Eastern and Oriental Express: Wild Malaysia & Singapore

Itinerary in brief:

• 1 night Singapore at Raffles Singapore        
• 3 nights aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express
• 2 nights Singapore Raffles Singapore

Day 1: Arrive Singapore         

On arrival in Singapore, you will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel, where you will check in for the night. After settling in, you'll be met at the hotel and driven to The Singapore Flyer, the largest observation wheel in Asia. You'll enjoy two rotations as you tuck into a delicious multi-course meal, with mesmerising views out over the Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay and the spectacular Singapore skyline. An incredible start to your time in Singapore.

Day 2: Board the Eastern & Oriental Express 

Spend your morning exploring the city, whether you stroll past the MerLion, visit the markets of Chinatown or head to the top of the famous SuperTrees in the Gardens by the Bay. In the afternoon, you'll be driven to the train station to embark on your memorable train journey to Malaysia. 

Boarding the striking green and cream carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express is an experience in itself - settle into your air-conditioned cabin and set off through lush, green landscapes, it sets the scene for your immersion into wild Malaysia.

Admire the passing landscapes of rugged jungle, rubber and palm plantations as you enjoy e afternoon tea in the cabin followed a few hours later by dinner in the Dining Car. Tuck into  locally inspired specialties and enjoy the on-board entertainment before heading to bed.

Day 3: Teman Negara & Kuala Lumpur 

Wake up on board the train as you continue deeper into the Malaysia wilderness. Gaze out at the jungle as you enjoy a delicious breakfast in your cabin. After lunch on board, you'll disembark at Taman Negara National Park, ready to explore one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world. The dense jungle is home to water buffalos, macaques, tapirs and hornbills, all living amongst the wide rivers and lush mountains. 

Here you'll meet with local villagers and an organisation called Save Wild Tigers, who Eastern & Oriental Express has a longstanding partnership with, proudly supporting their efforts to protect the tigers in this region. Returning to the train, an evening of lively celebrations awaits a delicious dinner followed by local entertainment in the Piano Bar Car.

Day 4: West Coast line to Penang

Tuck into breakfast on board before getting off the train for the crossing to Penang Island. Here you can choose how to explore - art lovers can discover George Town Old Quarter from the seat of a Vespa, taking in the vibrant murals and cultural highlights of the city. Foodies can head off to enjoy some Peranakan cooking, purchasing spices and groceries before mastering some local dishes in a cookery class. For anyone who wants to explore independently, you'll have a tri-shaw with a driver and map - the morning is yours to explore Georgetown’s enchanting streets at your leisure.

Hop back on the train for lunch and a leisurely afternoon on board - why not head to the spa to truly relax? Later, you'll pass through the Malaysian city of Ipoh, a former tin capital and gateway to the Cameron Highlands, where you can wander through the streets where old-world charm meets contemporary street art.

Enjoy your final evening on board with another delicious dinner and fabulous entertainment.

Day 5: Arrive in Singapore     

Enjoy breakfast in the Dining car or in your cabin as the train travels through Malaysia’s southernmost state of Johor, known for its beaches and rainforest, before crossing the strait to Singapore. After disembarking from the Eastern & Oriental, you'll be met and driven to your hotel, checking in for two nights. You'll be staying at Raffles Hotel, one of the most iconic hotels in the world - why not head straight to the famous Long Bar to enjoy a Singapore Sling?

The rest of the day is yours to explore - why not enjoy some dim sum in Chinatown or enjoy some serious retail therapy on Orchard Road. 

Day 6:  Singapore      

After breakfast at the hotel, set out for a full day exploring Singapore with a local guide. Learn about the history of the Civic District, including the Padang, Cricket Club and City Hall. Stop at the Merlion Park to enjoy the impressive views of Marina Bay and the iconic Merlion statue, a mythological creature that is part lion and part fish.

Head to Singapore’s historical Chinatown to explore the traditional shops and local markets as well as new artisanal stores and cafes. You'll visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum and see the rich interior design and comprehensive exhibit on Buddhist art and history before exploring the National Orchid Garden located within Singapore Botanic Gardens. Here you can see over 60,000 different orchids, as well as Singapore’s National Flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim.

In the afternoon, you'll visit The Intan, a Peranakan heritage museum, for a special cultural experience. You'll meet up with the museum’s founder, Alvin Yapp, for a captivating tour that will reveal the multifaceted facets of Peranakan culture. Learn about the rare historical artefacts, intriguing personal narratives and rich cultural heritage of the Peranakan community.  
Finish with a delicious and authentic Peranakan meal inspired by his mother's culinary prowess.

Day 7: Depart Singapore

After breakfast you’ll be driven back to the airport in time to catch your onwards flight.