Eastern & Oriental Express: The Tiger Express

Your journey in Singapore begins in style as you’re met on arrival and transferred privately to Raffles, a hotel synonymous with old‑world glamour. Palm‑lined courtyards, white colonnades and the soft chime of the lobby’s grandfather clock set an unmistakably nostalgic tone. Settle into your suite, all teak floors, heritage furnishings and discreet butler service, before joining a private front desk in the East India Room. Here, an exclusive short film featuring Ray Winstone introduces the conservation story at the heart of your adventure. Afterwards, perhaps wander the hotel’s lantern‑lit verandas or enjoy a Singapore Sling where it was first created.

After breakfast, your private transfer takes you to Woodlands Station, where the Eastern & Oriental Express awaits – its green‑and‑gold carriages gleaming beneath the tropical sun. Porters in crisp uniforms welcome you aboard, guiding you through polished brass doorways into a world of refined, 1930s‑inspired elegance. Settle into your cabin of cherrywood panelling, silk cushions and embroidered Malaysian textiles. As the train eases out of Singapore, the cityscape gently melts into jungle, palm groves and small rural settlements. Your steward brings afternoon tea on a silver tray, the china gently rattling as the train curves northwards. Later, dress for dinner and make your way to the restaurant car, where chef André Chiang presents a menu inspired by the region’s flavours, all delicate, inventive and beautifully plated. Afterward, drift to the piano bar car for live music, a nightcap and the hypnotic rhythm of the rails as Malaysia’s moonlit countryside slips past your window.

Wake early to the soft glow of dawn filtering through your cabin blinds as the train approaches Merapoh. After breakfast, step onto the platform and into one of the world’s most ancient rainforests – Taman Negara, a 130‑million‑year‑old ecosystem alive with birdsong, towering hardwoods and the scent of damp earth. Choose from three immersive excursions: join conservationists working to protect the critically endangered Malayan tiger; follow a nature photographer deep into the jungle in search of rare wildlife; or explore vast limestone caves shaped over millennia. Meet local villagers, hear stories from experts and gain a deeper understanding of the fragile balance that sustains this remarkable environment. Return to the train for lunch as it continues along the jungle line, passing rice paddies, tin‑roofed villages and dense swathes of emerald forest. As evening falls, enjoy another elegant dinner followed by lively local entertainment in the piano bar car; a warm, convivial finale to your time on board.

After breakfast, disembark for the short crossing to Penang, where George Town’s UNESCO‑listed streets reveal a rich blend of Chinese, Malay and colonial influences. A traditional trishaw carries you through narrow lanes to the ornate Cheah Kongsi Temple, opened exclusively for your visit. Wander its gilded halls and intricate courtyards before continuing to the iconic Blue Mansion. Here, meet the conservator for a personal insight into the building’s restoration, then watch a demonstration of traditional indigo batik techniques. You’ll also have the chance to view striking images from the Eye on the Tiger exhibition and speak with its curator. Rejoin the train for lunch before disembarking for your private transfer to Kuala Perlis. A boat carries you across shimmering waters to Langkawi, where The Datai – hidden deep within a 10‑million‑year‑old rainforest – welcomes you for three nights of barefoot luxury.

Wake to the sound of cicadas and the rustle of leaves as sunlight filters through the canopy. With the day at leisure, wander down the private footpath to Datai Bay, a crescent of powder‑soft sand named one of the world’s best beaches. Swim in warm, turquoise waters, relax by the pool or join a guided nature walk to spot hornbills, geckos and dusky langurs. Dinner is yours to enjoy at one of the resort’s acclaimed restaurants, each offering its own take on Malaysian flavours.

Spend another day enjoying The Datai’s serene surroundings. Perhaps kayak along the coastline, explore jungle trails or indulge in a Malay healing ritual at The Spa. As evening approaches, gather on the beach for cocktails beneath a sky streaked with gold and rose. An intimate gala dinner follows, set to the sound of waves lapping the shore – a magical, candlelit celebration marking the end of your journey.

Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the rainforest before checking out. A private limousine transfer takes you to Langkawi Airport for your onward flight, bringing your Tiger Express adventure to a close.