After a four year hiatus, the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, will returns to the tracks in 2024—this time with epic itineraries through Malaysia. Tatler Asia got an exclusive first look at what's in store...
Time is the ultimate luxury, and one of the most prominent travel trends is the desire to take longer, more meaningful trips. Alternative modes of transport are finally getting their share of the spotlight as travellers embrace the romance of slow travel, with luxury sleeper trains making a triumphant return to bucket lists around the world.
Also making a triumphant return is the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, as it has just been announced that it will launch two new seasonal journeys in 2024 after a four-year hiatus.
“In the [era] of post-pandemic travel, and as demand for greener alternatives to flying are on the rise, we expect interest in long-distance train journeys will continue to grow," says Arnaud Champenois, senior vice president and global head of brand, marketing and communications for luxury hotel group Belmond.
Offering a reimagined adventure of Southeast Asia in motion, the Eastern & Oriental Express will depart from Singapore and journey through Malaysia’s ever-changing landscapes—from vibrant cities to fiery-hued sunsets tucked behind royal towns and lush plantations.
See also: Slow Travel in Style: Luxury Train and Yacht Experiences to Add to Your Bucket List
Its first route, Wild Malaysia, curated with the global tiger conservation organisation, Save Wild Tigers, will run from March to October. Eastern & Oriental Express will take the ‘Jungle Railway’ towards the Eastern side of the peninsula, where guests will have the unique privilege of visiting the Taman Negara National Park. One of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world, it is home to hundreds of species including tigers, leopards, and Sumatran rhinos.
Designed for adventurous travellers, Wild Malaysia guests can take part in a number of excursions, from learning about Malayan Tiger conservation efforts to a wildlife photography masterclass, to connecting with their inner gatherer with a foraging experience in the jungle.
The journey ends with a visit to Penang to explore its artistic, culinary and historic heritage.
