Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express has returned to the rails of Southeast Asia after a four-year hiatus.
Following a complete overhaul, the luxury train set off on its maiden voyage from Singapore on Monday (March 4) on a four-day, three-night journey through Malaysia.
Embarking on the newly introduced Wild Malaysia route until October, the 15-carriage train will travel east to one of the world’s oldest rainforests, Taman Negara National Park, before setting course for the island of Penang in the west.
From November, the legendary locomotive will resume its former itinerary, Essence of Malaysia, which travels from Singapore through Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Penang.
The new route isn’t the only fresh introduction for travellers as the train itself has received a complete makeover from French decorator, Gérard Gallet.
Gallet, the designer behind Belmond’s British Pullman and the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, has restyled the train with cherry wood panelling, Malaysian embroidery and oriental silks.
Onboard facilities include Addison and Malaya restaurants, headed by culinary curator André Chiang that serve up reinterpreted local dishes like laksa bouillabaisse and black-bone chicken consommé and a Piano Bar Carriage for those who want a botanical-inspired beverage from The Cocktail Professor.
There is also an observation car where guests can take in the verdant scenery of the Malaysian landscape.
The Eastern & Oriental Express has also partnered with Veuve Clicquot and Save Wild Tigers to create two unique journeys this April and May respectively.
Veuve Clicquot will bring cellar master, Didier Mariotti abroad for a one-off dining experience Solaire Journey, with Chef André and a special Tiger Express journey with train partner, Save Wild Tigers, to raise awareness of the conservation efforts to save the Malay Tiger.
Image Credits: Ludovic Balay