After a nearly four-year hiatus, the Eastern & Oriental Express is once again back on the rails. Operated by luxury travel company Belmond, this iconic train has welcomed its first set of passengers since it halted its services due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since its inception in 1993, the Eastern & Oriental Express has been synonymous with luxury travel across Southeast Asia, shuttling passengers between Singapore and Bangkok. However, times have changed, and so has the train. With a renewed focus on providing travelers with deeper immersion in destinations, the Eastern & Oriental Express now offers two new journeys, both starting and ending in Singapore, exploring different sides of Malaysia.
The traditional route that once included Thailand has been replaced, offering passengers an exciting and fresh experience. Belmond’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Brand, Arnaud Champenois, explained that the decision to create new routes was driven by the changing preferences of travelers. The aim was to allow passengers to explore one country in more depth. On the West Coast journey, the train takes passengers from Singapore to Penang and Langkawi, offering opportunities to delve into the rich cultural heritage of these locations. On the other hand, the East Coast journey explores the natural wonders of Malaysia, taking passengers through the national park to truly experience the jungle’s mystical allure.
With the introduction of the new routes, the Eastern & Oriental Express has undergone a complete transformation with a Malay-inspired revamp. From the elegantly designed cabin interiors to the tantalizing cuisine, every detail has been carefully curated to immerse passengers in the essence of Malaysia. The dinner and afternoon tea service onboard have been crafted by Andre Chiang, the renowned Taiwanese chef famous for his work at Singapore’s two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Andre (which closed in 2018). This culinary expertise ensures that passengers indulge in an extraordinary gastronomic journey while onboard the train.
Despite being a luxury train, the Eastern & Oriental Express offers rates that are more accessible than other trains with the “Orient Express” name. A four-day, three-night journey starts from $3,410 per person, which includes meals, beverages, and scheduled activities. In comparison, the Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which operates in Europe, starts from £3,530 ($4,430) per person for a one-night trip in a historic cabin. It is refreshing to see that the rebirth of the Eastern & Oriental Express has not come with exorbitant price tags, making it a more feasible option for luxury travel enthusiasts.
It’s worth noting that the Eastern & Oriental Express isn’t the only luxury train bearing the “Orient Express” name. Accor’s “Orient Express La Dolce Vita” trains are set to start operating in 2024, offering a different experience primarily within Italy. Although they are priced at €2,500 euros ($2,686) per person per night for a deluxe cabin, pre-booking rates have increased since December 2022. Initially priced at 2,000 euros ($2,153) per person per night, it remains to be seen if these new luxury trains will capture the spirit of the legendary Orient Express.
The relaunch of the Eastern & Oriental Express marks a new chapter in luxury travel across Southeast Asia. With its redesigned routes, Malay-inspired revamp, and more accessible pricing, this iconic train continues to be a beacon of sophistication and elegance. Whether travelers choose to embark on the West Coast or East Coast journey, they are guaranteed an unforgettable experience. As the world slowly emerges from the shadows of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Eastern & Oriental Express invites passengers to rediscover the allure of train travel and immerse themselves in the magical landscapes of Malaysia.
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