Departure Dates

2011 October 2

Itinerary

DAY ONE - Singapore
The gleaming green carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express await you at Singapore’s Keppel Road station  As you arrive you are welcomed by stewards in exquisite Thai uniforms with their hands pressed together in a gracious “wai”—a promise of the journey to come. 

A cool drink is served as you settle into your luxurious cabin. The whistle blows and the train sets off through the city, over the causeway into Malaysia and out into the countryside beyond.  Make your way to the Bar Car for a cocktail reception hosted by the Train Manager and the chance to meet other guests. Enjoy dinner in one of the opulent dining cars and listen to the resident pianist playing nostalgic melodies in the Bar Car. 

DAY TWO - Kuala Lumpur & Overnight at Cameron Highlands
After breakfast, the E&O arrives at the impressive Mughal-style Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, built in 1885.  Immerse yourself in the bustling capital of Malaysia through a choice of activities such as a city tour, heritage walking tour or a visit to the National Museum.  Full details of available options are provided on board.

Return to the E&O at midday and depart Kuala Lumpur. Lunch will be served on board as the E&O climbs past rubber plantations towards Malaysia’s verdant uplands.   After arriving at Tapah Station, disembark the train for the coach transfer to the luxurious Cameron Highlands Resort.

Relax and enjoy the two hour scenic drive over the rolling hills and pass through dense jungle where you may spot settlements of the Orang Asli (indigenous people). Along the way, enjoy photo stops at tea plantations, strawberry farms and flower galleries

Upon your arrival at the Cameron Highlands Resort, sip cocktails and savour dinner while enjoying the fabulous views from what is Malaysia’s most celebrated hill retreat.

DAY THREE - Cameron Highlands
After a leisurely breakfast at the resort, choose from a wide variety of tours and activities available (full details will be provided).  Spend the morning being pampered at the famed Spa Village or visit the Best of Highlands tea plantation for a guided walk through the fragrant tea gardens and a tour of the factory with the chance to sample a variety of aromatic brews.  Other options include a trip to the Mardi Agro-technology Park to discover the array of fruits, vegetables and flowers grown in the Highlands and to sample an amazing ten different varieties of strawberries.

A lunch based on this wonderful produce will be served at the resort. You then travel to Ipoh to once again board the gleaming Eastern & Oriental Express.  Relax with an aperitif in the Bar Car before enjoying a fabulous dinner as the train glides on through the night.

DAY FOUR - Kuala Kangsar & Penang
This morning brings a leisurely tour through the royal city of Kuala Kangsar, home to the Sultan of Perak .  Cradled in a bend of the Perak River, this historic city is charming, serene and full of interest.  Visit the Victorian-era Royal Museum (the former Royal Palaces) and the impressive Ubudiah Mosque. 

Return to the train for lunch as you travel across exquisite Bukit Merah Lake before heading to the western coast of Malaysia.  Upon your arrival at Butterworth Station you will be transferred to the island of Penang where several excursions are available.  Options include a tour of colonial Georgetown with its rich blend of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures, or you may choose to visit the Peranakan Heritage Museum or the Tropical Spice Garden Gallery which showcases excellent displays on the origins of the spice trade and how spices are used today.

At sunset, gather at the E&O Hotel and sip cocktails on the seafront terrace before heading to your choice of specially-selected venue to experience some of the best dining in Penang, an island known for its exceptional, regional cooking.  A selection of local and international cuisines is available, including a Malaysian "hawker center" experience After dinner, return to the train to continue your journey.

DAY FIVE - Monkey Training College at Surat Thani
During the early hours of the morning, the train crosses into Thailand at Padang Besar.  Relax and enjoy scenic views of southern Thailand, as the train passes paddy fields and golden temples. A sumptuous lunch will be served on board before the E&O arrives at Surat Thani.

This agricultural town is known for its many types of fruit and oysters. However, the highlight of this stop is a private tour of the Monkey Training College.  Its skilful ‘students’ have traditionally been used in this region to help harvest coconuts. At this college they learn how to choose only ripe coconuts, and to bring them down without damaging them.

Following the tour, return to the train to depart from Surat Thani.  Dinner tonight is served on board as the train continues its journey through the Thai countryside towards Bangkok.

DAY SIX - River Kwai & the Tham Kasae Viaduct
This morning the train arrives at the River Kwai Bridge where you disembark for a leisurely cruise along the dramatic gorge on a local river barge.  You then have time to visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum and Don Rak War Cemetery.

After returning to the train in the late morning, lunch will be served as you depart from Kanchanaburi Station.  The train crosses the historic bridge at the River Kwai and travels towards Wang Po where you continue along the famous trestles at the Tham Kasae viaduct - one of the railway’s most scenic stretches.

After lunch, choose from a variety of tours including a visit to an elephant camp, where you will see the animals at work and even ride one. Or, join an excursion to the memorial at the Hell Fire Pass Museum, a moving tribute to this region’s turbulent history.

For your final night aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, join the Train Manager for a farewell cocktail reception followed by a glamorous dinner on board. You may wish to exchange addresses with fellow guests over a digestif in the open air Observation Car, and spot stars in the night sky overhead.

DAY SEVEN – Bangkok
Arrive at 09:30am and disembark in Bangkok as the on board team wave you goodbye and wish you a pleasant onward journey.

Timetable		Arrive	Depart
Sunday	Singapore Check-In at Raffles Hotel for Transfer to Keppel Railway Station Welcome Cocktails Reception	-	16:00
Monday	Kuala Lumpur Choice of Local Excursions	08:30	12:00
	Tapah Road Transfer to Cameron Highlands Resort for Entertainment and Overnight Stay	14:30	-
Tuesday	Cameron Highlands Resort Choice of Morning Tours & Activities Transfer to Ipoh & Reboard Train	-	-
Wednesday	Kuala Kangsar	-	-
	Penang Choice of Tours with Sunset Cocktails at E&O Hotel Dinner in Penang	14:00	22:30
Thursday	Surat Thani Visit to a Monkey Training College	14:00	17:00
Friday	River Kwai Local Barge Cruise on River Kwai Thai Burma Railway Museum, Don Rak War Cemetary	08:30	-
	Wang Po Choice of Optional Tours Farewell Cocktails & Dinner Onboard	14:30	17:30
Saturday	Bangkok	09:30	-

Bar Car

At the end of your day relax and socialise with your fellow passengers in the Bar Car and listen to the sounds of the piano from the resident pianist. The bar is open throughout the day and late into the night for the service of cocktails, aperitifs and liqueurs and local entertainment is performed in the evenings.  Enjoy a relaxing and exotic drink such as a Shanghai Express - a delicious cocktail of Bourbon, Amaretto, Southern Comfort, Orange and Lime Juice and Grenadine Syrup.

Dining on the Eastern & Oriental Express

 

 

Sample Menus
Each of our menus has been created by our on board gourmet chefs, using only the finest fresh local ingredients available. Our chefs will be more than happy to cater for specific dietry requirements you may have should you inform us as you make your reservation. Please note that the menus below are for illustrative purposes only, and menus at the time of your journey may differ. Brunch Warm Goat Cheese Souffle with a Fricassee of Asparagus in a delicate Thai Curry Bouillon *** Grilled Snowfish Steak accompanied by Teppanyaki of Vegetables in a Vermouth and Soya Sauce *** Friandise Lunch Fragrant Yellow Pepper and Pumpkin Soup with Raviolis of Crab *** Aromatic Cured Duck accompanied by Wok Fried Vegetables in Light Soya Bouillon *** Deep-fried Fruit Samosa with Lime Zest and Mint Panna Cotta Dinner Amuse Bouche *** Pan-fried Sea Scallops with Lemon & Vanilla Dressing accompanied by Cauliflower Puree *** Medallion of Beef with Fricassee of Crisply-Cooked Vegetables & Deep-fried Lotus Chips and Sweetened Red Wine Reduction or Taste of Malaysia Traditional Malaysian Fried rice accompanied by Nonya Curry & Grilled Satay *** Gingered Pineapple Tarte Tatin & Macadamia Parfait drizzled with Mango Sauce *** Petit Fours Café de Colombia All sittings are finished with Café de Colombia or Boh Tea from Cameron Highlands

Pullman Cabins

The Eastern & Oriental Express has 30 Pullman Cabins that measure comfortably at 62 square feet. During the daytime the compartment is a private lounge provided by a banquette style sofa. At night the seating converts to an upper and lower bed. A private en suite shower, washbasin and WC is also provided in your cabin.  Pullman Cabins are also available for single configurations.

State Cabins

The Eastern & Oriental Express has 28 State Cabins which measure 84 square feet each. Configured as a private lounge during the day, with a banquette style sofa, fixed chair and one movable chair. Fixed daytime seating converts to two single beds at night. A private en suite shower, washbasin and WC is also provided.

 

Presidential Cabin

Each Presidential Cabin measures at 125 square feet, the ultimate in luxury train comfort. The cabins are configured as a private lounge during the day, with banquette style sofa and fixed chair, and two moveable chairs. Fixed daytime seating converts to two single beds at night. A private en suite shower, washbasin and WC is also provided. Guests in Presidential Suites enjoy the additional benefit of a complimentary bar in their cabin.

Prices for a 7 night / 7 day stint on the Orient Express, plus 1 night Bangkok, 2 Nights Singapore and 7 nights at a 5* beach resort in Thailand start at c. £ 9,000 per person including full board on the train (2 lunches and 3 dinners), breakfast elsewhere, 5* accommodation everywhere and private transfers where ever needed.