Some journeys are all about the destination, but sometimes the journey itself is everything. You’ve probably heard of the Eastern & Oriental Express, but did you know it also travels through Malaysia? In Singapore, you board the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express by Belmond for a 3-day journey through Malaysia, an iconic train with a rich history. From elegant cabins and personal service to refined culinary dining. As the train makes its way from city to jungle, you’ll also step off along the way for excursions to destinations such as Langkawi and Penang. In this article, I’ll take you on board and tell you more about traveling to the rhythm of the rails in Malaysia, where history, luxury, and slow travel come together.
The Eastern & Oriental Express is perhaps one of the most iconic train journeys in Asia. This luxury train takes you from Singapore on a multi-day journey through Malaysia, where it’s not so much about the destination, but about the journey itself. Think: slowly passing through dense jungle, along rice fields and small villages, while you lean back comfortably in a stylish cabin.
The train was launched in the early 1990s and is inspired by the legendary luxury trains of Europe, such as the Orient Express. Many of the carriages date back to that period and have been fully restored, preserving their classic charm while combining it with every modern comfort you could wish for.
From the moment you step on board, it feels like entering another world. The interior exudes classic elegance, with dark wood, soft fabrics, and subtle details reminiscent of a bygone era.
The staff are not only incredibly helpful and service-oriented, but also surprisingly personal: before you know it, you’re being addressed by your first name, and it almost feels as if you’ve known each other for much longer.
Our journey, the Essence of Malaysia route, aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express begins at The Woodlands Train Checkpoint in Singapore. After completing border formalities, you slowly leave the city behind and enter Malaysia. Gradually, the scenery transforms: skyscrapers give way to green hills, palm trees, and eventually vast jungle. Because the train moves at a relaxed pace, you can fully take in the landscape.
Along the journey, you step off the moving world to discover special places. In Langkawi, you can unwind on tropical beaches and enjoy wellness activities such as yoga, sound baths, and massages. You can also explore Perlis Geopark by bike, with its impressive landscapes full of primates and birdd and visit a former tin mine. Alternatively, you can opt for cultural experiences in Perlis, such as batik making and a traditional afternoon tea.
Penang also offers a variety of experiences. In George Town, you can admire street art, colonial buildings, and temples, join a cooking workshop, take a cultural tour, or simply explore the atmospheric streets on your own.
Everything is carefully arranged: you choose your excursion, step off, experience the destination, and then return to your comfortable, moving hotel. The best of both worlds, if you ask me. At the end of this article, I’ll go into more detail about the program so you know what to expect during your Eastern & Oriental Express journey.
What sets this journey apart from other ways of traveling is the pace. No rushed transfers or packed schedules, just the time to see, feel, and experience. The Eastern & Oriental Express shows how extraordinary slow travel can be. And precisely because of that, you experience Malaysia in a completely different way.
Our cabin on the Eastern & Oriental Express through Malaysia felt like a small, moving boutique hotel. It’s almost hard to believe you’re on a train: everything is perfectly designed and radiates calm and comfort. The cabin is compact, but so cleverly designed that you don’t miss anything.
In the evening, your cabin transforms. While you enjoy dinner, your room is converted into a comfortable bedroom with beds. Each night, a small gift awaits you: from luxury slippers and a beautiful bag to water bottles, a book with stories about Malaysia, and subtle touches like a coaster with local patterns.
Something else that makes your experience special is the personal service. You have your own attendant who is at your service all day, taking care of everything with attention to detail. Not only friendly and helpful, but genuinely engaged, someone who tends to know exactly what you need and tailors your stay entirely to you.
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers various cabin categories, from the more compact Pullman Cabins (with bunk beds) to larger State Cabins (with two separate beds) and the even more spacious Presidential Suites (also with two separate beds). Each cabin also includes a private bathroom with a warm shower and luxury toiletries.
Mornings on board are moments not easily forgotten. Slowly waking up as the train travels through the green heart of Malaysia. Breakfast is served either in your cabin or in one of the restaurants. While you enjoy your coffee, tea, and the view, everything is reset for the day ahead. Your bed disappears, the space transforms back into a seating area, and your cabin once again feels like a fresh, light place to start a new day.
Dining on the Eastern & Oriental Express is much more than just a meal, it’s an experience in itself. The culinary direction is led by top chef André Chiang, known for his refined, modern approach to Asian flavors. Seasonal ingredients are used, and each dish tells its own story on your plate.
On board, there are two beautiful dining cars: the red-colored Malaya and the green-tinted Adisorn. Each day, you receive a card in the color of the restaurant where you are expected for that meal, including your table number. A nice touch is that the team tries to rotate diners between the restaurants, so each meal takes place in a different setting. The dining cars are classically and stylishly decorated, with tables on both the left and right sides of the train, allowing everyone to enjoy the passing scenery.
Every day features a new menu with multiple options, typically spanning 4 to 5 courses. The dishes are paired with fine wines and champagne. There is also an extensive selection of teas and spirits. For dinner, an elegant dress code applies, which in my opinion adds even more to the overall experience.
After dinner, you can visit one of the two bars on board, each with its own ambiance. In the piano bar, you can enjoy live music, while the bar near the observation deck offers a lovely space with open windows to feel the breeze and admire the landscape.
Both bars feature comfortable seating with plush chairs. The cocktails are creative and inspired by Malaysia’s natural environment, often made with local ingredients. There is also an extensive selection of spirits, champagne, wine, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Small snacks are frequently served as well.
Curious what it’s like to travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express in Malaysia? Here’s my experience on board.
Our journey begins even before we see the train. We are picked up from our hotel in a comfortable car, where the tone is immediately set: a welcome note, local treats from Singapore, and fresh juices are waiting for us. It feels instantly special. We depart from Woodlands Train Checkpoint, the border crossing between Singapore and Malaysia. Perhaps not the most atmospheric station, but very practical: here, both exit and entry formalities are handled in one go.
Upon arrival, you immediately notice the abundance of staff. People are everywhere, ready to welcome and guide you. Our luggage is taken immediately; larger bags go into storage while our carry-on luggage is already delivered to our cabin. The customs process is smooth, and everything is well organized.
Then the moment arrives: we step aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express. We are greeted with a cold towel and a drink, after which our cabin attendant shows us to our cabin. First impression? Wow! Beautiful and comfortable, our ‘home’ for the next few days.
Everything moves quickly; before we even realize it, we are on our way. After a brief introduction to the cabin and the program, we take some time to absorb everything. We make a first tour of the train and end up on the observation deck. The wind, the view, and the sense of being on the move make an immediate impression, this quickly becomes a favorite spot.
Around 4:00 PM, it’s time for afternoon tea. In the elegant Malaya carriage, we enjoy champagne, a selection of teas, and a mix of sweet and savory treats. Meanwhile, the staff comes by to introduce themselves, discuss menu preferences, and go over the excursions. Everything feels personal and relaxed.
The rest of the afternoon is spent simply enjoying the journey. In the evening, we sit down for our first dinner: four courses, paired with fine wines and service that again stands out, attentive, personal, and perfectly timed. After dinner, we return to our cabin, now transformed into a comfortable bedroom. Satisfied, we crawl into bed, the journey has begun.
The day begins exactly as you hope a morning on the Eastern & Oriental Express would: calm, unhurried. Breakfast in bed, while the landscape outside slowly glides by, greener than the day before, with the jungle revealing itself more and more. The night was surprisingly good. Of course, you feel the occasional sway of the train, but that’s part of the experience and makes it all the more authentic.
After breakfast, there is time to enjoy the train and its facilities. For us, that quickly means heading to the observation deck. We spend most of the morning there, simply watching and letting the scenery pass by.
Before stepping off for the excursion, we sit down at 11:00 AM for a generous brunch. We start with a fresh salad with tuna, kimchi, and a light champagne dressing, followed by a warm Asian-inspired dish, in my case, as a pescetarian, Laksa seafood fried rice with lobster and squid. Delicious flavors perfectly matching the region we are passing through. The dessert is light and tropical, with coconut and local influences.
After brunch, it’s time to disembark for our first excursion. We had chosen the Tropical Island Escape to Langkawi days in advance. In northern Malaysia, at Arau, the train stops, and we are driven by private cars to the harbor. From there, we board a boat for about an hour, enjoying views of the impressive karst landscape in the distance.
Next, we switch to a smaller boat and enter the mangroves, a completely different world: quiet, green, and full of life. Along the way, we spot monkeys and numerous birds.
Eventually, we arrive at Tanjong Rhu Beach with powdery white sand, clear blue water, and jungle starting right behind the beach. A full team is ready to pamper us. There are comfortable loungers and seating under parasols, with butlers circulating, offering drinks and snacks, from fresh fruit to savory bites, wine, cocktails, and fresh juices.
Masseurs are also available for short treatments like foot, head, and shoulder massages, and we can participate in yoga or unwind during a gong bath. In between, we swim in the sea, relax by the pool, and take a walk along the beach. It’s an afternoon where time seems to stand still.
By late afternoon, we return to what now truly feels like our ‘home’: the Eastern & Oriental Express. We freshen up, enjoy a drink, and slowly prepare for the evening.
The evening is once again dedicated to dinner on board, with a menu completely different from the previous day. We start with a refined egg and prawn dish, followed by seabass, perfectly cooked with fresh and delicate flavors. The dessert takes a tropical turn again, with lychee, pineapple, and lime, followed by exquisite chocolates. By now, the sommelier knows exactly what we like, and another glass of Sancerre appears effortlessly. While we dine, the train arrives in the Penang region, at Butterworth, where it remains at the station for the night.
The day begins gently while the Eastern & Oriental Express is still at the station in the Penang region. For breakfast, we can sit freely in one of the dining cars, the green Adisorn or the red Malaya. On the menu: eggs with Malaysian caviar, and for those who wish, champagne and Bloody Marys are even available. Perhaps a little early, but at the same time, it feels pure luxury, perfectly in tune with this journey.
After breakfast, it’s time for the second excursion. In Penang, there are several options: a food tour, a cultural trip on the back of a Vespa, or exploring George Town independently with a trishaw and driver. We chose the latter, strolling freely at our own pace.
George Town is an interesting place, rightfully a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a mix of cultures visible everywhere: colonial buildings, Chinese temples, and colorful Indian districts. We pass murals, wander through Little India, visit temples, and see the jetties by the water. The street art scattered throughout the city is absolutely my favorite.
After the excursion, we return to the train, where a generous lunch awaits. We start with a light, flavorful vegetable broth, followed by cod with miso and aromatic spices. The dessert is creamier, with pistachio and soft flavors.
The afternoon is free of scheduled activities, time to fully enjoy everything the train has to offer one last time. We move between the bar, our cabin, the piano bar for a light high tea, and the observation deck. A charming detail: postcards and envelopes are provided in the cabin, and there’s even a mailbox on board, a small touch that makes the journey feel extra personal. Also special: the Dior Spa on board the Eastern & Oriental Express, a mobile spa offering fantastic treatments
Later in the day, the train makes a stop in Ipoh, known for its tin-mining history. Due to some delays, we unfortunately don’t have time to explore the city fully, but a guide provides a brief introduction. A small glimpse, enough to spark curiosity.
Then it’s already time for the final evening on the Eastern & Oriental Express, which feels different again. Dinner is extra elaborate and even more festive than previous nights. We start with small, fresh flavors like citrus and pickled accents, followed by a dish with stuffed vegetables, then an aromatic broth with notes of lime leaf, lemongrass, and herbs. For the main course, options include a rich, laksa-inspired fish dish or a spiced duck curry with fruity notes. Dessert is a crème caramel with a subtle twist.
After dinner, we move once more to the piano bar and the observation deck. The train travels through Kuala Lumpur and from the train, we watch the skyline light up, including the iconic Petronas Towers. This is also the evening when everything comes together. The people you’ve met along the way, from different countries and backgrounds, all share the same moment: this extraordinary journey.
After a final drink, we retreat to bed. Content, a little dreamy, and with the realization that this journey is almost over.
The final morning begins with one last breakfast on board the Eastern & Oriental Express. Everything feels familiar: the team that now knows you by name, the seamless service, and the realization that this is the last time. Then it’s time to pack slowly and savor the final moments, one last view, one last cup of tea, one last glance down the corridor where the past days have unfolded.
On the way, we pass the Malaysian border, where passport control takes place, before continuing on to Singapore. And then it’s truly over. At the station, we say goodbye to our cabin attendant, the bar staff, and the rest of the team who have taken such excellent care of us these past days.
The Eastern & Oriental Express is an experience in itself and a truly unique way to travel, especially if you enjoy slow travel. Rather than rushing to see as much as possible in a short time, this journey is all about relaxing, slowing down, and being fully present. The train blends nature, culture, and luxury, allowing you to travel comfortably while immersing yourself in authentic experiences.
A 3-night journey typically starts around $4,000+ per person, depending on the cabin type and season, but this includes everything: high-end breakfasts, lunches and dinners, fine drinks, snacks, high tea, transfers, excursions, and unparalleled service. You’re paying for an exclusive experience, not just transportation. This isn’t an active tour; much of the time is spent on the train itself, enjoying the rhythm, scenery, and life on board. The luxury is classic and nostalgic, with impeccable service. If your goal is to see as much as possible in a short period or travel on a budget, another form of travel might suit you better.
The Eastern & Oriental Express is more than a train ride, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The train’s rhythm, changing landscapes, curated excursions, exceptional service, and onboard moments ensure you experience Malaysia in a way you won’t forget.
Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express offers several multi-day routes through Malaysia, each with its own character and highlights, depending on the season. The most well-known is the Essence of Malaysia route, the one I traveled, which takes you from Singapore via Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and Penang, returning to Singapore. Another option is the Wild Malaysia route, winding through the ancient jungle of Taman Negara National Park and other natural and cultural gems.
There are also themed journeys such as Malaysia Celebration, Festive Malaysia, which run during festive periods, and the Tiger Express, in collaboration with Save Wild Tigers. On select days, star chefs even travel on the Essence of Malaysia and Wild Malaysia routes.
If you’d like to travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express, visit the website or email contact@passporttheworld.com for more information and special offers.
Belmond is a global provider of luxury travel experiences, from iconic hotels and resorts to classic trains, river cruises, and safari lodges. With a focus on Slow Luxury, everything is about comfort, service, and authentic experiences, where the journey is just as extraordinary as the destination. Iconic trains like the Eastern & Oriental Express and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, exclusive hotels, and unique cruises let you experience destinations in a luxurious and unforgettable way.
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Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
