Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train: Wild Malaysia

Board the striking green and cream carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express at Woodlands Station, Singapore. Settle into your modern cabin and watch as the train travels through lush, green landscapes, setting the scene for your immersion into wild Malaysia. After the afternoon tea, spent soaking up the vistas from your cabin, dinner and onboard entertainment await in the Dining Car.

This morning, enjoy your breakfast and admire the views of the Jungle Railway as the train courses through some of the wildest parts of Malaysia. Alight at Merapoh station for some extraordinary experiences in Taman Negara National Park—formed 130 million years ago, it’s one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world.

The dense jungle, wide rivers and lush mountains are home to wildlife ranging from water buffalo to macaques, tapirs, and hornbills to the Malayan tiger—a true explorer’s paradise. From here, choose among a wide variety of excursions: learn about edible jungle ingredients, take a photography course in the rainforest, or venture into a thrilling wildlife excursion in support of the endangered Malayan tiger.

Return to the train for lunch and a leisurely afternoon as the train travels down the jungle line past rice paddies, palm trees and rural Malaysian villages. Tonight, relax over a delicious dinner followed by a lively evening of music in the Piano Bar Car.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board, before alighting for the crossing to Penang Island.

Here you can choose from a range of immersions that make the most of Malaysia’s cultural melting pot. Art lovers can explore Georgetown Old Quarter with a guide, delving into temples, a contemporary studio and an opera and puppet house. Food aficionados can embark on a discovery of Peranakan cooking, purchasing specialities from spice and grocery stores before mastering delicious local dishes in a cookery class. Or, for those who prefer to explore independently, you may choose to board a tri-shaw with a driver and a map, so that you can wind through Georgetown’s enchanting streets and visit its attractions on at whim.

Rejoin the train at Butterworth for a convivial final evening on board with sublime cuisine and fabulous entertainment.

Linger over breakfast in your cabin or the Dining Car as you travel through the southernmost state of Johor. Soon, the train crosses the strait to Singapore, where your Wild Malaysia itinerary comes to an end, your head filled with your new, magical memories.