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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

2026 Departures - The Eastern and Oriental Express - Wild Malaysia

Luxury train through Malaysia from Singapore with rainforest excursions

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

Planet Rail's Eastern & Oriental Express on the Wild Malaysia journey is a 9-day luxury rail adventure combining a London to Singapore return flight, three nights at The Fullerton Hotel in central Singapore, and three nights aboard the distinctive green and cream carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express. The train departs Woodlands Station on day 4 and travels north through lush jungle, rubber, and palm plantations before reaching Merapoh, where guests disembark for guided excursions in Taman Negara, one of the world's oldest rainforests. Choices include nature walks, wildlife conservation experiences, cave e-biking, and forest bathing. The train then continues to Butterworth and Penang, where a choice of excursions spans Vespa tours, artisan studios, Peranakan cookery classes, and tri-shaw heritage rides through George Town. Aboard, chef André Chiang curates four-course dinners alongside breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon tea. Days in Singapore include a visit to Gardens by the Bay and unguided time to explore the city. This tailor-made, independent package with local guides on excursions and full crew service suits luxury seekers, couples, repeat rail travellers, and food-and-wine enthusiasts.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package price from £5,500 is per person in a Pullman Cabin; State Cabin and Presidential Suite upgrades cost significantly more (£995 and £3,995 additional per person respectively)

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.

  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 in anticipation of your journey into wild Malaysia. 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.

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

    Taman Negara National Park

    Enjoy breakfast in your compartment as the train winds through Malaysia's unspoilt jungle. After lunch on board, disembark at Merapoh for an afternoon of guided excursions in Taman Negara, one of the world's oldest rainforests. Choose from nature walks, wildlife conservation experiences, photography tours, cave e-biking, or wellness activities like forest bathing and sunrise yoga. Return to the train for a delicious dinner and evening entertainment in the Piano Bar.

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

    Penang & Ipoh

    After breakfast, arrive in Butterworth and cross to Penang, Malaysia's cultural melting pot. Enjoy a choice of excursions in George Town: hop on a Vespa tour with a local guide, visit artisan studios, or discover the flavours of Peranakan cuisine with a market visit and cookery class, or take a tri-shaw ride and explore the city's rich heritage at your own pace. Return to the train for lunch and a leisurely afternoon; you might unwind with a treatment at the Dior Spa or take a guided stroll through Ipoh, a historic city blending colonial charm and street art. In the evening, enjoy your final dinner on board followed by entertainment in the bar car.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Singapore

    Return to Singapore

    Enjoy your final breakfast in the Dining Car as the train passes through Johor's scenic landscapes. Soon you cross back into Singapore, where your rail journey ends. A private transfer takes you to the 5-star Fullerton Hotel for your final night.

  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 4Board the Eastern & Oriental Express at Woodlands Station and relax in your stylish cabin as the train heads north through jungle, rubber, and palm plantations with afternoon tea served in your compartment
  • Day 5Disembark at Merapoh for guided excursions in Taman Negara, one of the world's oldest rainforests, with choices including nature walks, wildlife conservation experiences, cave e-biking, and forest bathing
  • Day 6Arrive in Penang and choose from Vespa tours with local guides, artisan studio visits, Peranakan market and cookery classes, or tri-shaw heritage exploration of George Town before returning to the train for lunch

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
  • Guided excursions in Taman Negara National Park and choice of excursions in Penang
  • Visit to Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
  • Private taxi transfers throughout

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes 3 nights aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express on the Wild Malaysia journey from Singapore through Malaysia, plus return flights from London and 3 nights at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore.
What meals are included?
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and four-course dinners curated by chef André Chiang are served aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express. Breakfast at The Fullerton Hotel is also included.
Are excursions guided or independent?
The excursions in Taman Negara National Park and Penang are guided by local guides. Days in Singapore are unguided but include a visit to Gardens by the Bay; private taxi transfers are provided throughout.
What cabin options are available?
Pullman Cabin (from £5,500 per person) with twin beds and two large windows; State Cabin (from £6,495) with floor-level single beds; Presidential Suite (from £9,495) with extra space, large bathroom, enhanced amenities, Wi-Fi, and music service.
When does this trip run?
This is a 2026 departure package. The operator does not list specific departure dates in the published information; contact Planet Rail for available dates.
How much walking is involved?
Excursions in Taman Negara include nature walks and optional activities like e-biking and forest bathing. In Penang, options range from guided Vespa or tri-shaw tours to self-paced exploration. Most time is spent aboard the train or at hotels with private transfers.

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