Next February, Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express iconic train service will resume its journeys across Southeast Asia, after a four-year hiatus. The train’s itineraries include the launch of two new seasonal journeys departing from Singapore and travelling through Malaysia, with the 15-carriage train featuring restyled interiors honouring its Southeast Asian heritage. Expect ornate marquetry, Malaysian embroidery and oriental silks and elevated on-board experiences.
Belmond says these will encompass learning, entertainment and cuisine. Guests will have the chance to taste a contemporary menu of Peranakan dishes, reinterpreted to surprise and delight both international and local travellers alike.
Train time
Belmond’s latest launch is a sign of the enduring appeal – and revitalisation, of luxury rail journeys. According to Belmond, its option invites guests to embrace a moment of pause, to take time, declutter their lives and create new memories.
“We are past the era of fast, frequent travel and guilt-free consumption,” says Gary Franklin, vice president trains & cruises at Belmond. “The concept of luxury travel has evolved to coincide with purposeful, sustainable and immersive experiences, and we are proud to deliver and have delivered such experiences on our trains and boats for over 40 years.”
Sri Lanka meanwhile boasts The Viceroy Special, featuring a steam or diesel engine, with the train travelling on tracks dating back to the 19th century. There are a number of locations en route, including Trincomalee, Pasikuda, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa. Last year saw the launch of a new luxury train service, the Ella Odyssey, which has been dubbed one of Sri Lanka’s ‘most scenic rides’.
Siobhan Totterdale, inbound marketing executive at Experience Travel Group says: “The Viceroy is a premier offering presenting an exclusive opportunity for groups to reserve an entire coach for a truly unforgettable experience and an exceptional journey.”
Luxury train travel can offer travellers the chance to see some major sights in a compact time frame without compromising on their comfort. Tailormade Journeys organises tours in India onboard The Maharajas’ Express, one of the world’s leading luxury trains.
Rajiv Wahie, CEO at Tailormade says: “Maharajas’ Express is one of the World’s leading luxury trains and a client is able to see India in a fully organised and luxury manner. The amount of places they see in six nights / seven days normally takes 12 – 14 days. The clients travelling are mainly above the age of 50 years who do not wish to change hotels every day and they stay on board the Maharajas Express. It comes with world-class service and clients are taken care of like kings and queens.”
Four iconic train journeys
Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express
The service will start operating from February next year and will feature two journeys: the Essence of Malaysia, running from November to February and Wild Malaysia from March to October. The Essence of Malaysia is a three-night journey from Singapore through Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and finally to the colourful island of Penang. After a relaxing first day on-board, guests will disembark the train in Alor Setar and join a private cruise to Langkawi. For the first time,the Eastern & Oriental Express will offer guests the chance to go on a snorkelling excursion at the Pulau Payar Marine Park. The third day is spent discovering Penang.
The Wild Malaysia itinerary, devised in collaboration with global tiger conservation organisation, Save Wild Tigers, covers the untouched areas surrounding the ‘Jungle Railway’, towards the Eastern side of the peninsula, and gives guests the unique opportunity to visit the Taman Negara National Park, home to hundreds of species such as tigers, leopards, and Sumathran rhinos.
Guests can embark on a variety of excursions: from learning about the safeguarding of the Malayan Tiger, to a one-of-a-kind photography masterclass and a foraging experience in the jungle, before travelling onto Penang.
Ella Odyssey
The journey begins with the impressive Dawson Tower, a notable landmark along the route. As the train continues, passengers can enjoy the view of St. Clairs Waterfall, and the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, an architectural marvel, a prominent feature of the Ella Odyssey.
Explorers can also look forward to the fascinating Rail Loop in Demodara, a unique section of the railway track with its intricate spiral design. The Horse Tail Waterfall adds a touch of natural splendour to the scenery and on clear days, passengers can catch a glimpse of Adam’s Peak, a revered mountain peak visible in the distance. The Summit Level, the highest point on the railway track in Sri Lanka, showcases the country’s impressive engineering. The Kithalella waterfall is a captivating way to end the journey.
Etihad Rail
In May, Etihad Rail, the UAE National Rail Network developer and operator signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arsenale, an Italian luxury hospitality company to establish a luxury train experience.
At the time of the announcement, Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, said: “Our collaboration with Arsenale is a testament to Etihad Rail’s commitment to drive economic and social growth in the UAE through the National Rail Network. By establishing a luxury train experience, we are introducing a unique world-class offering to the region and contributing to boosting the tourism sector in the UAE. Furthermore, we will be able to showcase the country’s diverse heritage and beauty to visitors from around the world.
The luxury train will journey across the UAE towards Oman, taking in sights such as passing through Mezeira’a, along Liwa Desert and its famous oasis.
Maharajas’ Express
There are four routes to take, one lasting three nights and four days, and the other three running for six nights and seven days. The Treasures of India route – the shortest trip, takes in the Taj Mahal and Ranthambore National Park, where you can spot tigers and the regal heritage of Rajasthan at Jaipur, the Pink City.
One of the longer trips includes The Heritage of India route , which starts in the bustling commercial city of Mumbai and ends in the capital Delhi. During the journey travellers get the chance to visit the lake city of Udaipur and the majestic fort at Jodhpur, and enjoy sundowners on the sand dunes at Bikaner. Other sights along the route include Junagarh Fort, Ranthambore National Park. and the Unesco World Heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri.
Other tours follow a similar itinerary but also go to the Orchha fort and the Khajuraho temples and then visit Varanasi, a silk weaving centre and Sarnath Ruins, with a boat ride on the Ganges.
