Eastern & Oriental Express: Wild Malaysia

With included UK airport lounge access, you’ll enjoy a relaxing start to your holiday before your overnight flight to the island city of Singapore.

Arriving into Singapore, you’ll be met for a private transfer to your hotel – the iconic Fullerton. A grand city landmark, this neoclassical icon will offer a poignant introduction to a city where old and modern live harmoniously side by side. 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.

The next day, you’ll head out to explore on a guided city tour, contrasting the vibrant neighbourhoods of Chinatown and Little India with such cutting-edge wonders as the 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.

Today, a private transfer will see you to Singapore’s Woodlands Station where you’ll board the famous green and cream carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express – one of the world’s most elegant trains. Indeed, between its Cherrywood-panelled corridors, Malaysian embroidery, the atmospheric bar car and the fine marquetry of its restaurant carriage, it’s the ultimate way to explore in style.

Settle into your air-conditioned cabin. As the train travels through lush, green landscapes, it sets the scene for your immersion into wild Malaysia. Weave through tangled jungle, rubber and palm plantations, soaking up the vistas as your steward serves a healthy afternoon tea in your cabin. Soon, evening falls and it’s time to dress for dinner in the Dining Car. Indulge in sustainable specialities enhanced with herbs and plants sourced from remote regions. Afterwards, enjoy engaging onboard entertainment with a nightcap.

After breakfast in your cabin, admire the views of the Jungle Line as the train courses through some of the wildest parts of Malaysia. Following lunch on board, you'll arrive at Merapoh station where you'll disembark for a truly extraordinary experience. Conservation is at the heart of the Eastern & Oriental Express philosophy and the Malayan tiger is the national animal of Malaysia, emblazoned on both the coat of arms and the train’s emblem.

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. 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 – a true explorer’s paradise. Returning to the train, a lively evening with local entertainment awaits in the Piano Bar Car, preceded by a delicious dinner.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board, before alighting for the crossing to Penang Island. Here, you'll be treated to a choice of excursions designed to showcase Malaysia’s cultural melting pot. Art lovers can explore Georgetown Old Quarter with a guide, delving into temples, a contemporary studio and an opera and puppet house. Foodies can embark on a discovery of Peranakan cooking, purchasing specialities from spice and grocery stores before mastering delicious local dishes in a cookery class. Or, for those who prefer to explore independently, there's the chance to hop on a tri-shaw, complete with driver and a map, to wind through Georgetown’s historic streets and visit its attractions at your whim. Rejoin the train at Butterworth for a convivial final evening on board with sublime cuisine and fabulous entertainment.

Enjoy breakfast in your cabin or the Dining Car as you travel through the southernmost state of Johor, known for its beaches and rainforest. Soon afterwards, the train crosses the strait to Singapore, where you disembark and take a private transfer to the Fullerton Hotel for a final night before your flight home.

After a leisurely breakfast and, depending on your flight time, a last chance to explore, a private transfer will see you to the airport in time for your overnight flight home.