Summary
Short description
Discover the best of Singapore & Malaysia with a luxury rail journey, exploring iconic cities, lush jungles and golden beaches
Highlights
- Experience the journey of a lifetime on one of the world's most luxurious trains
- Immerse yourself in the cultural and culinary delights of Singapore
- Indulge in daily four-course dinners and 24-hour steward service
- Discover the varied wildlife of Taman Negara National Park
- Take in historic Penang, from cookery classes to tours of the old town
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Bucket-list holidays | December holidays | History & culture | January holidays | Jungle | Natural world | November holidays | Rail journey
Part of a new collection of journeys aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, this itinerary begins among the high-tech skyscrapers and colonial heritage of Singapore, staying in heritage accommodation with an opulent spa and infinity pool. Then, after getting to know the “Garden City” through an included tour, you’ll board the Eastern & Oriental Express for a spectacular three-day journey, heading to the lush rainforests of Taman Negara National Park and the rich history and golden sands of Penang before a final indulgent hop back to Singapore.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Singapore
Start your journey with included UK airport lounge access before flying overnight to the fascinating city-state of Singapore.
Days
2-3
Singapore: the old and new
Arrive into Singapore this morning where your private driver will be waiting to whisk you to your hotel – the iconic Fullerton. Located in the colonial heart of Singapore, this elegant hotel enjoys a reputation as one of the country's grandest hotels. Indeed, while you’ll be struck by the imposing façade and heritage accommodation, you’ll also be treated to everything from an opulent spa to a gorgeous infinity pool. Take the day to relax and pamper before the adventures begin.
The next day, you'll head out on an included guided tour of the city. The vibrant neighbourhoods of Chinatown and Little India are firmly on the agenda as you get a taste of the many cultures that have fused together to create this unique country. There'll also be time to embrace the more modern ingenuities; namely the wondrous Supertrees in the Garden by the Bay. Be sure not to miss out on one of the city’s famed hawker markets for an unmatched introduction to Singaporean cuisine. You will end your tour with a sport of afternoon tea at Raffles hotel.
Stay: Fullerton Hotel, Singapore (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
4
Eastern & Oriental Express to Gemas
Today, the wait is finally over as you are transferred to Singapore’s Woodlands Station by your private driver in time to board the famous green and cream carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express – Southeast Asia's most elegant train. Settle into your opulent air-conditioned cabin, a sanctuary of cherrywood panelling, Thai silks and Malaysian embroidery, as the train travels through lush, green landscapes, setting the perfect scene for your immersion into wild Malaysia – a journey of a lifetime.
You'll weave through dense untamed jungle, rubber and palm plantations, soaking up the vistas as your steward served a healthy afternoon tea in your cabin. Then, as evening falls it's time to dress for your welcome dinner in the train's delightful Dining Car. Indulge in a four-course dinner of sustainable specialities, enhanced with herbs and plants from remote regions. Afterwards, take to the atmospheric bar car for a night of engaging onboard entertainment and drinks.
Stay: Eastern & Oriental Express (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
5
Taman Negara to Kuala Lumpur
Enjoy breakfast in your private cabin, admiring the views of the Jungle Line as the train courses through some of Malaysia's wildest regions. After a leisurely morning taking in the views, and following lunch on board, you'll arrive at Merapoh station where you'll disembark for a truly breathtaking experience. As part of Eastern & Oriental's ongoing partnership with Save Wild Tigers, you're invited to discover the “tiger territory” of Taman Negara National Park, meeting local villagers and organisations who are working on the ground to protect this noble, critically endangered wild cat and its habitat. The Malayan tiger is the national animal of Malaysia, emblazoned on both the coat of arms and the train’s emblem, and thus an important part of the experience.
Taman Negara was formed 130 million years ago, making it one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world. The dense jungle, wide rivers and lush mountains are home to wildlife ranging from water buffalo to macaques, tapirs to hornbills. Explore the park on a guided tour, then it's back on board for a delicious dinner and local entertainment in the Piano Bar Car.
Stay: Eastern & Oriental Express (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Travel the west coast to Penang
Enjoy a tasty breakfast and lunch on board, before alighting for the crossing to Penang Island, known as the pearl of the orient. Showcasing Malaysia's cultural melting pot, your choice of excursions include delving into temples, operas and puppet houses in Georgetown Old Quarter or embarking on a discovery of Peranakan cooking through an authentic and immersive cookery class. For those preferring to explore independently, we recommend hopping on a tri-shaw complete with a driver and map to explore Georgetown's myriad attractions at your pace. After a day of exploration, you'll rejoin the train at Butterworth in time for a final evening of sublime cuisine and fabulous entertainment on board.
Stay: Eastern & Oriental Express (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Return to Singapore
Cherish a final breakfast in your cabin or in the Dining Car as you sweep through Malaysia's southernmost state of Johor, known for its wild rainforests and white-sand beaches. Soak up the views from your cabin before the train crosses the strait to Singapore, where your journey comes to an end. Disembark the train before a private transfer will be waiting to take you to the Fullerton Hotel for a final night.
Stay: Fullerton Hotel, Singapore (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Days
8-9
Singapore to UK
Enjoy a final breakfast, and depending on your flight time, make the most of your final day with a last chance to explore the city. Your private driver will be waiting in time to take you to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
9-day luxury rail holiday
from £6,720 pp incl. flights
Deluxe - Pullman Cabin
High Season
from £6,800 pp. incl. flights
Low Season
from £6,720 pp. incl. flights
An alternative route will operate in Feb and Nov/Dec on the west coast of Malaysia
Includes
- Complimentary access to UK departure lounge access
- Return flights between UK and Singapore
- Private arrival transfer from airport to hotel
- 2 nights pre-accommodation in 5* hotel in Singapore on a BB basis
- Private departure transfer from hotel to check-in at Raffles
- Eastern & Oriental transfer from Raffles to Woodlands station
- Eastern & Oriental Express including selected meals prepared by on-board chefs in a Pullman Cabin
- Taman Negara National Park tiger conservation excursion
- Choice of excursions in Georgetown
- Private arrival transfer from station to hotel
- 1 night post-accommodation in 5* hotel in Singapore on a BB basis
Upgrades to State Cabins and Presidential Cabins available on request
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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