulgent restaurant on rails. As you pass through tea plantations, royal towns and quaint coastal villages, enjoy sumptuous meals influenced by the local Peranakan cuisine. Expect a unique combination of Chinese and Malaysian flavours prepared in a modern and exciting way. Specific dietary requirements can be catered for with notice at time of booking.
The train offers two luxurious dining carriages – Adisorn and Malaya. Both cars are beautifully decorated in floral motifs which reflect the regional culture and arts and feature either rosewood panels handpainted with delicate flowers or elm with light-wood design inlays.
At the heart of the train is the Piano Car where the stylish interiors offer a glamourous setting where guests can retreat before or after dinner to enjoy a signature cocktails or nightcap. The Bar Car will also be accompanied with a resident pianist as well as other local entertainment.
Your journey aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express will include a sumptuous four-course dinner each evening, a hearty breakfast served daily in your cabin and a delicious three-course lunch and afternoon tea each day.
A selection of wines, spirits and local beers will be included throughout your journey on the Eastern & Oriental Express. Premium drinks such as signature cocktails in the Piano Bar and drinks ordered to your cabin will incur an additional charge. The Bar Car stays open as long as guests wish. Complimentary tea and coffee will be available at all times.
Dress code
A holiday aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express offers the perfect opportunity to don your finery and dress to impress as the train travels through the spectacular Malaysian scenery.
During the day, you are likely to experience hot or humid weather, therefore Belmond suggests light linens, smart full-length trousers and open-neck shirts. Jeans, trainers and slippers should be avoided. During excursions, ladies should remember to take a scarf to cover their head and shoulders for temple and mosque visits.
For dinner the dress code is ‘smart casual with a touch of elegance’. Women typically wear evening dresses and men should opt for a jacket.
When does the Eastern & Oriental Express run?
The Eastern & Oriental Express will depart on most Mondays throughout February to December. Essence of Malaysia has departures in February, November and December and Wild Malaysia runs between March and October. The Eastern & Oriental Express does not run throughout the month of June due to the rainy season.
What sort of service can I expect onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express?
You will have a dedicated 24-hour steward service. The cabin steward will change your cabin from day to night configuration and serves your breakfast, afternoon tea and other refreshments. The maître d’ comes to your cabin to take your lunch and dinner reservations. The train manager is also on hand throughout the journey to help with any queries.
What is the sleeping accommodation like onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express?
You are allocated a private cabin which serves as a lounge during the day and is transformed into a bedroom at night. The Pullman Cabin is the entry-level category which features upper and lower berths for sleeping, whereas the State Cabin is slightly more spacious and offers two dingle beds at floor level overnight. There is also a Presidential Suite available to book if you are looking to bring further opulence to your journey.
Are there showers on the Eastern & Oriental Express?
Yes the Eastern & Oriental Express cabins offer en-suite showers.
Is there air conditioning on the Eastern & Oriental Express?
All cabins on the Eastern & Oriental Express are fully air-conditioned. Other areas including restaurant cars also offer air-conditioning.
Are all meals and drinks included on the Eastern & Oriental Express?
Yes all meals are included in your journey including a daily breakfast, three-course lunch and four-course dinner. A selection of wines, spirits and local beers will be included throughout your journey on the Eastern & Oriental Express. Premium drinks and drinks ordered to your cabin will be charged additionally. Complimentary tea and coffee are available at all times.
Does the Eastern & Oriental Express cater for dietary requirements?
The Eastern & Oriental Express endeavours to cater for special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free etc provided a detailed request has been provided at the time of booking. If, prior to departure, we have not received your dietary or food allergy requirements, we may not be able to cater for your specific needs on board.
Are guests requiring special assistance able to travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express?
If you or your travel companion(s) have reduced mobility or require special assistance, please speak to your Travel Consultant who will get in touch with Belmond to see which journeys would be possible.
Are visas required when travelling on the Eastern & Oriental Express?
All passengers must be in possession of a full passport with a minimum six months validity from the date of your return. It is the passenger’s own responsibility to ensure that they comply with visa or vaccination requirements.
What are the custom formalities between Malaysia and Singapore?
During your journey on the Eastern & Oriental Express, staff will provide assistance to facilitate border formalities. Guests will be required to provide relevant information and hand over their passport at the appropriate times. It is however, that it is the passenger’s responsibility 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.
What currency is used on the Eastern & Oriental Express?
All on board items are priced in US Dollars. All payments must be made by debit or credit card and all major cards including American Express, MasterCard, Visa and JCB are accepted. The Eastern & Oriental Express does not accept cash.
Is travel insurance required when travelling on the Eastern & Oriental Express?
As with all holidays arranged by Pettitts Travel, it is a requirement to have adequate travel insurance.
