The luxury passenger train The Eastern and Oriental Express (E&O) has returned to the tracks in Southeast Asia in February 2024 as it launched its first service in four years. It had suspended service in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, interior designers have refreshed the 15 hunter-green carriages, which include a piano bar car, two restaurant cars, an open-air observation car and eight sleeping cars.
A story 30 years in the making, the E&O made its inaugural journey from Bangkok to Singapore in 1993 and became a favourite among high-end travellers who prefer the slow, nostalgic pace of rail travel with a touch of romance. American businessman James B. Sherwood purchased the luxury train carriages in Japan, and these were remodelled in Singapore with elegance, echoing the spirit of ancient IndoChina. Today, it is the sister of the celebrated Venice Simplon-Orient Express that runs between several European cities and it is also operated by luxury travel company Belmond.
Within its deep green-and-gold carriages, the E&O has all the facilities that turn it into a travelling luxury hotel where travellers have an opportunity to relax, enjoy fine-dining meals and immerse themselves in the region’s culture.
What’s included in the price package
Passenger capacity is only limited to 64 guests so guests can be guaranteed of exclusive and intimated experiences and impeccable service. Prices start from US$3,758 per person which include meals, beverages, excursions and entertainment as well as a continental breakfast served to you in your own cabin. All cabins come with ensuite bathrooms and are fully air-conditioned. Also included are dedicated 24-hour butler service.
Passengers can choose to lay their head down each night in one of three cabin options which are the Pullman Cabin (available for solo travellers as well), the State Cabin, or splurge on a Presidential Cabin.
In conjunction with the restart of service, Belmond had also officially announced the appointment of Chef André Chiang as its new Culinary Curator. With two Michelin stars and a placement in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants under his belt, Chef Chiang brings his innovative touch and expertise to curate an exclusive dining experience that captures the diversity of Southeast Asia.
Itineraries
E&O offers two Malaysia experiences – “Essence of Malaysia: A Gateway into Malay Culture” and “Wild Malaysia: Exploring Sights Unseen”. Both itineraries are three nights long.
From February through November 2024, the Essence of Malaysia route will whisk travelers from Singapore through Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Penang, offering several excursions along the way. One such adventure is a 25-minute boat ride to Langkawi’s Pulau Payar Marine Park, where guests will be provided with a luxury picnic set and they can spend the afternoon snorkeling or wandering around the island. On the next day, guests will arrive at Penang Island where they can ride a Vespa to visit Georgetown which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel at the famous colonial buildings, temples and timeless shophouses or attend a Peranakan cooking class.Peranakan food is known for its mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian ingredients and cooking methods.
On the Wild Malaysia route from Singapore, travel up north through the lush jungles of Malaysia from March to October 2024. Excursions range from a visit to Taman Negara National Park where travellers can join the mission to support efforts to safeguard the endangered Malayan tiger. The next stop is Georgetown in Penang to experience its melting pot of culture or attend a cooking class.
Veuve Clicquot’s Solaire Journeys
Veuve Clicquot’s latest set of three unique gastronomic excursions have been crafted with Belmond on its luxury trains. The first trip is a three-night excursion through Malaysia. Running from April 22-25, the trip kicks off in Singapore – where Veuve Clicquot’s champagne bottles were first shipped back in 1859 – aboard the E&O. From here, the train will take a scenic journey to Penang and Kuala Lumpur through the Taman Negara National Park on the iconic ‘jungle railway’. Guests will be wined and dined throughout the excursion, starting with a Solaire champagne brunch overlooking Singapore’s Marina Bay and culminating in an opulent gala dinner onboard the train paired with the finest champagne. Pricing is from US$6,800 per passenger, based on two guests sharing a Pullman Cabin.
The second trip is from Vienna to Reims on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express that will take place July 4–6, 2024. And the final trip, Anden Explorer takes place October 21–26, 2024 in Peru, starts in Cusco before heading to Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and La Raya, onboard both the Andean Explorer and Hiram Bingham.
