Search

Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

2026 Departures - The Eastern and Oriental Express - Essence of Malaysia

Luxury train through Malaysia from Singapore with London flights included

Illustration of 2026 Departures - The Eastern and Oriental Express - Essence of Malaysia

Planet Rail's 9-day tailor-made holiday combines London air travel with three nights at the five-star Fullerton Hotel in Singapore and three nights aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, the signature luxury train through Malaysia. The journey departs from London with return flights, begins with two nights exploring Singapore including Gardens by the Bay, then boards the train at Woodlands Station to travel north through lush countryside and coastal regions. Guests enjoy four-course dinners prepared by chef André Chiang, afternoon tea in their cabin, and a choice of immersive excursions: in Langkawi, options range from yoga and massage on a secluded beach to a speedboat cruise through Kilim Geoforest Park; in Penang, ride pillion on a Vespa through George Town's Old Quarter, join a Peranakan cooking class in traditional spice shops, or explore by tri-shaw at your own pace. The train returns to Singapore for a final night before the flight home. This package suits luxury-seekers, couples seeking romance, repeat rail travellers, and those who prize fine dining, with cabin upgrades from the classic Pullman to the Presidential Suite.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 5,500 (USD 7,345) is for the Pullman Cabin; State Cabin adds GBP 995 per person and Presidential Suite adds GBP 3,995 per person.
  • This is a tailor-made package; confirm the exact dates and cabin availability with Planet Rail before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: In flight

    London to Singapore

    Overnight flight from London Heathrow with British Airways or Singapore Airlines.

  2. Day 2overnight: Singapore

    Arrive in Singapore

    On arrival in south-east Asia your private taxi transfer conveys you to your hotel for the next two nights, the highly-rated, luxury and heritage Fullerton Hotel (5 star), ideally located in the centre of Singapore close to the bay and the river. This stylish and elegant hotel is regarded as one of the city's grandest properties, boasting an opulent spa and delightful infinity pool. Take a stroll into the colonial heart of the city and explore the vibrant area close to the mouth of the Singapore river.

  3. Day 3overnight: Singapore

    Gardens by the Bay & Singapore Sights

    This morning after breakfast your private transfer takes you to one of Singapore's iconic destinations, Gardens by the Bay. Get up close with a diversity of plant species from around the world in the iconic cooled conservatories, marvel at the SuperTrees vertical garden, or discover the intricacies of plant life at the themed gardens.

  4. Day 4railovernight: On board the Eastern & Oriental Express

    Board the Eastern & Oriental Express

    Your private taxi transfer takes you to Woodlands Station where you board the signature green and cream carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express. Relax in your stylish, modern cabin as the train heads north through lush, green landscapes. Afternoon tea is served in your cabin as the train weaves through jungle scenery, rubber and palm plantations. As evening begins, dress for your first dinner in one of the train's charming dining cars: a four-course dinner of Malaysian specialities curated by chef André Chiang, featuring fresh, local produce and subtle spices.

  5. Day 5railovernight: On board the Eastern & Oriental Express

    Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi

    Enjoy breakfast in your compartment as the train glides past rice paddies and rural villages en route to northern Malaysia. After lunch on board, arrive at Arau and transfer by speedboat to a secluded Langkawi beach. Choose from wellness activities like yoga, a sound bath, massage, or a swim, then cruise through the stunning Kilim Geoforest Park. Alternatively, explore Perlis Geopark by bike, spotting wildlife and visiting a historic tin mine, or immerse yourself in Perlis' art and culture with batik making, antique browsing, and preparing traditional afternoon tea in a local coffee shop. Return to the train for a delicious dinner and live entertainment in the Piano Bar Car.

  6. Day 6railovernight: On board the Eastern & Oriental Express

    The West-Coast Line, Butterworth and Penang

    After breakfast, the train arrives in Butterworth for the short crossing to Penang Island, Malaysia's cultural heart. Choose from a range of excursions: ride pillion on a Vespa through George Town's Old Quarter with a local guide, join a Peranakan cooking class after shopping for ingredients in traditional spice shops, or explore at your own pace by tri-shaw with a personal driver and map. Return to the train for lunch and a relaxed afternoon, perhaps with a visit to the Dior Spa. Later, unwind on board or enjoy a guided walk through Ipoh, known for its colonial heritage and vibrant street art. Dress for dinner and enjoy a final evening of fine dining and entertainment on board.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Singapore

    Johor to Singapore

    Enjoy your final breakfast in the Dining Car as the train travels through Johor, known for its white beaches and lush rainforests. Take in the scenery before crossing the strait into Singapore, where your Malaysian journey concludes. A private transfer takes you to the 5-star Fullerton Hotel for your overnight stay.

  8. Day 8overnight: In flight

    Singapore to London

    Enjoy breakfast in your luxury hotel and, depending on your flight time, take the opportunity for a final exploration of dazzling Singapore. Your private transfer conveys you to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK.

  9. Day 9

    Arrive in London

    This morning you arrive back in London and make the final leg of your journey home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Arrive at The Fullerton Hotel, a luxury heritage property in central Singapore with an opulent spa and infinity pool overlooking the bay and river.
  • Day 3Visit Gardens by the Bay to explore cooled conservatories with plant species from around the world and the SuperTrees vertical garden.
  • Day 4Board the green and cream carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express at Woodlands Station; afternoon tea served in your cabin as the train passes through jungle, rubber and palm plantations.
  • Day 5Transfer by speedboat from Arau to a secluded Langkawi beach; choose wellness activities like yoga, sound bath, or massage, then cruise through Kilim Geoforest Park.
  • Day 6In Penang, ride pillion on a Vespa through George Town's Old Quarter with a local guide, take a Peranakan cooking class, or explore by tri-shaw.

Included

  • Return flights from London (British Airways or Singapore Airlines)
  • 3 nights at The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore (5 star)
  • 3 nights aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express from Singapore through Malaysia
  • Meals on board the Eastern & Oriental Express, including four-course dinners curated by chef André Chiang, breakfasts, lunches and afternoon tea
  • Choice of excursions in Langkawi and Penang
  • Visit to Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
  • Private taxi transfers throughout

Questions travellers ask

Are flights from London included?
Yes, return flights from London Heathrow are included with British Airways or Singapore Airlines.
What is included in the price?
The package includes return flights from London, three nights at The Fullerton Hotel in Singapore (5 star), three nights aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express with all meals including four-course dinners by chef André Chiang, choice excursions in Langkawi and Penang, a visit to Gardens by the Bay, and private taxi transfers throughout.
Is this an escorted or independent trip?
Planet Rail operates this as an independent tailor-made holiday with local guides provided for choice excursions and full crew service aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express.
What cabin options are available?
Three options: Pullman Cabin with twin beds and two large windows (from GBP 5,500); State Cabin with large windows and floor-level single beds (from GBP 6,495); Presidential Suite with extra space, large bathroom, enhanced amenities, onboard Wi-Fi and music system (from GBP 9,495).
How many nights are spent on the train?
Three nights aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, departing Singapore through Malaysia.
What meals are provided?
Meals on board include breakfasts, lunches, afternoon tea, and four-course dinners curated by chef André Chiang.

Similar journeys