Malaysia Celebration by Eastern & Oriental Express: A New Year Luxury Rail Journey
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As the year draws to a close, the Eastern & Oriental Express transforms into a shimmering venue for the most exclusive party in Southeast Asia. The Malaysia Celebration is a three-night festive odyssey that blends the high-octane glamour of a New Year’s gala with the tranquil beauty of the Malay Peninsula. From the vibrant energy of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline to the golden sands of Langkawi, this is a journey designed for those who wish to ring in the future amidst the timeless elegance of the golden age of travel.
Aboard the train, the air is thick with the scent of tropical blooms and celebratory champagne. With themed menus curated by world-class chefs and a lively social atmosphere in the Piano Bar, every mile is a toast to new adventures. Join Bressenden Travel for a festive escape that culminates in a starlit celebration as the iconic Petronas Twin Towers provide the backdrop for a spectacular midnight display.
Itinerary
DAY ONE: A Sparkling Departure
The Celebration Begins
Join the Eastern & Oriental Express at Singapore’s Woodlands Station and settle into your air-conditioned cabin—a sanctuary where cherrywood panelling, Malaysian embroidery, and Thai silks create an atmosphere of exotic refinement. As the train pulls away, admire the lush passing landscapes while your steward serves an exquisite afternoon tea in the privacy of your cabin.
A Social Soirée
As night slowly falls, dress for dinner in one of the opulent dining cars. Savour the flavours of locally inspired specialities, followed by engaging onboard entertainment as you glide through the tropical night toward Kuala Lumpur.
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: New Year’s Eve in Penang
Heritage & Harmony
For the final day of the year, visit Penang Island, Malaysia’s vibrant cultural melting pot. Choose from three curated ways to explore the historic 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 discover stunning temples, contemporary art studios, 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 hidden corners and grand attractions.
The Grand Finale
Rejoin the train at Butterworth for lunch and a leisurely afternoon on board. As midnight approaches, ring in the New Year with irresistible cuisine and festive company. As you raise a toast to adventures to come, the train passes Kuala Lumpur, offering a spectacular view of the electrifying firework display illuminating the sky above the Petronas Twin Towers.
DAY FOUR: The First Dawn
A Gentle Return
Enjoy your first breakfast of the New Year in your cabin or the Dining Car as the train travels through the southernmost state of Johor, famed for its coastal rainforests. 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 Celebration
A seasonal three-night, all-inclusive expedition designed for those who wish to ring in the New Year with unparalleled elegance. This journey traces the “West-coast Line” of the Malay Peninsula, blending the vibrant festivities of the urban north with the tranquil beauty of the Andaman Sea. From the limestone karsts of Kilim Geoforest Park to a midnight passage through the shimmering skyline of Kuala Lumpur, it is a curated immersion into Malaysia’s most iconic landscapes and heritage.
Route: Singapore - Kuala Lumpur - Langkawi (Arau) - Penang (Butterworth) - Johor - Singapore
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Date
29th 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. Your air-conditioned cabin is attended by a 24-hour Dedicated Butler, ensuring every detail, from your morning coffee to the evening turndown, 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 Gala 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.
NEW YEAR’S EVE REVELRY
The Ultimate Countdown. Evenings are defined by the rhythmic charm of the Piano Bar, featuring resident musicians and local entertainers. The highlight of the journey is the New Year’s Eve gala, culminating in a midnight toast as the train glides past the firework-lit skyline of Kuala Lumpur.
Sightseeing highlights
The Petronas Twin Towers: On New Year’s Eve, the train provides a premier vantage point for one of Asia’s most spectacular celebrations. As you glide past Kuala Lumpur shortly after midnight, the sky erupts in an electrifying firework display, with the iconic towers serving as a shimmering, silver backdrop to the festivities.
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.
George Town Old Quarter: Discover the heart of Penang’s cultural capital. From contemporary art studios and ornate temples to traditional opera and puppet houses, the district is a living gallery of the region’s rich artistic heritage.
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 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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