Eastern & Oriental Express Unveils New Design, Michelin-starred Chef, Malaysia Wilderness Routes by Rail

The legendary Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond train, captures the essence of ultra-luxury train travel’s history and modern opulence like never before, with revamped interiors, a new culinary curator with two Michelin stars, and eye-opening, one-of-a-kind journeys through Malaysia.

 

The revamped Eastern & Oriental Express reflects both the heyday of luxury train travel and the different landscapes the train travels through in Malaysia. It boasts eight sleeping carriages, two restaurants, a Piano Bar, and the open-air Observation Car.

 

 

The cabins – Pullman, State, and Presidential – are air- conditioned, cherry-wood paneled sanctuaries. The Pullman cabins draw inspiration from Kuala Lumpur, featuring red and blue accents resembling the city's skyline; the State cabins reflect Penang's marine locale with a blue and green palette; and the Presidential Suites exude opulence with hues of gold and embroidered elements.

 

The Eastern & Oriental Express’ new in-cabin experience stimulates all senses with customizable elements including scents, lights, playlists, teas, and premium bedding.

 

Daytime encounters with locals are complemented by nightly entertainment featuring resident musicians and special acts, like a trio known for blending Jazz tunes with Nanyang flair. 

 

Dining on board the Eastern & Oriental Express is just as elevated, with the appointment of Chef André Chiang as its new Culinary Curator. With two Michelin stars and a placement in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants under his belt, Chef Chiang brings his innovative touch and expertise to curate a dining experience that captures the diverse terroir of Southeast Asia.

 

Remaining true to the region’s biodiversity and the kaleidoscope of cultures, Chiang's menu will feature dishes like Laksa Bouillabaisse, Black-bone Chicken Consommé and Jungle Spices Cacao Ganache.

 

At the Piano Bar Carriage and Observation Car, guests can sip on botanical-inspired libations and vintage cocktails conceptualized by global creative hospitality consultancy, The Cocktail Professor, as well as non-alcoholic drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, local craft beers and artisanal Malaysian coffees.

 

 

The Eastern and Oriental Express' new Wild Malaysia itinerary runs weekly from May to October, It includes an excursion into the Taman Negara National Park, where guests can choose between three activities: an educational tour of the park to learn about the endangered Malayan Tigers, a wildlife photography class or an exploration of the rainforest's ancient caves.

 

The train has partnered with Save Wild Tigers to raise awareness of the conservation efforts to save the Malay Tiger from extinction, contributing to the fight against illegal poaching and habitat loss. This unique journey incorporates the Wild Malaysia itinerary, concluding with two nights at The Datai in Langkawi. 

 

The Eastern & Oriental Express is a Belmond train, part of a family of hotels, trains, river cruises and safaris that began with the acquisition of the legendary Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976. Today, Belmond has grown into a global collection of 47 properties spread across 28 countries and territories.

 

A pioneer of slow travel, Belmond has been operating the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express since 1982. The group later expanded to include pristine beach resorts, such as Maroma on the Riviera Maya, historic hideaways such as Villa San Michele in the Florentine foothills, urbane icons, such as Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, and gateways to UNESCO world heritage sites, such as Hotel das Cataratas in Brazil’s Iguassu National Park.

 

As “proud custodians” of storied properties, Belmond says it is committed to building on the past to create a new legacy: the heritage of the future. Working with communities and local talents, together with the world's most respected chefs, designers and artists, Belmond continues its purpose of perpetuating the art of travel. Since 2019, Belmond has been part of luxury group LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton).