Festive Malaysia by Eastern & Oriental Express: A Christmas Luxury Voyage
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Imagine a Christmas where the familiar scent of pine is replaced by the fragrant spices of the Malay Peninsula, and traditional frost is traded for the golden glow of a tropical sunset. Festive Malaysia by Eastern & Oriental Express is a bespoke three-night invitation to experience the magic of the season aboard the most iconic train in Southeast Asia. From the moment you step onto the platform at Singapore’s Woodlands Station, you are transported into a world of “extravagant vintage excess,” where the legendary green and cream carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express have been transformed with a shimmering festive makeover.
Whether you are exploring the “Rice Bowl” of Kedah, unwinding on a secluded beach in Langkawi, or wandering through the decorated, colonial streets of George Town on Christmas Day, the Eastern & Oriental Express provides a sanctuary of luxury. Join a Christmas that marries old-world glamour with the soul-stirring beauty of the Far East.
Itinerary
DAY ONE: A Merry Departure
The Celebration Begins
Board the exquisite green and cream carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express at Singapore’s Woodlands Station. For this very special journey, the train has been given a festive makeover, adorned with seasonal décor. Settle into your air-conditioned cabin—a sanctuary of cherrywood panelling, Malaysian embroidery, and Thai silks.
Afternoon Elegance
Admire the lush, passing landscapes as your steward serves an exquisite afternoon tea in the privacy of your cabin. As evening slowly falls, dress for dinner in the Dining Car to savour locally inspired specialities, followed by engaging festive entertainment on board.
DAY TWO: Island Paradise & Coastal Wonders
The Spirit of the North
Awake to breakfast in your cabin as the train courses past shimmering rice paddies and the timeless rural villages of western Malaysia. Following lunch on board, arrive at Arau Station for a choice of enticing afternoon discoveries:
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Langkawi Seclusion: Transfer by speedboat to a private beach for a “glimpse of paradise.” Reconnect with nature through yoga, a sound bath, and a massage, or take a boat ride through the mangrove forests and coastal karsts of Kilim Geoforest Park.
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Perlis Geopark Adventure: Discover Malaysia’s 10th National Geopark on a guided cycle ride through prehistoric landscapes teeming with primates and birds, concluding with a visit to a fascinating former tin mine.
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Cultural Traditions of Perlis: Master the art of batik making, visit the personal collection of a local antique enthusiast, and prepare your own afternoon tea in a traditional Malaysian coffee shop. Return to the train for an evening of lively celebrations with local entertainers and a delicious dinner in the Piano Bar Car.
DAY THREE: Christmas in Penang
Heritage & Harmony
A merry Christmas is promised as you arrive at Penang Island, Malaysia’s cultural melting pot. You are sure to spot glittering trees and decorations as you choose from three curated ways to explore the capital, George Town:
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Peranakan Culinary Discovery: Visit traditional spice shops and grocery stores to source fresh herbs before trying your hand at making enticing local dishes in a hands-on class.
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Culture & Art Tour: Explore the George Town Old Quarter to see stunning temples, a contemporary art studio, and a traditional opera and puppet house.
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Independent Tri-shaw: Navigate the picturesque streets at your own pace with a map, a private driver, and a tri-shaw to discover grand attractions and hidden corners.
A Final Toast
Rejoin the train at Butterworth for lunch and a leisurely afternoon. A final celebratory evening beckons. Pop the champagne and indulge in irresistible cuisine and festive entertainment. If you are still awake shortly after midnight, glance at the glittering views of Kuala Lumpur as the train passes through.
DAY FOUR: The Southern Plains
The Return to Singapore
Enjoy a final breakfast as the train travels through the southernmost state of Johor, famed for its coastal rainforests and beaches. The journey reaches its conclusion as the Eastern & Oriental Express crosses the strait back into Singapore, arriving at Woodlands Station in the late morning.
Explore the complete guide to cabins, dining, and the storied history of the Eastern & Oriental Express
About this trip
A Tropical Masterclass in Christmas Elegance
A seasonal three-night, all-inclusive expedition that replaces the traditional winter frost with the sun-drenched beauty of the Malay Peninsula. This journey traces the “West-coast Line,” offering a curated blend of Malaysia’s cultural heart and its most idyllic natural escapes. From the “Rice Bowl” of Kedah to the decorated, colonial charm of George Town on Christmas Day, it is a voyage designed for those who wish to experience the magic of the holidays in a setting of unparalleled luxury.
Route: Singapore - Kuala Lumpur - Langkawi (Arau) - Penang (Butterworth) - Johor - Singapore
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Date
23rd December Departure Only
What's included
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
Three nights aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express. Retreat to a private sanctuary of cherrywood panelling and Malaysian embroidery. For this special departure, the train is transformed with a shimmering festive makeover. Your air-conditioned cabin is attended by a 24-hour Dedicated Butler, ensuring every detail of your Christmas stay is handled with seamless precision.
COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS
Door-to-Train Service. Your journey begins and ends with total peace of mind. You will be collected from your Singapore accommodation and transferred directly to Woodlands Station for departure. Upon your return, a private vehicle will be waiting at the station to transfer you back to your hotel or residence in Singapore.
FINE DINING
A Yuletide Celebration. All meals on board are included, featuring specialized festive menus that blend aromatic regional spices with modern culinary techniques. Enjoy included house wine, house spirits and local beer. Premium drinks and drinks ordered to your cabin will be an additional charge..
LANGKAWI & PERLIS EXCURSIONS
Coastal Paradises & Hidden History. Choose your own adventure in the north. Whether you are finding zen with a beachside sound bath and massage in Langkawi, cycling through the limestone peaks of Perlis Geopark, or mastering the traditional art of batik making, the natural beauty of the west coast is yours to explore.
PENANG CULTURAL IMMERSIONS
Art & Heritage. Explore the vibrant streets of George Town with your choice of curated tour. Options include a Peranakan cooking discovery, a visit to the traditional opera and puppet houses of the Old Quarter, or an independent exploration of the city by private tri-shaw.
FESTIVE ENTERTAINMENT
A Final Celebration. Evenings are defined by the rhythmic charm of the Piano Bar, featuring resident musicians and local entertainers. The highlight of the journey is a final celebratory evening on board, featuring five-star cuisine, champagne, and fabulous festive entertainment as the train passes the glittering skyline of Kuala Lumpur.
Sightseeing highlights
Kilim Geoforest Park: Experience a boat ride through the narrow channels of this ancient natural landscape. Witness a world where dense mangrove forests meet dramatic coastal karsts, creating an otherworldly environment of prehistoric beauty.
The Yuletide Spirit of George Town: Experience Penang Island as it celebrates the season. Explore a cultural melting pot where glittering Christmas trees and festive decorations adorn the historic colonial streets, often accompanied by the sound of carols in the air.
Langkawi’s Secluded Shorelines: Retreat to one of the island’s most beautiful beaches for an afternoon of “idyllic seclusion.” Whether you are reconnecting with nature through a sound bath and yoga or enjoying a massage by the ocean, it is a perfect sanctuary of tropical relaxation.
Perlis Geopark: Explore Malaysia’s 10th National Geopark, a region celebrated for its remarkable geology and biodiversity. A guided cycle ride through these breathtaking landscapes offers sightings of native primates and birds before venturing into the depths of an atmospheric former tin mine.
George Town Old Quarter: Delve into the artistic soul of Penang’s capital. Visit stunning temples, contemporary art studios, and traditional opera and puppet houses that showcase the island’s rich Peranakan and colonial heritage.
George Town by Tri-shaw: Experience the enchanting, picturesque streets of Penang’s capital at your own pace. With a private driver and a heritage map, you can wind through hidden corners, grand attractions, and traditional coffee shops.
The Rice Paddies of Western Malaysia: From the comfort of your cabin, witness the timeless rhythm of the peninsula. The train glides past endless shimmering emerald fields and rural villages, offering a serene glimpse into the agricultural heart of the country.
The Bressenden difference
COLONIAL GLAMOUR – A Gilded Gateway to the East
The Eastern & Oriental Express is a striking tribute to the golden age of rail travel, reimagined for the modern explorer. Featuring vibrant cherrywood panelling, Thai silks, and Malaysian batik, the train offers an atmosphere of exotic refinement. With a dedicated butler for every cabin, the service is as legendary as the landscapes, ensuring a level of personal care that defines the spirit of Eastern hospitality.
THE OBSERVATION CAR – A Window to the Emerald Wilds
The social heart of the train is the open-air Observation Car, located at the rear of the train. This unique architectural feature allows you to step out and fully immerse yourself in the sights and scents of the jungle. Whether it is the cool morning air of the tea plantations or the rhythmic sound of the rainforest at dusk, it provides an unobstructed, connection to the passing scenery.
TROPICAL GASTRONOMY – A Kaleidoscope of Cultures
Dining on board is a sensory journey through the spice routes of Southeast Asia. Menus are a sophisticated fusion of Eastern and Western techniques, celebrating local provenance from both land and sea. From aromatic Peranakan-inspired delicacies to modern French precision, every meal is paired with fine wines and served in the opulent surroundings of the meticulously designed dining cars.
THE DIOR SPA – Serenity in Motion
Indulge in a new era of onboard wellness at the Dior Spa, a dedicated sanctuary of tranquility. Guests can retreat to this elegantly appointed carriage for bespoke treatments that blend Dior’s signature techniques with local botanical influences, providing a restorative escape as the verdant Malaysian landscape glides by outside.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE – Seamless Planning & Protection.
Bressenden Travel manages every intricate detail of your Southeast Asian expedition, from securing the most desirable cabins to coordinating transfers at Singapore’s Woodlands Station. Benefit from our specialist knowledge of the region and the peace of mind that comes with booking through a protected and trusted luxury travel partner.
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