The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, one of six luxury trains operated by Belmond, a specialist in slow travel, has sold out most of its cabins on most voyages since its relaunch in March this year.
Nicolas Streff, vice president of strategy and corporate communications, Belmond, told TTG Asia during his participation in ILTM Asia Pacific 2024, that a series of pre-launch events in February had successfully intrigued the marketplace while the product concept – one that enables guests to appreciate the value of personal time – appealed to today’s oft-hurried travellers.
The Eastern & Oriental Express has attracted guests such as solo travellers, couples, extended families and groups
“It ticks all the boxes of what we call slow luxury travel, which is all about taking the time to explore, immerse yourself in the destination, and really understand the landscape, culture, etc,” he explained.
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers two different three-night voyages from Singapore through Malaysia: The Essence of Malaysia is conducted from November to February while Wild Malaysia runs from March to October.
Guests enjoy all-inclusive voyages, giving them access to wining, dining and entertainment onboard as well as off-board excursions led by expert guides at no additional charges.
The Essence of Malaysia travels through Kuala Lumpur to Penang and Langkawi, and features activities such as snorkelling in Langkawi. Wild Malaysia travels through the lush jungles and Penang, offering guests a chance to see the wildlife in Taman Negara National Park and discovering Penang’s famous Chinese temples.
Off-board excursions are curated by both Belmond teams and in-destination experts, in partnership with the local community. They typically take months to research and establish routes to the best experiences for their guests.
The train comprises eight sleeping carriages, two restaurants that serve up gourmet gems crafted by world-renowned chef André Chiang, a Piano Bar, and an open-air Observation Car. Accommodation cabins cut across categories – Pullman, State, and Presidential – all with air-conditioning, en-suite showers, and bathrooms.
“Our guests not only have an amazing way to travel to and through a destination, they can also hop off to experience villages, explore a jungle, and relax on a beach. They get to savour the different facets of a country while having time to take care of themselves. Belmond’s luxury train travels are an excellent way for travellers to disconnect from their usual fast-paced world and reconnect with themselves and the people they are with,” Streff added.
The Eastern & Oriental Express has so far attracted a diverse profile of guests, from solo travellers and couples to extended families and small groups of friends on a celebratory trip.
“People used to think that such luxury trains are for retirees. It is not the case; our voyages get a melting pot of demographic. We have seen young couples in their 20s on our voyages as well as a rise in solo travellers on all our trains, not just The Eastern & Oriental Express here in South-east Asia,” he said.
“We are pleased that The Eastern & Oriental Express has been really popular since its relaunch. Guests from all over the region and beyond are booking three months and more out. They regard the train as a renewed door to Malaysia.”
The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, one of six luxury trains operated by Belmond, a specialist in slow travel, has sold out most of its cabins on most voyages since its relaunch in March this year.
Nicolas Streff, vice president of strategy and corporate communications, Belmond, told TTG Asia during his participation in ILTM Asia Pacific 2024, that a series of pre-launch events in February had successfully intrigued the marketplace while the product concept – one that enables guests to appreciate the value of personal time – appealed to today’s oft-hurried travellers.
“It ticks all the boxes of what we call slow luxury travel, which is all about taking the time to explore, immerse yourself in the destination, and really understand the landscape, culture, etc,” he explained.
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers two different three-night voyages from Singapore through Malaysia: The Essence of Malaysia is conducted from November to February while Wild Malaysia runs from March to October.
Guests enjoy all-inclusive voyages, giving them access to wining, dining and entertainment onboard as well as off-board excursions led by expert guides at no additional charges.
The Essence of Malaysia travels through Kuala Lumpur to Penang and Langkawi, and features activities such as snorkelling in Langkawi. Wild Malaysia travels through the lush jungles and Penang, offering guests a chance to see the wildlife in Taman Negara National Park and discovering Penang’s famous Chinese temples.
Off-board excursions are curated by both Belmond teams and in-destination experts, in partnership with the local community. They typically take months to research and establish routes to the best experiences for their guests.
The train comprises eight sleeping carriages, two restaurants that serve up gourmet gems crafted by world-renowned chef André Chiang, a Piano Bar, and an open-air Observation Car. Accommodation cabins cut across categories – Pullman, State, and Presidential – all with air-conditioning, en-suite showers, and bathrooms.
“Our guests not only have an amazing way to travel to and through a destination, they can also hop off to experience villages, explore a jungle, and relax on a beach. They get to savour the different facets of a country while having time to take care of themselves. Belmond’s luxury train travels are an excellent way for travellers to disconnect from their usual fast-paced world and reconnect with themselves and the people they are with,” Streff added.
The Eastern & Oriental Express has so far attracted a diverse profile of guests, from solo travellers and couples to extended families and small groups of friends on a celebratory trip.
“People used to think that such luxury trains are for retirees. It is not the case; our voyages get a melting pot of demographic. We have seen young couples in their 20s on our voyages as well as a rise in solo travellers on all our trains, not just The Eastern & Oriental Express here in South-east Asia,” he said.
“We are pleased that The Eastern & Oriental Express has been really popular since its relaunch. Guests from all over the region and beyond are booking three months and more out. They regard the train as a renewed door to Malaysia.”