Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
Outside of these times please leave a message on our 24/7 enquiry service.

Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm
Saturday 9am – 3pm

The Eastern & Oriental Express – The Essence of Malaysia

The Essence of Malaysia journey aboard the Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express is a luxurious train voyage through Southeast Asia’s lush landscapes, blending cultural excursions with refined onboard elegance as it travels between Singapore and Malaysia.

Elegant Escapes: Singapore & the Essence of Malaysia onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express

Begin your Southeast Asian escape with a two-night stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, set in 15 acres of tropical gardens. Relax at Chi, The Spa, stroll through The Orchid greenhouse, or enjoy the Health Club and pool. Then, board the Eastern & Oriental Express for the Essence of Malaysia journey. Glide past lush landscapes as the Dior Spa carriage offers calming therapies. This luxurious rail experience invites you to unwind, reconnect, and embrace the art of mindful travel.

Highlights

Luxury train journey through Malaysia on the Eastern & Oriental Express

  •  
  • 2 nights stay at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore (5★)


  • Dior Spa Carriage onboard

  •  
  • Private beachfront yoga and sound baths


  • Wellness at Chi, The Spa

  •  

  • Visit to Orchid Greenhouse

Your itinerary in Full

Day 1 – Arrival in Singapore – Check-in at Shangri-La Hotel

Arrive in vibrant Singapore and make your way to the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, set amidst 15 acres of tropical gardens. After check-in, take time to unwind and explore the tranquil surroundings or enjoy a refreshing swim. Settle into your elegant accommodations and begin your Southeast Asian escape with restful comfort and warm hospitality.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the Shangri-La Hotel before setting out to explore the dynamic city of Singapore.

Discover world-class attractions such as Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, or the vibrant neighbourhoods of Chinatown and Little India.

Return to the hotel in the evening to relax amidst its lush surroundings or enjoy a rejuvenating treatment at Chi, The Spa.

Day 3 – Board the Eastern & Oriental Express – Essence of Malaysia Begins


After breakfast, depart the Shangri-La Hotel and transfer to the train station to board the iconic Eastern & Oriental Express. Settle into your elegant cabin as the train begins its Essence of Malaysia journey.

Enjoy lunch on board, then relax in the Observation Car or indulge in a treatment at the Dior Spa. As the train winds through lush landscapes, dinner is served in the dining car, marking the start of a luxurious rail adventure.

Enjoy breakfast in your cabin as the train glides past rice paddies and rural villages. After lunch, choose from three immersive excursions: relax on a secluded Langkawi beach with yoga, massage, and a mangrove boat ride; explore Perlis Geopark by bike and visit a historic tin mine; or dive into local culture with batik-making, antique browsing, and traditional afternoon tea. Return to the train for dinner and lively entertainment in the Piano Bar Car. Overnight stop in Butterworth.

After breakfast, disembark for a crossing to Penang Island, Malaysia’s cultural melting pot. Choose from curated excursions: explore George Town’s vibrant street art and architecture by Vespa with a guide, enjoy a market visit and cooking lesson atop Penang Hill, or wander independently by trishaw through the charming streets. Rejoin the train at Butterworth for lunch and a relaxing afternoon onboard, with the option to indulge in an Asian-inspired treatment at the Dior Spa. Later, stroll through Ipoh’s blend of old-world charm and street art before a celebratory dinner onboard as the train journeys overnight, passing Kuala Lumpur.

Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant car while traveling through Johor, Malaysia’s southernmost state, famed for its beaches and rainforests. Shortly after, the train crosses the strait into Singapore, where you disembark, taking with you unforgettable memories of your journey.

Presidential Suite

Unwind in extra space and luxury with a large bathroom, enhanced amenities, onboard Wi-Fi, and your own music. 

State Cabin

Bright and elegant, with large windows to enjoy the views. Relax by day, then unwind with a nightcap before settling into two floor-level single beds. 

Pullman Cabin

Full of vintage charm, with twin beds and two large windows. Enjoy plush seating by day, then sleep soundly in cosy upper and lower berths.

About your hotel

Shangri-La Hotel (5 star)

A stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore offers a serene wellness escape nestled within 15 acres of lush tropical gardens. At the heart of this retreat is Chi, The Spa, where therapies rooted in traditional Asian healing—like the Signature Asian Blend Massage and Better Sleep Treatment—offer deep relaxation and renewal. 

The hotel’s Health Club features a fully equipped gym, sauna, steam room, whirlpool bath, and outdoor pool, while flood-lit tennis courts and curated jogging routes support active well-being. 

Adding to the sense of peace and natural beauty is The Orchid, a stunning glass-clad greenhouse showcasing over 80 orchid species, providing a tranquil space for reflection and reconnection with nature.

Enquire today

Planet Rail Online Enquiry
Please enter your details below, together with your enquiry and click Send.
Send