Asia's Most Opulent Train is Back—Take a Sneak Peek

The luxury hospitality brand Belmond has been steadily expanding its collection of luxurious train journeys, founded on the belief that rail travel can whisk passengers back to the illustrious golden age of travel—a time before the distractions of social media, where luxury was the norm.

I usually approach such grand claims with skepticism. However, as I settled into the Eastern and Oriental Express while it traversed the lush, rain-soaked Malaysian jungle over three days, I found myself converted.

Each evening, dressed in a cocktail gown, I mingled over dinner and champagne with fascinating strangers from around the globe: a British journalist who had spent decades interviewing celebrities, a Canadian adventurer determined to attend 60 concerts in her 60th year, and an Australian foodie who travels over 24 hours for work every few weeks. The nights continued into the early hours, with passengers gathering to sip drinks and sing along to live piano music in the bar car or participate in karaoke that brought even the shyest guests into the spotlight. With little to no cell service, it was a refreshing escape from the daily digital buzz, allowing us to truly embrace the art of slow travel.

After a four-year pause due to the pandemic, Asia's most luxurious train made its official return in February 2024, introducing two new seasonal routes designed to showcase Malaysia in style. Each three-day journey begins in Singapore and takes travelers to various destinations across Malaysia, such as Merapoh, Penang Island, and Pulau Payar Marine Park, depending on the chosen itinerary. For those seeking an extra touch of elegance on their nostalgic train ride, Belmond has partnered with fellow LVMH brand Veuve Clicquot to offer exclusive “champagne train” experiences. After enjoying a Veuve Clicquot-themed journey in Malaysia last April, more champagne-infused rail routes will be launched in Europe and Peru later this year.

Here’s what you can look forward to on board and how to make your reservation.

What to anticipate while traveling on the Eastern and Oriental Express

The train itself is a timeless masterpiece

Guests on the Eastern and Oriental Express are invited to don their finest attire—the more theatrical, the better. This complements the train's opulent design, which first graced the tracks in 1993, showcasing rich jewel tones, cherry-red wood, and luxurious decor from front to back.

Travelers can choose from three distinct cabin styles: Pullman, State, and Presidential, each accommodating a maximum of two guests. The compact Pullmans feature bunk beds, while State and Presidential cabins offer two single beds and more spacious layouts. The Presidential suite boasts additional luxuries, including a larger bathroom, private transfers, and a welcome gift upon arrival. I experienced the State Cabin, the mid-sized option, which was comfortably suitable for one person; though designed for two, it could feel cramped with luggage. The cabin included a cleverly designed bathroom (with a shower, sink, and toilet), an armchair, a table for writing, and a chaise that converts into a bed at night, making for a pleasant journey. An in-room copy of Sparkling Cyanide, Agatha Christie’s intriguing tale of a deadly dinner party, made for delightful reading during the trip.

On board, guests spend the majority of their time in the bar car or one of the three dining cars. The bar car is perfect for playing cards, mahjong, and other games or simply enjoying the view from plush golden sofas adorned with leopard-print pillows. The dining cars feature white tablecloth service and expansive windows, allowing passengers to savor meals alongside breathtaking landscapes. However, the true gem is the observation car; its open-air views of lush rainforests, quaint villages, and vibrant farms are nothing short of spectacular. (Don’t worry, bug spray is provided in your cabin, and the breeze from the moving train keeps the humidity in the open-air car manageable.)

A culinary adventure for food and drink enthusiasts

While a light breakfast is served daily in each cabin, lunches and dinners aboard the Eastern and Oriental Express are grand affairs. Led by acclaimed Taiwanese chef Andre Chiang (formerly from the three-Michelin-star restaurant Le Jardin des Sens in Paris), the menu draws inspiration from a vibrant mix of Asian culinary traditions, including Malaysian influences. Highlights included Chinese-braised pork belly, miso-baked cod, laksa bouillabaisse, and an exquisite red curry and lemongrass consommé that I later attempted (and failed) to replicate at home. (Vegetarian options are available upon request.)

On this particular journey, meals also featured exquisite champagne. Each course during lunch and dinner was paired with a selection of fine wines, some dating back to 1990 and 1989—vintages that are otherwise nearly impossible to find.

What to anticipate during excursions

Each full day of the journey divides passengers (the train can host up to 64 travelers per departure) into groups for various excursions in Malaysia: First, a visit to Taman Negara National Park, a 130-million-year-old rainforest, followed by a trip to Penang, where you can explore the island city of Georgetown and enjoy hazy vistas of boats navigating the Malacca Strait the next day.

At each stop, there were typically three excursion options available. I opted for a wildlife photography tour in Taman Negara, which took us along roads flanked by mountains and dense jungle. While the park is renowned for its wildlife, we only spotted a few monkeys in the distance. Another group that visited a tiger sanctuary found no tigers at all, and the third excursion to Merapoh Caves not only had the most success with wildlife—thousands of bats clinging to the cave’s ceiling—but also included a bike tour with stunning scenery.

The next day, my group explored the area and made a stop at the Michelin-starred Penang Famous Samosa, a small street food stall famous for the popular Indian snack. We then enjoyed an exceptional cooking class at a family estate on Penang Hill, boasting breathtaking views over the city. Other groups faced challenges, as their plans for an afternoon city tour via scooter and rickshaw were thwarted by unbearable humidity levels.

The appeal of the excursions often hinged on factors beyond one’s control—such as wildlife sightings or weather conditions—though some offerings could use a bit of enhancement. Nevertheless, you’ll likely find that delving into the heart of Malaysia’s unique cities and landscapes will yield a memorable experience.

The pricing

Prices for the Eastern and Oriental Express begin at $6,800 per person for a Pullman cabin. Tickets can be purchased through the Belmond website.

What to know about Belmond and Veuve Clicquot’s champagne trains

Named “Solaire Journeys,” Belmond’s exclusive new partnership with French champagne brand Veuve Clicquot adds a sparkling twist to its classic train experiences: wine tastings, food pairings, and even quizzes for those who consider themselves champagne connoisseurs. Although Solaire Journeys won’t be making an appearance on the Eastern and Oriental Express (for the time being), there are two upcoming, limited-edition trips on two of Belmond’s most iconic routes, featuring plenty of bubbly and tastings led by Veuve Clicquot’s cellar master, Didier Mariotti.

In July 2024, Veuve Clicquot will take over the legendary Venice-Simplon-Orient Express, which journeys from Vienna, Austria, to Reims, France, over two nights. Prices start at $8,800 per person for a Historic Twin Cabin, which includes a Vienna Gala dinner and a night at the Hotel Imperial, and $4,500 per person for a Historic Twin Cabin without the Vienna stay. You can request booking information online.

In late October 2024, travelers can embark on a five-night adventure from Cusco to Machu Picchu and beyond aboard the Hiram Bingham and the Andean Explorer. Prices begin at $15,000 per person for a Twin Cabin, with booking details available online.