Rolling in luxury

South-East Asia’s most iconic luxury train returns in 2024 with new captivating journeys to entice explorers. — Photos: Ludovic Balay/Belmond

THE growing slow tourism trend has no doubt transformed the world of travel. The concept is rooted in leisurely and mindful enjoyment over the hurried attempt to “see more, do more” ideology that many holidaymakers often subject themselves to. Slow travel, as the term suggests, is about embracing and immersing oneself into the journey as opposed to fulfilling an itinerary on a packed tour.

In a fast-paced world where travellers jet from one destination to another, some are adopting more traditional forms of transport. Because of this luxury trains are now enjoying a renaissance across the world, fuelled by vacationers eager to experience a touch of glamour and prestige on the rails. The timing then could not have been better for the re-launch of the Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Express, A Belmond Train South-East Asia on Malaysian shores early this year.

Back on track

Widely considered the most indulgent train journey from Singapore to Malaysia, the E&O Express resumed its journey earlier this year on the Malaysian railways. The train is undoubtedly South-East Asia’s most iconic luxury train, a distinction it has held ever since it took to the rails on its inaugural journey in 1993.

Then, the train ferried passengers between Bangkok and Singapore, passing through Malaysia affording its passengers a sense of nostalgia as they traversed the land linking each country. Its re-launch though sees Belmond’s E&O Express transport passengers on a new luxurious adventure with revised itineraries, each curated to showcase the ancient wonders and natural attractions of an ever-changing Malaysia.

Like its sister train, the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, stepping aboard the E&O Express is akin to entering a time capsule. The stainless steel-bodied carriages were originally built in the early 70s by Nippon Sharyo & Hitachi for the New Zealand Railways.

Back then it operated as the Silver Star train, however, twenty years later, the carriages were brought to South-East Asia and transformed into the Eastern & Oriental Express. Three decades on, the luxury train continues to embody the opulence, comfort and luxurious refinements it is renowned for.

Reimagined for its new rail journey, each of the 15 carriages has been restyled to reflect its highly-anticipated re-launch. Each boast elements like ornate marquetry, Malaysian embroidery and rich silks. The carriage interiors that include eight sleeping carriages to its restaurant cars, the piano bar and the open-air observation car exude a sense of contemporary grandeur.

Indulgent abode

As guests board the train in Singapore’s Woodlands Station, they are immediately ushered to their private cabins where the journey begins. Three cabin categories are on offer — Pullman, State and Presidential — each complete with air-conditioning, private bathrooms and impeccably furnished with elements inspired by the destinations the Eastern & Oriental Express will transport its passengers to.

The Pullman cabins exude warmth courtesy of their cherry wood panelling and interior featuring red sofas juxtaposed with blue cushions and drapery and pelmets that pay homage to Kuala Lumpur. Penang’s marine locale provides the inspiration for the State Cabins, which feature a bright blue and green colour palette. The Presidential Suites on the other hand celebrate regional opulence with hues of gold and embroidered decor elements. Beyond the cabins, both the Piano Bar and the Observation Car provide the perfect setting for guests to settle into their journey.

The Piano Bar with its eye-catching green carpet with a Tiger Orchid blooming across the entire length is the designated gathering spot for pre-dinner aperitifs and post-dinner cocktails complete with entertainment provided by talented musicians belting out classic hits, Nanyang jazz and vintage Malay tunes.

The Observation Car on the other hand is a place for contemplative immersion with wide windows and an open air carriage that offers breathtaking views of the land the train passes through.

Experiential journeys

With a new focus on the Malaysian peninsula, Belmond’s new three-night Wild Malaysia itinerary is designed to immerse guests into the very fabric of the land and the towns and cities it traverses. The itinerary is further enriched by off-board excursions and activities providing passengers the opportunity to experience deeper, more meaningful interactions with the local culture and attractions of each destination.

For instance, the Wild Malaysia journey tees up an engaging journey to showcase the untamed beauty of Malaysia with stopovers in Taman Negara National Park in Pahang and Penang. An overnight journey from Woodlands brings passengers to the National Park— a first for the E&O Express since it took to the Malaysian rails decades ago.

At Taman Negara, passengers can indulge in insightful excursions that include a cave exploration, a visit to a tiger sanctuary or a nature photography experience. After a day of exploration, the train departs to Penang, making Butterworth its second stop the next day.

Upon disembarkation passengers are ferried across to the island, where they can partake in uncovering the flavours of Penang via a cooking class or an art and artistry tour in Georgetown. Those who want to explore the Pearl of the Orient at their leisure can also select a free and easy excursion complete with their own personal trishaw and guide.

Grandeur on the rails

Being given the opportunities to discover these Malaysian states are just part of the new Eastern & Oriental Express experience. For many passengers, the appeal of the luxury train is rooted in its impeccable service and indulgent offerings. Virtually a five-star hotel in constant motion, the E&O Express delivers on its reputation in providing the very best for its guests.

Putting each passenger in total comfort the moment they set foot on the train, everything from the personalised on-boarding experience to a designated steward on each car dedicated towards attending to passengers’ needs are taken care of. And then there are the food and beverage options, prepared and curated to appease even diehard gourmands.

For meals, award-winning chef, André Chiang weaves his magic with culinary offerings to tantalise the tastebuds. Most notably, Chiang’s culinary creations are inspired by the spices and ingredients from Malaysia and Singapore, as well as Peranakan cultural influences ultimately producing a natural fusion of East meets West cuisine. Dining on board the Eastern & Oriental Express on either the Adisorn and Malaya Restaurant carriages adds to the overall experience on this iconic ride.

With its new revised itineraries and luxurious offerings, a trip aboard the Eastern & Orient Express, A Belmond Train South-East Asia undoubtedly ranks as a trip of a lifetime. If anything it sets the stage for those looking to experience nostalgia and unmatched luxury on rails. It also serves to inject a sense of nationalistic pride for Malaysians as well.

After all, it is reassuring to know that somewhere across this land, there’s this iconic green train making its way across the country, immersing its passengers with the culture and beauty of the country and fuelling them with memories and stories that will last a lifetime. The words “getting there is only half the fun” have never been truer when it comes to experiencing the railway icon that is the Eastern & Oriental Express.

This article first appeared in Star Biz7 weekly edition.