The Eastern & Oriental Express by Belmond first launched in 1993. The once-in-a-lifetime voyage is the perfect way to travel in style and sightsee in a unique way throughout Malaysia. And we’re not the only ones who thinks so. In fact, the iconic Time Magazine named the train on its list of the World’s 100 Greatest Places 2024.
Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024
Time Magazine named the Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express one of the World’s 100 Greatest Places for 2024. There are several reasons for this including the trains ability to bring travellers on stunning and luxurious escapes through two countries, from lush rainforests to rural villages, and more – before hopping into bed in a stylish cabin. Definitely, it’s one of the most memorable travel experiences worldwide.
About Eastern & Oriental Express
The spectacular train took off on its first journey in four years earlier this year. The 15 dark green carriages have been restyled with elevated onboard experiences, a new legendary Michelin-starred Culinary Curator Chef, and an enthralling journey mixed with culture, food, and natural wonders via a fascinating luxurious train taking railway travel to new heights.
Wonderfully, Belmond upgraded their services to offer excursions to rural coastal towns of Malaysia such as Penang and Langkawi in the north until December 2024.
The magnificent train features brown and gold carriages, vintage furniture, three types of cabins to sleep in, with en-suite bathrooms, fun activities, and even free Wi-Fi on board. Certainly, 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, saving wild tigers in Merapoh…there are endless opportunities.
Excellent cuisine
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. He helms the two train restaurants – Malaya and Adisorn – where guests will be transported to the golden age through new menus and sustainable dishes.
Meanwhile, the two train bars have been revamped. The 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.
Journey packages
Packages include three 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.
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.
Enrich your train adventure further by starting your journey with a celebration breakfast, or savouring colourful cocktails, at sunset or under the stars.
Find out prices or book your experience for 2024 and 2025 here. Certainly, the perfect start to an adventure in Malaysia for any type of traveller.
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