Singapore and Malaysia Aboard the Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express

Welcome to Singapore—a city where tradition meets innovation. Check into Raffles Singapore, the island’s most storied address, and soak up its old-world charm amid tropical gardens and grand colonial architecture. After settling into your suite, toast your arrival with a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar, the iconic birthplace of the cocktail that’s become synonymous with the city itself. Today, the rich, earthy decor of the two-storey bar is inspired by Malayan life in the 1920s, and the famous counter gleams amid decorative motifs that transport us to a tropical plantation.

In keeping with the relaxed atmosphere, guests are invited to brush peanut shells off the bar and onto the floor–quite possibly the only place in Singapore where littering is encouraged. This unique custom dates back to the 1900s, when rubber and plantation owners from Malaya would often gather at the bar on weekends. As peanuts were offered to them, they would casually brush the shells onto the ground, and over time, this casual habit evolved into a beloved tradition that continues to this day. As twilight falls, dinner unfolds in the Raffles Courtyard, an alfresco hideaway surrounded by palms and lantern light—perfect for easing into the rhythm of the journey ahead.

Start the morning with breakfast in the Tiffin Room, where elegant service and fragrant curries nod to Singapore’s culinary crossroads. Join the hotel’s resident historian for an intimate look at Raffles’ 135-year legacy, then peek behind the scenes with a private tour through the property’s gardens, suites, and famed Writer’s Bar. Later, stop by Audemars Piguet’s AP House—formerly the Bar & Billiard Room—before stepping into Les Jardins Secrets by Van Cleef & Arpels, a hidden world of fine jewelry craftsmanship tucked within the Raffles Arcade. Lunch at 藝 yì by Jereme Leung brings a masterful reinterpretation of regional Chinese flavors under a canopy of white blossoms.

By afternoon, it’s time to bid farewell to the city. Board the Eastern & Oriental Express at Singapore’s Woodlands Station, where gleaming green-and-cream carriages and warm Belmond hospitality await. Settle into your cabin, sip afternoon tea as the city fades, and watch the landscapes transform from urban to wild. Luxuriate in the signature cream and green exteriors that give way to polished wood-panelled corridors and silken furnishings with a hint of multiple Asian designs. Naturally, all roads lead to the Bar Car, where a jazz-club ambience reigns with music lingering in the air, while stewards serve champagne and signature cocktails. Cheers to what is sure to be a memorable journey.

Awaken to the rhythm of the rails and the first blush of morning light over Malaysia’s dense jungle. After breakfast, the train arrives at Merapoh Station, gateway to Taman Negara National Park, one of the world’s oldest rainforests, at over 130 million years old. Choose your adventure with the chance to trek through the jungle in search of the elusive Malayan tiger, join a nature photographer for a guided immersion in biodiversity, or practice forest bathing and sound meditation beneath the emerald canopy. However you explore, this is a day of pure connection to nature.

Return to the train in time for a long lunch and an afternoon at leisure—perhaps with a visit to the Dior Spa carriage—before an evening of elegant dining and live music. Each meal aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express is a reminder of the intentionality Belmond infuses in their dining program; all impressively crafted in the kitchen car, the sumptuous menu is crafted by renowned Chef André Chiang. Each dish celebrates the diversity of Malaysian flavors inspired by the region’s lush green tea plantations and the deep hues of the passing landscapes. Retreat to The Piano Bar for a nightcap where the musical curator provides the perfect backdrop to share stories of the day’s adventures.

Awake in your cabin and sink into the slow rhythm of breakfast in your cozy train car. Today, you’ll cross the strait to Penang Island, a kaleidoscope of color and culture. Here, you have the chance to choose among excursions that make the most of Malaysia’s cultural melting pot. Art lovers can explore George Town Old Quarter on the backseat of a Vespa with a guide, discovering its vibrant architecture and cultural influences before visiting some brilliant local artists in their studios. 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’ll be met with a tri-shaw, a driver, and a map, so that you can wind through Georgetown’s enchanting streets and visit its attractions at your own pace.

Return to the train in Butterworth for a leisurely lunch as palm trees flicker by the window. Later, stop in Ipoh, a city of colonial charm and modern creativity, before returning on board for your final evening of refined indulgence—complete with live jazz and starlit toasts. Or, if you’re in the mood for something a bit more lively, consider opting for karaoke night with your fellow travelers. Few moments are better suited to cementing your memories from this bucket list adventure.

Savor your last breakfast in the dining car as the train glides through Johor and back toward Singapore. Disembark with a head full of memories—of clinking glasses, jungle sounds, and endless horizons—having rediscovered the art of slow travel through Southeast Asia.