Eastern & Oriental Fables of the Hills

This luxurious train provides you with the perfect surroundings in which to relax and become immersed in the splendour of the ever-changing scenery in South East Asia. Experience a new style of journey from the Eastern & Oriental Express of six nights and seven days taking you north from Singapore through the beautiful Cameron highlands to Bangkok. The journey leads to all that's best and most compelling in Asia: the romance and colonial heritage of Malaysia's mist-shrouded Cameron Highlands, the evocative Bridge over the River Kwai and the fabulously-varied architecture of cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Kangsar and Georgetown on the island of Penang.

Day 1 - Singapore
The gleaming green carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express await you at Singapore's Keppel Road station. 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 2 - 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. 

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 3 - Cameron Highlands
After a leisurely breakfast at the resort, choose from a wide variety of tours and activities available. 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 re-board the train. Relax with an aperitif in the Bar Car before enjoying a fabulous dinner as the train glides on through the night.

Day 4 - 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 centre" experience. After dinner, return to the train to continue your journey.

Day 5 - 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. 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. It's 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.

Day 6 - 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.

Day 7 - Bangkok
Arrive at 9.30am and disembark in Bangkok for your onward journey.