There are journeys, and then there are stories written on steel tracks. In a world racing towards efficiency, the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia, offers a defiant, luxurious deceleration — a three-night passage through the timeless landscapes of Malaysia. Cloaked in classic emerald green and trimmed in gold, the train doesn’t just move from one destination to another — it glides through an unfolding cinematic reel of history, culture, and culinary mastery.
This is not your typical Southeast Asian vacation. This is art de vivre on rails.
New Tracks, Timeless Spirit
With the recent appointment of Win Min as General Manager, the Eastern & Oriental Express is entering a new era, one that merges Belmond’s heritage of refined travel with contemporary dynamism. Win Min brings over a decade of Belmond experience, from the rivers of Myanmar aboard Orcaella and Road to Mandalay to the colonial elegance of The Governor’s Residence. His deep understanding of Southeast Asia’s pulse is matched by a vision for curated guest experiences rooted in authenticity and style.
“The Eastern & Oriental Express carries a storied history and a unique narrative,” says Win. “I look forward to honouring that legacy, while introducing innovative ideas through our new culinary focus, and forging meaningful connections with our guests.”
Two Journeys, One Southeast Asia
Guests can choose between two evocative itineraries. The Essence of Malaysia, offered from November through February, celebrates Malaysia’s diversity from city to coast — think colonial George Town, UNESCO-protected Penang, and the soft sands of Langkawi.
In contrast, Wild Malaysia (March to October) is a more rugged homage to nature, journeying through the ancient rainforest of Taman Negara, where the jungle sings in whispers and roars.
Departing from Singapore, both routes are an ode to slow discovery, punctuated by vivid scenes of rice paddies, glassy rivers, gilded temples, and villages frozen in time. There’s something meditative about watching the world pass by from the open-air Observation Car, cocktail in hand, as day slides into dusk.
