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Eastern & Oriental Express: Festive Malaysia
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Credit: Eastern & Oriental Express
Credit: Eastern & Oriental Express
Credit: Eastern & Oriental Express
Credit: Eastern & Oriental Express
Credit: Eastern & Oriental Express
Credit: Eastern & Oriental Express
Credit: Eastern & Oriental Express
Restaurant | Eastern & Oriental Express
Credit: Eastern & Oriental Express
Malaysia

Eastern & Oriental Express: Festive Malaysia (Tour code: 13980)

Starts and Ends
in Singapore
Travel Periods
23 Dec 25 & 24 Dec 26
Experience
Travel Style
Rail Holiday Packages
In December, Join the Eastern & Oriental Express in Singapore for the festive voyage of a lifetime. Travelling through Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Penang, you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of relaxation on board and inspiring exploration off the train, always with an atmosphere of celebration.

Highlights

Excursion to Langkawi Island with a luxury picnic set and wellness activities

Christmas celebration in Penang Island with a choice of cultural tours or independent exploration

Final celebratory evening with champagne, exquisite cuisine and fabulous entertainment.

4 days
From
AUD 7,725
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Celebrate the festive season in unforgettable style aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express. This 3-night journey begins in vibrant Singapore, gliding north to Malaysia’s dynamic capital, Kuala Lumpur. Continue to the tranquil shores of Langkawi for a day of relaxation or adventure, then uncover Penang’s rich cultural heritage with curated experiences on the island. As the train returns via Butterworth to Singapore, savour gourmet dining, elegant celebrations and the glamour of luxury rail travel. A magical seasonal escape combining heritage, indulgence and the joyful spirit of the holidays.

Inclusions

Three nights aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train with a festive makeover and dedicated 24-hour steward service
Daily continental breakfast served in your cabin and daily three-course lunch and afternoon tea
Daily four-course dinner (seasonal table d’hôte menu, including coffee, tea and petits fours)
All house wine, house spirits and local beer. Premium drinks and drinks ordered to your cabin will be an additional charge
Excursion to Langkawi Island with a luxury picnic set and wellness activities
Christmas celebration in Penang Island with a choice of cultural tours or independent exploration
Transfers to/from Woodlands train station in Singapore at the start and end of tour.

Day 1 Singapore Kuala Lumpur

Board the exquisite green and cream carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express at Woodlands Station, Singapore. For this very special journey, the train has been given a festive makeover. Settle into your air-conditioned cabin, a sanctuary of cherrywood panelling, Malaysian embroidery and Thai silks.

Admire the lush passing landscapes as your steward serves an exquisite afternoon tea in your cabin. As evening slowly falls, it’s time to dress for dinner. Savour the flavours of locally inspired specialities in the Dining Car, followed by engaging entertainment on board.

Dinner
Singapore → Kuala Lumpur
Views from the train

Day 2 Kuala Lumpur Langkawi

After breakfast in your cabin, soak up the vistas as the train courses past the rice paddies and timeless rural villages of western Malaysia. Following lunch, there is a choice of enticing excursions. Alight at Arau Station for a car transfer to the jetty followed by a speed boat cruise to one of Langkawi’s most beautiful beaches. Enjoy easy relaxation in idyllic seclusion, reconnecting with nature and sampling wellness activities. Unwind with yoga, a sound bath and a massage, take a dip in the ocean or the nearby swimming pool, and enjoy tropical fruit, skewered delicacies and healthy drinks. Your glimpse of paradise continues with a boat ride through the narrow channels of Kilim Geoforest Park, where mangrove forests meet coastal karst in an otherworldly natural landscape.

Alternatively, opt for an adventurous discovery of Perlis Geopark, recently recognised as Malaysia’s 10th National Geopark for its remarkable geology and biodiversity. Embark on a cycle ride through breathtaking landscapes teeming with primates and birds, before entering an atmospheric former tin mine and unearthing its fascinating history. Or choose the final option for an immersion in the rich art and culture of Perlis. Learn to make your own batik, visit the personal collection of an antique enthusiast and prepare your own afternoon tea in a traditional Malaysian coffee shop. Returning to the train, an evening of lively celebrations with local entertainers awaits in the Piano Bar Car, accompanied by a delicious dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kuala Lumpur → Langkawi
Dining Car

Day 3 West-Coast Line Butterworth

Today, a merry Christmas is promised as you arrive in Penang Island, Malaysia’s cultural melting pot. Islanders of all religion love a celebration – you’re sure to spot glittering trees and decorations, and even hear a carol or two. Choose from three excursions to make the most of your time in Georgetown.

  • The first is a discovery of the culinary art of Peranakan cooking, where you will visit a spice shop and traditional grocery stores to purchase herbs and vegetables, before trying your hand at making some enticing local dishes.
  • The second suits those with a passion for culture and art, taking you to Georgetown Old Quarter to see stunning temples, a contemporary studio and an opera and puppet house.
  • Lastly, you can choose to explore the city independently: with a map, a tri-shaw and a driver, navigate Georgetown’s picturesque streets at your own pace. Your driver will take you anywhere you want to go, from grand attractions to hidden corners. Rejoin the train at Butterworth for lunch and a leisurely afternoon on board.

A final celebratory evening beckons. Pop the champagne, indulge in irresistible cuisine and enjoy fabulous festive entertainment. If you’re still up shortly after midnight, glance at the views of Kuala Lumpur as the train passes through.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
West-Coast Line → Butterworth
Views from the train

Day 4 Johor Singapore

Enjoy your first breakfast of the New Year in your cabin or the Dining Car as you travel through the southernmost state of Johor, known for its beaches and rainforest. Soon, the Eastern & Oriental Express train crosses the strait to Singapore, where you Festive Malaysia journey comes to an end. Disembark the train with magical memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. 

Breakfast
Johor → Singapore
Eastern & Oriental Express

Accommodation

The Eastern & Oriental Express

Upgrade available

A paradise of vintage charm, the twin bed setting of the Pullman cabins dazzles and delights. Relax onto plush seating by day as your cabin is flooded with light, courtesy of the two large windows. After the stars emerge, enjoy upper and lower berths cosy with crisp linens.  Pullman cabins are fully air-conditioned and fitted with ensuite shower and WC.

Pullman cabin (Twin or Single)

Room Upgrades

State Cabin

The light, airy State Cabins of the Eastern & Oriental Express connect you to the passing landscapes outside. Recline in spacious elegance by day; toast the day’s adventures with a nightcap before settling into two single lower-level beds at night. Marvel at the unique designs of the State Cabins, as Malaysia rushes by. State cabins are fully air-conditioned and fitted with ensuite shower and WC.

State Cabin

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Presidental Suites

The Presidential Suite offers supreme space with extra luxury touches and a large bathroom with enhanced amenities. Use the Wi-Fi onboard and set the ambience with your own music as you recline in the plush seating area. Presidential Suites are fully air-conditioned and fitted with ensuite shower and WC.

Presidental Suites

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package (Entrance tickets to sites and museums)

FAQs

What is the dress code onboard the train?

The atmosphere on board is one of relaxed refinement. During the day dress for relaxed comfort for onboard the train and when embarking on excursions. It is recommended to wear light cotton clothing for sightseeing. Please respect local cultures by wearing appropriate clothing when visiting religious sites. Evenings call for smart-casual attire with a touch of understated elegance and guests are suggested to wear a jacket or dress equivalent for dinner. Please refrain from wearing jeans or trainers.

Which drinks are available aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express?

Complimentary tea and coffee are available at all times. A selection of wines, spirits and local beers can also be served. Premium drinks and drinks served to your cabin will incur an additional charge. Bar drinks may be ordered in the Observation Car, the Bar Car, or served in your cabin by your steward. The Bar Car stays open, but drinks service may be temporarily suspended at the Singaporean/Malaysian border for Customs formalities or at the Train Manager’s discretion.

Can I confirm dining reservations in advance?

In order to comfortably accommodate all passengers, meals have multiple seating times. Preferences for seating times can be noted in advance, however reservations will be confirmed once on board.

Will the Eastern & Oriental Express accommodate special dietary preferences?

Provided a detailed request has been made at time of booking – special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian and vegan, can be arranged. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavour to prepare a dish with the ingredients available on board.

Will I need to tip the Eastern & Oriental Express staff?

Gratuities for staff and guides are at the passenger’s discretion.

Is there air conditioning on board?

There is a centrally controlled cooling system on board, however individual cabins are not temperature controlled separately with cooling. Guests can control the flow and volume of cooled air into their cabins by opening or closing a vent.

What is the luggage allowance for travelling guests onboard the train?

Space constraints require that luggage is limited, per passenger, to one 30kg piece of hand luggage for Pullman and State compartments passengers. Guests travelling in the Presidential Suite are allowed to bring one 30kg luggage, plus one hand luggage (to be placed in your cabin). Please keep your tickets, passports and any medication with you; do not pack them in your through or compartment luggage. Please note, durian fruit must not be taken on board. We recommend that you label your luggage with a contact address, your hotel and your destination. It will be taken care of as follows:

Through luggage:
We suggest that items not required for your journey are packed separately in a sturdy case. At check-in, this luggage will be labelled by E&O staff, after which it will not normally be accessible until you reach your destination. Ideally, large and/or hard cases should be checked in as through luggage.

Compartment luggage:
This should contain clothing and items you need during your journey. When you plan your luggage, please bear in mind that storage space is limited. There is a luggage rack, plus an additional storage cupboard with hangers. One or two soft-sided suit carriers or similar can be comfortably accommodated in each compartment.

Hand luggage:
Your passport, tickets, jewellery, money, camera, fragile items and any medication should be kept in your hand luggage and not checked in. We advise that you take out insurance to cover any loss or damage to your luggage and recommend that all valuable items are kept in your cabin’s safe.

What are the custom formalities between Singapore and Malaysia?

During your journey, staff and agents of Eastern & Oriental Express will help facilitate border formalities. You will be required to provide relevant information and hand over your passport at the appropriate times. Please note, however, that it is the responsibility of each individual passenger to ensure that they are in possession of the necessary and valid documentation. Eastern & Oriental Express assumes no responsibility for the consequences of any failure to comply.

At the Singaporean/Malaysian Customs and Immigration facility, the Eastern & Oriental train stops, and passengers must disembark and pass-through Customs and Immigration. Passengers must take all their hand baggage with them while their main luggage is removed for security screening procedures. Please ensure you allow sufficient time for these formalities when organising your onward arrangements.

Passport and customs formalities take place at the border between Singapore and Malaysia. At Woodlands Checkpoint, passengers will clear the Singaporean exit by themselves. After you clear both immigration procedures, cabin stewards will collect passengers’ passports and process the Malaysian Immigration formalities before returning them. On the way back, passports will be collected again to process the Malaysian Immigration formalities, before being returned to the passengers. Finally, passengers will cross the Singaporean border by themselves, once again.

What type of sleeping accommodation is available onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express?

The Eastern & Oriental Express train features elegant private cabins. All are fully air-conditioned with ensuite shower, toilet, hairdryer and a personal safe. Sockets are suitable for 3-pin UK standard plugs (220 volts).

During the day, berths — or single beds — are converted into comfortable seating.

Pullman Single Cabins. Daytime seating converts at night to a single bed at floor level. Dimensions are 5 sq metres.

Pullman Cabins. Daytime seating converts to upper and lower berths at night. Dimensions are 5.8 sq metres.

State Cabins. Daytime seating converts to two single beds at floor level at night. Dimensions are 7.8 sq metres.

Presidential Suites. Daytime seating converts to two single beds at floor level at night. There is ample room to entertain one or two of your fellow guests in a daytime configuration. Suites also feature a complimentary minibar, CD player and an adaptor for your personal iPod/MP3 player. Dimensions are 11.6 sq metres.

Is smoking permitted onboard?

In keeping with indoor air quality regulations in the region, and as a courtesy to fellow travellers, smoking is not permitted throughout the air-conditioned carriages of the train. However, guests may smoke in the open-deck area of the Observation Car.

Will I need travel insurance?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.

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