Travel
How Much It Costs to Travel on Southeast Asia's Most Glamorous Train Ride
Southeast Asia’s Orient Express comes with a fare as lavish as the journey.
Published on Aug 21, 2025
There are faster ways to cross Southeast Asia, but none as considered as by rail. The Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond train, is less a mode of transport than a traveling world of its own. Its carriages, finished in teak and silk, carry with them a sense of history and theater as they roll north from Singapore into Malaysia. Along the way, the passing scenery—jungle, villages, riverbanks—becomes as much a part of the experience as the destinations themselves.
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But what does it cost to experience this kind of legendary journey? Ahead, we break down the accommodations, amenities, routes, and price of boarding the Eastern & Oriental Express.
Since its inaugural voyage in 1993, the Eastern & Oriental Express has been a fixture of Southeast Asian luxury rail travel. Born of American entrepreneur James B. Sherwood’s vision, the carriages were first acquired in Japan before being refitted in Singapore into the elegant train.
Now a sister to Europe’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the train carries with it a spirit of old-world grandeur infused with Asian artistry. Inside, guests are greeted by corridors of polished teak and inlaid marquetry, art-deco lamps, and silk-lined armchairs.
Each meal onboard is a performance in itself. The train houses two elegant dining cars—Malaya, whose coral and green interiors draw from tropical orchids and batik traditions, and Adisorn, with ombré carpets of green and gold that mirror Malaysia’s highland tea plantations.
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PHOTO: Belmond.
Menus shift with the seasons, blending Southeast Asian flavors with European influences. One evening might feature fragrant rendang paired with French wine; another, Thai spices presented with polished plating. Meals, meanwhile, are served in dining cars lit by soft lamps and set with crisp linens.
Inside, the train offers its own spaces to spend the journey. The Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express—a first for any luxury train in the region—brings Parisian savoir-faire to Southeast Asia. Treatments include the tension-relieving D-Tissue Massage, the rejuvenating Kobi-Dior facial, and the rhythmical, full-body D-Jungle ritual.
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PHOTOS: Belmond
Elsewhere, guests can head to the Piano Bar for nightly entertainment, sip cocktails under a moonlit sky in the Observation Car, or retreat to their cabins for the day.
Cabins are divided into three categories, each with wood-panel interiors and modern conveniences.
From US$5,800 (P330,600) per person
Twin-bed configuration with daytime seating and two picture windows.
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PHOTOS: Belmond
From US$6,650 (P379,050) per person
Larger cabins with floor-level twin beds and classic wood finishes.
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PHOTOS: Belmond
From US$13,250 (P755,250) per person
The most spacious option, with a private seating area, a larger bathroom, and extras such as caviar service, fresh flowers, and complimentary spa treatments.
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PHOTOS: Belmond
All categories include en-suite bathrooms, 24-hour steward service, and full board with free-flowing house wines and spirits. The Presidential Suite elevates the experience further with WiFi, private transfers, and direct access to the train’s General Manager.
The Eastern & Oriental Express runs a small number of three-night roundtrips from Singapore, with itineraries that combine train travel with stops focused on Malaysia’s food, culture, and landscapes.
A culinary-focused departure led by chef André Chiang. Guests explore Taman Negara National Park on guided walks before returning to collaborative menus by Michelin-starred chefs and cocktail pairings on board. The train continues to Penang, with excursions through George Town’s markets, tastings, and chef-led food experiences.
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PHOTO: Belmond.
A nature-driven journey into Taman Negara, with river safaris, jungle treks, and wildlife sightings. The route continues to Penang, where guests can join food trails, hawker center visits, or guided photography tours of George Town.
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PHOTO: Belmond.
A mix of island and heritage stops, including Langkawi’s beaches and limestone cliffs, Perlis Geopark’s rural landscapes, and Penang’s temples, spice farms, and art galleries.
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PHOTO: Belmond.
Seasonal departures in December that include excursions in Penang alongside celebrations on board such as special dinners, live music, and New Year’s Eve fireworks.
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PHOTO: Belmond.
Each journey begins at Singapore’s Woodlands Station, travels north along Malaysia’s west coast through plantations and jungle hills, and circles back four days later.
Tickets for the Eastern & Oriental Express can be booked directly through the official Belmond website, where travelers will find departure dates, itineraries, and cabin categories. Because spots are limited and seasonal journeys often sell out fast, it’s recommended to reserve well in advance.
Kat is Preview's Lifestyle Editor, explorer, and occasional rhymer. When not globe-trotting, she's over her computer, writing her next big novel.