EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS
A BELMOND TRAIN
Axys Travel ti porta a bordo del leggendario Eastern & Oriental Express, il treno di lusso che attraversa le foreste tropicali, i fiumi e le città storiche del Sud-est asiatico. Simbolo di eleganza e raffinatezza, questo treno offre un’esperienza di viaggio senza tempo, con cabine di charme, carrozze panoramiche e un servizio d’eccellenza.
Durante il percorso, si potrà ammirare la varietà dei paesaggi della regione: dalle moderne metropoli come Singapore e Kuala Lumpur fino ai villaggi rurali immersi nella natura lussureggiante della Malesia e della Thailandia.
A bordo, ogni dettaglio richiama l’epoca d’oro dei viaggi ferroviari: cucina gourmet, lounge-bar con pianista, e la possibilità di rilassarsi nell’iconica carrozza osservatorio con ampie finestre aperte sul paesaggio in movimento.
Grazie alla collaborazione con Axys Travel, è possibile combinare il viaggio sul treno con itinerari esclusivi in Malesia e Borneo, per vivere esperienze uniche che uniscono lusso, natura e cultura.
Un viaggio che non è solo uno spostamento, ma una vera e propria esperienza di vita.
ESSENCE OF MALAYSIA TOUR
Perlis and Langkawi Excursions
Wonders of Perlis
Departing from the quiet Bukit Ketri Station, hop in an air-conditioned minibus for your afternoon
exploration of Perlis, Malaysia's smallest state, renowned for its outstanding natural beauty. Ride across the plains, where green paddy fields peppered with mogotes distinctive limestone hillocks form the backdrop as you head towards the northernmost part of Peninsular Malaysia. Upon reaching the foothills of the karstic Nakawan Range, a short uphill drive will bring you to the Wang Kelian viewpoint. Here, you may choose to take a buggy ride or climb the short distance to the awe-inspiring panoramic views.
Next, a guide will lead you to your e-bike and take you on a downhill ride to a valley where wildlife
and primates such as the stump-tailed macaque, lar gibbon, dusky langur and long-tailed macaque may, with luck, be spotted. At the bottom of the valley, refuel with refreshments served near a natural waterfall. Continue cycling until you reach a secret garden at the foot of a hill.
From here, a local cave guide will lead you into Gua Kelam, which literally translates as Cave of Darkness. Tin mining once played a prominent economic role in this state and a tour of the former mine will give you a fascinating insight into a trade that has since vanished. Illuminated walkways
take you through the cavernous spaces where rock formations, clear blue lakes and vestiges of mining equipment add to the intrigue.
Emerging into the light on the other side of the cave, hop back into the saddle and pedal around Kaki Bukit, an old-world village that used to bustle with activity in the days when tin was a precious metal. Descendants of immigrant Chinese who pioneered the tin mining trade in Gua Kelam
continue to live here, having pivoted to agriculture and tourism for a living.
Stop by a traditional coffee shop to enjoy cold Chinese tea served with fresh local fruits before enjoying
whisked back to the train for the next leg of your journey.
Culture and Creativity in Perlis
Departing from quiet Bukit Ketri Station, board an air-conditioned minibus for a 10-minute drive
to your first stop, Batik Inderawasih.
At this artisanal batik-making house, you will gain hands-on instruction in the art of “batik tulis”, or written batik, the original technique that has been passed down through generations. After a brief live tutorial from the expert maker, it's time to give your creative cap and design and paint your own beautiful batik piece.
Your next stop is literally a stone's throw away. Stroll next door to an antique house where the owner and a troupe of dancers wait to welcome you. Enjoy a traditional Malay dance performance before entering the owner's home to see his personal collection of antiquities and glean the beguiling stories behind them.
Return to the minivan and continue to your final destination, Rumah Kupi, a wooden kampong house-turned-coffee shop. Enjoy an exclusive cooking class in this charming, intimate environment.
A professional chef will guide you through each stage as you learn to make kaya spread, a popular
coconut-based jam, and roti jala, a savory, lace-like crepe often served at weddings and festivals.
At the end of the class, relish the fruits of your labors as you enjoy roti jala and kaya with tea and
coffee, before being whisked back to the train for the next leg of your journey.
Tropical Island Escape
Known as the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands, recognized as the 52nd
UNESCO Global Geopark. Your adventure today takes you to a tropical Langkawi beach for a
heavenly wellness escape and mangrove tour.
It begins with a 20 minute car transfer to the jetty followed by a 45-minute speed boat ride from Api
jetty to a breathtaking island, 15 nautical miles west of Kedah. As you glide across the water, you'll
notice the deep blue hues gradually lighten, signaling your approach to land.
Upon arrival, enjoy a short walk in the sand before the warm and welcoming locals will greet you
and guide you to your serene retreat. Unwind into the slow, lazy rhythm of beach life as you savor a
nutritious array of skewered delicacies and seasonal tropical fruits. Keep an eye out for charming
butterfly lizards as you soak up the pristine, nature-rich surroundings. A choice of wellness activities
for you to enjoy on the beach includes yoga, a calming sound bath, or a soothing foot and shoulder
massage.
Once sublimely relaxed, board a smaller boat for a fascinating ride through the narrow channels of
Kilim Geoforest Park. The nature reserve is a haven for wildlife such as eagles, monkeys and monitors
lizards, while the magnificent scenery offers a unique blend of mangrove forests and coastal karst.
At the end of your mangrove tour, bid farewell to your local friends and hop on a speedboat for the
ride back to the mainland. Once ashore, you have a car transfer from the jetty back to the station
where you'll rejoin the Eastern & Oriental Express and continue with your journey.
Please note: This excursion requires guests to be physically fit due to the nature of disembarking
when arriving at the beach. As there is no jetty, guests are required to disembark directly from the
boat on to the beach. The return journey will also require guests to get in to the boat straight from
the beach or shallow sea.
ESSENCE OF MALAYSIA TOUR
Penang Island Discoveries
Flavors of Penang
Start your sensory tour with a visit to local markets where you can see and smell a variety of spices.
Afterwards, move to a nearby street for an aromatic introduction to the local street food as you stroll
along. Then, head to the Botanical Gardens and embark on a 20-minute jeep ride up Penang Hill.
Arrive at the beautiful Eythrope Bungalow, an Art Deco-style house built over a century ago with
glass-paneled windows and timber flooring. You'll be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine from
the owner's estate. Enjoy the peaceful mountaintop and the stunning views of the Straits, Kedah
Peak and the Titiwangsa highlands before taking a stroll through the charming vegetable and herb
gardens.
The entire excursion is hosted by home cooks from the Angel Community, a local charity supporting
single women. Join them in preparing delicious Indian and Peranakan tea-time treats using fresh,
local ingredients. After cooking, relax and enjoy the tasty results of your efforts in the picturesque
surroundings.
Please note – the route up to Penang hill is a steep mountain road and we will be using private jeeps
to go up the hill.
Art and Artistry in George Town
Prepare for a wonderful exploration of George Town's vibrant architecture and art scene. You'll laugh
through the narrow roads on local two-wheeled Vespa scooters. Sitting behind the driver, you're free
to focus on all the incredible sights and sounds.
Explore the historic center in the company of an expert, learning about feng shui and other cultural
influences. See both the timeless and contemporary sides of the city as you visit local artists and
learn about their works.
In an antique shop, meet restorers passionate about preserving old furniture. Talk to a young couple
– a visual artist and a clothes designer – about blending heritage with modern living. The creativity
you'll encounter is truly inspiring.
Continue your adventure at the Hin Bus Depot, a creative hub for artists and art lovers. Walk around
the gallery, enjoy the monthly show and soak up the harmony of history and culture. Finally, return
to the train for lunch and a relaxing afternoon on board.
Free and Easy in George Town
Set off to explore George Town at your own pace. With a map and a trishaw driver, you can navigate
the winding alleys and charming corners on your own. Discover how the mix of cultures and
traditions has shaped the city, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop for refreshments in
local coffee shops, browse interesting stores, learn about traditional customs and crafts and visit
cultural landmarks. This non-guided tour lets you immerse yourself in the authentic life of George
Town.
WILD MALAYSIA TOUR
Taman Negara National Park Excursions
Merapoh Caves Experience
Embark on an exciting adventure to explore Merapoh's ancient caves, which are over 130 million years old.
You'll be guided by geology and paleozoology experts with an unparalleled passion for the subject.
Visit two incredible examples: the Dragon's Scale Cave and the Shooting Stars Cave. Learn about the amazing formations and the ancient secrets preserved within – fossils of extinct elephants and rhinos have been found here.
After a short journey from the station, ride an electric bike through the countryside to the Dragon's Scale Cave approximately 10km away. Equipped with helmets and gloves, follow the guides through narrow passages to a huge chamber where you can admire its wonders. Continue biking approximately 10km to the Shooting Stars Cave, passing small Malaysian villages on the way.
Inside, listen for swiftlets and bats hunting insects. Look for the feature that gives the cave its distinctive
name and capture stunning photos with the help of the guides. As you exit the cave, enjoy a tasting
of Malaysian cheese and wine by the majestical limestone formations. Afterwards, return to the jeep
and head back to the station.
Please note: This tour is for people comfortable navigating wet, slippery floors, narrow passages and
small slopes. It is not suitable for those who are uncomfortable in dark, confined spaces.
Capturing Wild Malaysia
Head into the jungle with a top wildlife photographer and conservationist to capture stunning nature shots.
Your adventure begins when, early in the morning, you travel by jeep into the forest and climb to the top of the Seraya Tower*. Surrounded by the chant of gibbons, watch the sun rise over the rainforest and enjoy coffee, tea, snacks and – for added sparkle – champagne.
Next, take a walk through the jungle with your expert guides and to photograph nature at its most beautiful.
Focus in on details such as jungle leaves and flowers as you gain insight into the rainforest's ecosystem. Creep quietly into a hide to enjoy some beguiling birdwatching and photography. Hear
insects, listen for hornbills, breathe in the fresh air and possibly spot animal tracks.
As the last step in your adventure, you'll climb up to the treetop walkway for a bird's-eye view from the forest canopy. Breaks for refreshments prepared by local villagers, including traditional snacks and herbal tea made from jungle plants. Finally, say goodbye to this enchanting place and head back to the train, a fantastic selection of images on your device and in your memories.
Spirit of Taman Negara
Explore the natural home of the elusive Malayan tiger on this wild and wonderful conservation tour.
With fewer than 100 of these critically endangered tigers left in the wild, Eastern & Oriental Express is proud to support Save Wild Tigers to raise awareness and funds for their conservation.
Your adventure starts with a 15-minute jeep ride to Taman Negara, one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Set off in the cool of the morning, when the jungle is alive with animal sounds, especially
the calls of gibbon families.
Accompanied by a specialist wildlife guide, your first experience is a walk along the treetop canopy, reached by 267 steps.* Afterwards, relax over chilled pandan water, fresh fruits and local treats.
Talk with tiger conservationists about the challenges the wildlife faces, such as poaching. Learn about the Malayan tiger's habits and how camera traps monitor them.
You might even meet a former poacher who is now a guide. Though you won't glimpse one of the majestic tigers, being in its unique habitat is a thrill in itself.
For the last part of your conservation tour, explore the jungle, threading along a path well worn by animals.
It's possible to spot their tracks, which your guide will identify for you.
The forest is also full of birdlife – an astonishing 492 species, including nine varieties of hornbill.
Taman Negara Wellness Experience
Take advantage of the soothing surrounds of Taman Negara National Park to enjoy a sublime
wellness experience. Aboard a jeep, head to the fringes of the park for your first secluded stop at the
base of a limestone outcrop.
Waiting for you here is a professional instructor, who will guide you through her personal sunrise yoga routine, a series of gentle stretches, breathing exercises and meditation that lets you soak up the serene environment and the natural energy of the morning sun. At the end of the session, reward your efforts with some light refreshments.
Next, you will journey deep into the protected ancient rainforest and alight at a fish sanctuary. After a short walk along a jungle trail, our guides will lead you into the practice of forest bathing. This activity immerses you in the atmosphere of the forest, encouraging you to use all your senses to feel
fully present and connected.
Your wellness finale is a sound bath session. Lying on the river, you will be enveloped in the calming rhythms and vibrations produced by instruments such as gongs, singing bowls and chimes. Blending the therapeutic sounds of the instruments with the natural pitch of the forest promises to be a deeply relaxing and otherworldly experience.
Indulge in some enticing local snacks with coffee or tea before leaving the forest's embrace to return to the train.
Please note: This excursion is subject to weather conditions.
