Step aboard the legendary Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia’s most glamorous luxury train, as it makes its grand return in 2026 with a breathtaking new journeys from Singapore to Malaysia. Blending timeless elegance with modern indulgence, this art deco-style train takes guests through lush rainforests, golden rice fields, and vibrant cities—all while offering world-class dining, refined cabins, and immersive off-board excursions. First launched in 1993, the once-in-a-lifetime voyage on Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express is the perfect way to see the sights of Malaysia. In fact, it was once named on the World’s 100 Greatest Places. Here’s why it’s one of the best experiences in Southeast Asia.
What can travellers expect aboard the luxury Belmond train?
The 15 dark green carriages have been restyled with elevated onboard experiences, a legendary Michelin-starred Culinary Curator Chef, and an enthralling journey mixed with culture, food, the first Dior Spa in Southeast Asia onboard, and natural wonders via a fascinating luxurious train taking railway travel to new heights.
Depending on what journey you select, you can travel through many rural and coastal towns of Malaysia. From Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, Langkawi, Penang, Ipoh, and more…you’ll be spoilt for choice. Itineraries run from January 2026 to December 2026. For instance, the highly-anticipated Tiger Express runs for six nights from May 10 to 16, 2026. It departs from Singapore’s Woodlands Station and offers natural wonders and wildlife on the way. Plus, a guided tour of Taman Negara National Park is included. Otherwise, these are the routes available:
- Wild Malaysia (3 Nights)—various dates from March 2026
- Essence of Malaysia (3 Nights)—various dates from January 2026
- Malaysia Celebration (3 Nights)—December 2026
- Festive Malaysia (3 Nights)—December 2026
- Tiger Express (6 Nights)—May 10 to 16, 2026
Additionally, the luxury train features brown and gold carriages, vintage furniture, three types of cabins to sleep in, with ensuite bathrooms, fun activities throughout the day, and free Wi-Fi on board. Certainly, it feels more like a hotel on wheels rather than a train.
Pitstop highlights depend on what journey you choose. These can include venturing around UNESCO World Heritage Site in Georgetown, exploring beaches and snorkeling with colourful sea creatures in Langkawi’s Pulau Payar Marine Park, hiking old villages and rice fields in Penang, and saving wild tigers…there are endless opportunities.
What is dining like on board?
André Chiang is a Michelin-starred chef who placed on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and is known for a wealth of culinary experience. Guests are transported to the golden ages through new menus and sustainable dishes. Plus, there’s a Piano Bar Car and the open-air Observation Car is the perfect place to sip on signature botanical cocktails or fresh artisan Malaysian coffee while enjoying the countryside views.
What is included in the packages?
Packages include a three or six nights stay with a daily 4-course dinner, breakfast in bed, 3-course lunch, afternoon tea and free-flowing drinks, from coffee to house wine, and more.
Choose between a stylish Presidential Suite, charming Pullman Cabin, or unique State Cabin. Meanwhile, guests will be treated to the finest selection of Malaysian, Chinese, Peranakan, and other Southeast Asian flavours on rails.
Find out prices or book your experience for 2026 and 2027 here. Certainly, the perfect start to an adventure in Malaysia for any type of traveller.
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