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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

2026 Departures - The Eastern and Oriental Express - Wellness & The Essence Malaysia

Luxury train through Malaysia: Singapore hotel, Eastern & Oriental Express, wellness focus

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

Planet Rail's six-day tailor-made holiday blends Singapore sophistication with a luxury train journey through Malaysia. The experience opens with two nights at the Shangri-La Hotel, set amid 15 acres of tropical gardens in Singapore, where guests may visit the Orchid Greenhouse or enjoy treatments at Chi, The Spa. On Day 3, you board the Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond luxury train, for the Essence of Malaysia journey. Over three nights, the train travels from Singapore through Malaysia's rice paddies, rural villages, and coastal regions. The voyage includes all meals in the dining car, access to the Dior Spa carriage for optional wellness treatments, and curated excursions at Langkawi and Penang Island. At Langkawi, choose between private beachfront yoga and massage, biking through Perlis Geopark, or batik-making and local cultural exploration. At Penang, options include guided street art tours by Vespa, cooking classes, or independent discovery by trishaw. This journey suits luxury-focused couples, repeat rail travellers seeking refined onboard comfort, and those prioritizing wellness and cultural immersion over a packed schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package is tailor-made; confirm final cabin category options and exact excursion availability with Planet Rail before booking.
  • Spa treatments at Chi, The Spa in Singapore and Dior Spa on the train are optional extras charged separately.
  • Day 5 excursions are choice-based; the itinerary does not specify a set schedule for all passengers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Singapore

    Arrival in Singapore, check-in at Shangri-La Hotel

    Arrive in vibrant Singapore and make your way to the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, set amidst 15 acres of tropical gardens. After check-in, take time to unwind and explore the tranquil surroundings or enjoy a refreshing swim. Settle into your elegant accommodations and begin your Southeast Asian escape with restful comfort and warm hospitality.

  2. Day 2overnight: Singapore

    Explore Singapore

    Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the Shangri-La Hotel before setting out to explore the dynamic city of Singapore. Discover world-class attractions such as Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, or the vibrant neighbourhoods of Chinatown and Little India. Return to the hotel in the evening to relax amidst its lush surroundings or enjoy a rejuvenating treatment at Chi, The Spa.

  3. Day 3railovernight: On board the Eastern & Oriental Express

    Board the Eastern & Oriental Express, Essence of Malaysia begins

    After breakfast, depart the Shangri-La Hotel and transfer to the train station to board the iconic Eastern & Oriental Express. Settle into your elegant cabin as the train begins its Essence of Malaysia journey. Enjoy lunch on board, then relax in the Observation Car or indulge in a treatment at the Dior Spa. As the train winds through lush landscapes, dinner is served in the dining car.

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

    Kuala Lumpur - Langkawi

    Enjoy breakfast in your cabin as the train glides past rice paddies and rural villages. After lunch, choose from three immersive excursions: relax on a secluded Langkawi beach with yoga, massage, and a mangrove boat ride; explore Perlis Geopark by bike and visit a historic tin mine; or dive into local culture with batik-making, antique browsing, and traditional afternoon tea. Return to the train for dinner and lively entertainment in the Piano Bar Car. Overnight stop in Butterworth.

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

    Butterworth & Penang Island

    After breakfast, disembark for a crossing to Penang Island, Malaysia's cultural melting pot. Choose from curated excursions: explore George Town's vibrant street art and architecture by Vespa with a guide, enjoy a market visit and cooking lesson atop Penang Hill, or wander independently by trishaw through the charming streets. Rejoin the train at Butterworth for lunch and a relaxing afternoon onboard, with the option of an Asian-inspired treatment at the Dior Spa. Later, stroll through Ipoh's blend of old-world charm and street art before a celebratory dinner onboard as the train journeys overnight, passing Kuala Lumpur.

  6. Day 6rail

    Johor & arrival in Singapore

    Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant car while travelling through Johor, Malaysia's southernmost state, famed for its beaches and rainforests. Shortly after, the train crosses the strait into Singapore, where you disembark, taking with you unforgettable memories of your journey.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Board the Eastern & Oriental Express at Singapore station and settle into your cabin as the train departs for Malaysia, with lunch and dinner service in the dining car and access to the Dior Spa carriage.
  • Day 4Choose from three immersive excursions: private beachfront yoga and massage in Langkawi with a mangrove boat ride, biking through Perlis Geopark and a historic tin mine, or local cultural activities including batik-making and traditional afternoon tea.
  • Day 5Cross to Penang Island and select from guided street art and architecture tours by Vespa in George Town, a market visit and cooking lesson on Penang Hill, or independent exploration by trishaw before returning to the train.

Included

  • Two night stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore (5 star) with breakfast
  • 3 nights aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express on the Essence of Malaysia journey
  • Meals on board the train, including breakfasts, lunches and dinners
  • Choice of immersive excursions in Langkawi and Penang

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The price from GBP 4,555 includes three nights aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express with all meals, plus two nights at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore with breakfast.
What cabin options are available on the train?
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers Pullman Cabin, State Cabin, and Presidential Suite categories. Confirm the cabin assignment and amenities with Planet Rail.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is a tailor-made independent holiday with local guides available on selected excursions and full crew service aboard the train.
What meals are included?
All meals aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are included. Breakfast at the Shangri-La Hotel is also included.
What excursions are offered, and are they included?
Choice excursions in Langkawi and Penang are included. In Langkawi, options include beach yoga and massage, biking and tin mine visits, or cultural activities. In Penang, options include Vespa tours, cooking lessons, or independent exploration by trishaw.
Is there a Spa on board?
Yes, the Dior Spa carriage is aboard the train. Treatments are available but charged as optional extras.

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