Forbes Lifestyle Travel The Eastern & Oriental Express Train Returns To Asia Everett Potter Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Exploring the world for 3 decades and counting Following Click to save this article. You’ll be asked to sign into your Forbes account.
Nov 27, 2023, 05:21pm EST Press play to listen to this article! Got it! Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin The Eastern & Oriental Express Belmond In the 1990s, The Eastern & Oriental Express , a modern version of the vintage luxury trains that once snaked through Southeast Asia, took to the rails. It recreated a decidedly romantic way to travel through the jungles, cities, and riverfront towns of Singapore and Malaysia, which its sister train, the Venice Simplon Orient Express, offered in Europe. The train stopped running during the pandemic, but now, after a four-year pause, it will return to service in February 2024.
The Eastern & Oriental Express is a Belmond Train, from the company behind such luxury trains as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Andean Explorer in Peru, the Royal Scotsman in Scotland, and the British Pullman in the U. K. Belmond does luxury trains like no one else on the planet.
Scenery aside, these journeys are about diving into the region’s culture, gastronomy, architecture, and art. Onboard The Eastern & Oriental Express Belmond Belmond will launch two new seasonal journeys, departing from Singapore’s Woodlands station and traveling through Malaysia’s intoxicating landscapes and cities. The Essence of Malaysia will run from November to February.
Wild Malaysia will offer departures from March to October. The Train The reborn Eastern & Oriental will return with 15 restyled carriages, including eight sleeping cars, two restaurant cars, a Piano Bar Car, and the famous open-air Observation Car. Materials include handsome marquetry, Malaysian embroidery, and oriental silks.
The design is all about grandeur, colors, and curated design details. MORE FOR YOU The 73 Best Cyber Monday Deals To Shop Today Ukraine’s M-1 Tank Commanders Have a Better View Of The Battlefield Cost Cutting In Modernization Makes Russia s Main Combat Tank A Lemon Pullman Cabin on The Eastern & Oriental Express Belmond The cabins have cherry wood paneling and are offered in three luxury categories: Pullman, State, and Presidential. All of them have air-conditioning and private bathrooms.
The Pullman cabins have red sofas, blue cushions, and drapery and pelmets that reflect the area’s dramatic skies. State cabins reflect the marine locale of the city of Penang with a bright blue and green color palette. The Presidential cabins are opulent, with touches of gold and embroidered décor elements.
The Piano Bar Car features a green carpet depicting a Tiger Orchid. The Malay restaurant uses traditional Malay batik, while the Observation Car has wicker details, brightly colored cushions, and hand-painted pots. Onboard The Eastern & Oriental Express Belmond The Essence of Malaysia The Essence of Malaysia is a three-night journey from Singapore through Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and the island of Penang.
On day two, guests can disembark in Alor Setar and join a private cruise to Langkawi. For the first time, the Eastern & Oriental Express will offer guests the chance to snorkel at the Pulau Payar Marine Park. The third day is dedicated to Penang, a multicultural island whose capital, George Town, has century-old UNESCO World Heritage sites, colorful street art, and a delcious food scene.
Highlights include visiting art galleries and markets, exploring ancient temples in George Town’s Old Quarter, and enjoying an authentic Peranakan cooking class in a private hillside residence followed by a traditional tea ceremony. This cuisine blends Chinese, Malay, and other Southeast Asian culinary influences in the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca, and Singapore. The Essence of Malaysia starts at US$3,410 per person in a Pullman cabin and includes all meals, a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, onboard entertainment, and onboard and offboard activities per the three-night itinerary.
Onboard The Eastern & Oriental Express Belmond Wild Malaysia The Wild Malaysia itinerary is a brand-new destination for the Eastern & Oriental Express. It covers the untouched areas surrounding the so-called Jungle Railway towards the peninsula’s Eastern side, allowing guests to visit the Taman Negara National Park. Created in collaboration with Save Wild Tigers, a global tiger conservation organization, the journey combines an extraordinary train journey through one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world and a chance to visit one of the most notable parks in Asia.
The Taman Negara National Park is home to tigers, leopards, and Sumatran rhinos. There are a variety of excursions on offer, from learning about the safeguarding of the Malayan Tiger to a photography masterclass and even foraging in the jungle. On day three, guests will travel to Penang, with a choice of activities to explore Penang’s artistic, culinary, and historic heritage.
The Wild Malaysia itinerary starts at US$3,410 per person in a Pullman cabin. It includes all meals, a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, onboard entertainment, and onboard and offboard activities per the three-night itinerary. For more information on The Eastern & Oriental Express, visit Belmond .
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From: forbes
URL: https://www.forbes.com/sites/everettpotter/2023/11/27/the-eastern–oriental-express-train-returns-to-asia/
