Belmond, the luxury travel company, has announced that the Eastern & Oriental Express will resume its services in February 2024. This iconic passenger train, known for its luxurious rail rides in Asia, first started operating in 1993, connecting Bangkok and Singapore. However, due to the pandemic, it ceased operations in 2020.
The revived Eastern & Oriental Express will feature 15 carriages, including two restaurant cars, a piano bar car, and an open-air observation car. Its eight sleeping cars will offer three cabin categories—Pullman, State, and Presidential—each equipped with air-conditioning and private bathrooms.
Bookings for 2024 have already opened, with rates starting from $3,410 per person for a three-day journey. This price includes all meals, beverages, and scheduled activities, ensuring a luxurious and hassle-free experience for the passengers.
The new service will offer two seasonal journeys, both departing from Singapore and traveling to Malaysia. The “Essence of Malaysia” journey will run from November to February, taking passengers through Kuala Lumpur with spectacular views of the Petronas Twin Towers. The journey will then continue to the popular islands of Langkawi and Penang in western Malaysia.
From March to October, passengers can embark on the “Wild Malaysia” route, which explores the rainforests of the Taman Negara National Park before reaching Penang on the eastern side of Malaysia. Throughout these journeys, guests will have the opportunity to snorkel in Palau Payar Marine Park, join a Peranakan cooking class, and immerse themselves in the vibrant food scene and UNESCO World Heritage sites of George Town.
While the Eastern & Oriental Express has often been referred to as Southeast Asia’s “Orient Express,” it is important to note that other train services also bear this name. Belmond operates another train called the “Venice Simplon-Orient-Express,” which has been running since 1982 under a one-off licensing deal. Additionally, Accor, the French hospitality company, holds broader rights to the name through an agreement with the French rail company SNCF. Accor is set to launch a luxury passenger service in 2025 and has already begun pre-bookings for its six “Orient Express La Dolce Vita” trains in Italy.
In conclusion, the revival of the Eastern & Oriental Express presents an exciting opportunity for travelers seeking a luxurious and memorable rail experience in Asia. The train’s impeccable amenities, stunning routes, and diverse activities ensure that passengers will have an unforgettable journey. Whether exploring the rich culture and landscapes of Malaysia or embarking on other renowned train services across Europe, the allure of the Orient Express continues to captivate travelers worldwide.
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