Tropical jungles, rice fields, stone escarpments, skyscrapers and the Kwai river among many other landscapes on the route. Reliving parts of Asian history, getting to know cultures of different countries along the way in a romantic and exotic environment.
The Eastern & Oriental express takes a route of 2030 km, in 3 days you will cross part of the west of Malaysia towards the capital of the country, Kuala Lumpur, as well as the borders of Thailand. You will also see the wonderful bridge over the Kwai river, this being one of the scenarios of the stories of World War II.
The trip begins in Singapore, an incredible city full of modernism and majestic skyscrapers, full of a different and wonderful culture. We recommend you to get to know this place before starting your trip by train, it will leave you impressed.
Start the Eastern & Oriental Express experience at the Keppel Road station. Upon arrival, the service staff will take your luggage and accompany you to your carriage, they will give you a warm welcome with smiles and a cocktail. The interior is really comfortable, rosewood furniture, ornamental lamps and air conditioning will give you enough comfort to fully enjoy the entire trip.
Once the tour starts, you should definitely go to the back of the train, conditioned so that passengers can admire the concrete towers of Singapore outdoors, which are left behind as the train advances, what you’re going to appreciate now is the tropical jungle and green landscapes, pure nature. It is a unique railway station that is sometimes surrounded by exuberant vegetation.
Your first quick stop in the capital of Malaysia allows you to marvel at their culture and get to know the beautiful Petronas twin towers of 88 floors, which at 452 meters high, are the tallest connected towers in the world.
Back in the train, a variety of delicious meals awaits you, so exquisite that you will forget any type of diet. Most of the time they are regional dishes, so you can dive into Asian culture through its cuisine and the landscapes on your window at the same time. Dining cars, which require elegant clothing, are part of the magical journey of traveling by train. As well as in movies, you’ll listen to some jazz music, with the pianist in the bar-car, and while the train moves and is observed by The Malay Peninsula, you can dance the night away with a mix of modern classics.
For the second day, you will wake up surrounded by water when the railroad crosses a lake. You will see the workers of the area from your window, as well as the smiles and greetings of the inhabitants of the region.
Each time the train approaches the top of Malaysia, it is diverted to Butterworth for a brief stop and excursion on the island of Penang and its colonial capital, George Town. Then, back in the express, you can see the wonderful border of Thailand through the imposing limestone islands. You will have to stop at the border for customs procedures but shortly after, the adventure towards the bridge over the Kwai river will continue while you sleep.
You cannot miss the great story of this bridge, built in 1942 by Japanese prisoners of war; however, it was destroyed in 1944 by the Allied forces. This bridge is the center of Pierre Boulle’s novel. And you’ll be able to visit a wonderful museum that tells all its true and heartbreaking story.
Finally, the train looks out on the outskirts of Bangkok, where you can see the population a few centimeters from the tracks. One night here, enjoying their lifestyle and bright lights, is the best way to end this exquisite journey through the heart of Southeast .
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