Eastern & Oriental Express Luxury Train | Routes, Cabins & 2026–2027 Dates
The Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express is one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic luxury trains, offering all-inclusive journeys between Singapore and Malaysia. With elegant cabins, exceptional dining and curated off-train experiences, it provides a stylish and immersive way to explore the South Asia region by rail.
The Luxury Train Travel Company specialises exclusively in high-end rail journeys worldwide and provides expert planning, confirmed departure dates, cabin guidance and tailored pre- and post-tour extensions for Eastern & Oriental Express journeys. We work with travellers seeking a relaxed, high-comfort rail experience with the reassurance of specialist product knowledge.
Journeys aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express include accommodation in private cabins, all meals on board, selected beverages, guided excursions and attentive steward service throughout. The train offers a refined, sociable atmosphere inspired by the golden age of travel.
● Brochure
● Routes
● Cabins & Onboard Experience
● Practical FAQs
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The eastern & Oriental Express Brochure
Below you will find the latest Eastern & Oriental Express brochure, outlining the current routes, departure dates and price guidance.
The train operates a small number of departures each season with limited cabin capacity. Prices vary by departure date and cabin type, so we recommend contacting us for a confirmed quotation and availability.
● Please note that early booking is strongly recommended for this train ●
Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express Routes
The Eastern & Oriental Express operates all-inclusive luxury rail journeys between Singapore and Malaysia, with itineraries that combine scenic rail travel, cultural visits and relaxed onboard living.
Journeys typically range from two to four nights, depending on the route, and include guided excursions to historic cities, natural landscapes and cultural sites along the way.
Essence of Malaysia
A classic circular journey through the cultural and scenic highlights of Peninsular Malaysia. Departing Singapore, the train travels north through lush countryside to Kuala Lumpur and onward to the historic island of Penang. Guided excursions reveal colonial architecture, vibrant street life and local traditions before the train returns south through jungle landscapes to Singapore.
Essence of Malaysia operates seasonally from January to March and November to December each year. Download the brochure for a full list of dates.
Wild Malaysia
A nature-focused itinerary exploring Malaysia’s rainforest interiors and coastal heritage. After departing Singapore, the train travels north for an excursion into Taman Negara, one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests. The journey continues to Penang for cultural exploration before returning south, with time to relax on board and enjoy the views from the open-air observation car.
Wild Malaysia operates seasonally from March to October each year. Download the brochure for a full list of dates.
Malaysia Celebration
A special-departure journey designed to showcase Malaysia’s festive spirit, cultural diversity and celebratory atmosphere for New Year. Travelling from Singapore through Kuala Lumpur and Penang, the itinerary combines classic excursions with enhanced onboard entertainment, themed dining and celebratory touches. It offers a lively, sociable interpretation of the classic Eastern & Oriental Express experience.
Festive Malaysia
A Christmas holiday departure that brings together the glamour of the train with the warmth of the festive season. Travelling through Malaysia’s tropical landscapes, guests enjoy special decorations, celebratory menus and seasonal entertainment on board, alongside classic excursions in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. The journey offers a relaxed and elegant way to celebrate Christmas or the New Year on rails.
The Eastern & Oriental Express is widely regarded as the most iconic luxury train in Southeast Asia, linking Singapore with Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Malaysia’s rainforest interiors in refined comfort.
Travellers interested in Asia may also consider the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express across Central Asia and China.
● See the brochure above for full day-by-day descriptions, dates and price guidance ●
Why Travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express?
The Eastern & Oriental Express is widely regarded as Southeast Asia’s most iconic luxury train, offering a refined and unhurried way to experience Malaysia’s landscapes from the comfort of a classic Belmond carriage. Unlike long transcontinental journeys, its two- to four-night itineraries make it ideal for travellers seeking a compact yet indulgent rail experience.
One of the train’s defining features is the open-air Observation Car at the rear — a rare element among luxury trains worldwide. Here, guests can watch jungle scenery, rice paddies and coastal vistas unfold in the tropical air, cocktail in hand, as the train travels between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Onboard, polished wood interiors, attentive steward service and elegant dining create a relaxed, sociable atmosphere inspired by the golden age of travel. Evenings are intimate and refined, while days combine scenic rail time with curated cultural excursions.
For travellers looking to pair Singapore with Malaysia in distinctive style, the Eastern & Oriental Express offers one of the most memorable rail journeys in Asia.
Cabins & Onboard Experience
Accommodation aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express reflects the train’s classic, colonial-era style, with polished wood, elegant fabrics and large picture windows. Cabins are compact but thoughtfully designed, transforming from comfortable daytime seating into cosy sleeping arrangements at night.
All cabins are fitted with premium toiletries, hairdryers and secure storage. Attentive stewards convert cabins from day to night and ensure onboard comfort throughout your journey.
All cabins include en-suite facilities and dedicated steward service. During the day, guests relax in the Observation Car or bar, while evenings are spent enjoying fine dining, cocktails and conversation as the train travels through Southeast Asia’s landscapes.
Eastern & Oriental Express Cabin Comparison
| Cabin Type | Approx. Size | Bed Type | En-suite Bathroom | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Suite | ~125 sq ft / ~12 m² | Double or twin | Yes (full bathroom) | Couples seeking maximum comfort and space |
| State Cabin | ~84 sq ft / ~8 m² | Twin or double configuration | Yes (shower, basin, WC) | Couples or friends wanting more space |
| Pullman Cabin | ~62 sq ft / ~6 m² | Upper and lower berths | Yes (shower, basin, WC) | Travellers seeking a classic train cabin experience |
Presidential Suites
Presidential Suites are the most luxurious accommodation onboard, with about 125 sq ft of space. These suites include a separate lounge area with fixed seating and additional chairs, converting to twin beds at night, and a larger private bathroom. Only a small number of Presidential Suites are available on each departure, making them the most exclusive choice.
Presidential Suite Highlights
● Most spacious accommodation on the train
● Double or twin bed configuration
● Lounge seating area
● En-suite bathroom with shower
● Sleeps two guests
Photos and illustrations are for guidance only and may differ to your actual cabin.
State Cabins
State Cabins offer a more generous layout at approximately 84 sq ft. During the day, the seating area functions as a comfortable lounge with a banquette sofa and chair; by night, these convert into two single beds. Like all cabins, State Cabins feature en-suite facilities, storage and climate control.
State Cabin Highlights
● Twin or double bed configuration
● Daytime seating area
● En-suite bathroom with shower
● Classic Eastern & Oriental styling
● Sleeps two guests
Photos and illustrations are for guidance only and may differ to your actual cabin.
Pullman Cabins
State Cabins offer a more generous layout at approximately 84 sq ft. During the day, the seating area functions as a comfortable lounge with a banquette sofa and chair; by night, these convert into two single beds. Like all cabins, State Cabins feature en-suite facilities, storage and climate control.
Pullman Cabin Highlights
● Upper and lower berth configuration
● Daytime seating arrangement
● En-suite bathroom with shower
● Large picture window
● Sleeps two guests
Photos and illustrations are for guidance only and may differ to your actual cabin.
Life On Board the Eastern & Oriental Express
Life aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express is relaxed, sociable and centred on refined dining and tropical scenery. As the train travels between Singapore and Malaysia, guests spend their days watching palm-lined landscapes, rice paddies and rainforest interiors unfold beyond wide picture windows, with curated excursions at selected stops.
Dining is a highlight of the journey. Elegant restaurant cars serve menus inspired by Southeast Asian flavours alongside contemporary international cuisine, complemented by fine wines and attentive service. Meals are unhurried and convivial, reflecting the train’s intimate scale.
One of the defining features of the Eastern & Oriental Express is its open-air Observation Car at the rear — a rare element among luxury trains worldwide. Here, guests gather for cocktails as warm evening air drifts through the carriage, accompanied by live music and conversation while the train continues south through the tropics.
Throughout the journey, dedicated stewards provide discreet service, transforming cabins from day lounge to night configuration and ensuring comfort at every stage. Evenings are elegant yet informal, with guests typically dressing smart-casual for dinner.
A Typical Day On Board
Mornings begin gently as the train glides through Malaysia’s countryside. Breakfast is served in the dining car or in the privacy of your cabin, with tropical fruit, freshly baked pastries and hot dishes prepared to order. As the landscape shifts from jungle to coastline or colonial towns, guests relax in the Observation Car or prepare for a guided excursion ashore.
Late mornings or early afternoons often include curated visits — perhaps exploring Penang’s historic streets or venturing into rainforest landscapes. Returning to the train, lunch is served in elegant surroundings before an afternoon at leisure, watching palm-fringed scenery pass by from wide picture windows.
As dusk settles over the tropics, cabins are transformed for the evening and guests gather for cocktails and live music. Dinner is a refined, multi-course affair, followed by relaxed conversation in the bar as the train continues its journey south through the warm night air.
Why Book the Eastern & Oriental Express with The Luxury Train Travel Company
● Specialist global luxury rail agency
● Direct access to confirmed cabin availability
● Expert advice on routes and cabin types
● Tailor-made Southeast Asia extensions
● Fast, personal response to enquiries
View all departure dates on our Luxury Train Calendar.
Eastern Oriental Express Train FAQs
The luxury train travel company
Enquire About the Eastern & Oriental Express
Our team can provide up-to-date availability, route advice and tailored extensions before or after your Eastern & Oriental Express journey.
Contact us to:
● Check cabin availability
● Compare routes and departure dates
● Arrange hotels in Singapore or Malaysia
● Plan a wider Southeast Asia itinerary
We look forward to hearing from you and are happy to answer any questions you have – just email or call us or use the form below.
enquiry@theluxurytraintravelcompany.com
Tel: +44 (0)20 8191 0620
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