Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express Returns to Asia

The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia has announced the appointment of Chef André Chiang as its new culinary curator. The Michelin-starred chef will curate a menu of such dishes as Laksa Bouillabaisse, Black-bone Chicken Consommé and Jungle Spices Cacao Ganache. At the Piano Bar Carriage and Observation Car, guests can sip on botanical-inspired libations and vintage cocktails conceptualized by creative hospitality consultancy, The Cocktail Professor, as well as non-alcoholic drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, local craft beers and artisanal Malaysian coffees.

The Eastern & Oriental Express and Veuve Clicquot invite travelers on a bespoke “Solaire Journey” April 22-25, 2024. This train journey blends champagne and culinary excellence with a dash of adventure as guests whiz through Malaysia and explore the 130-million-year-old Taman Negara National Park. Only on this trip, guests will have access to Veuve Clicquot’s cellar master, Didier Mariotti, who will lead champagne tastings, as well as the train’s culinary curator, André Chiang, who will design dishes to be paired with vintages, including La Grande Dame series.

Launching in March, the Eastern and Oriental Express’ new “Wild Malaysia” itinerary includes an excursion into the Taman Negara National Park, where guests can choose between three activities: an educational tour of the park to learn about the endangered Malayan Tigers, a wildlife photography class or an exploration of the rainforest’s caves. This May, a special “Tiger Express” journey designed with the train’s partner, Save Wild Tigers, aims to raise awareness of the conservation efforts to save the Malay Tiger from extinction, contributing to the fight against illegal poaching and habitat loss. This journey incorporates the “Wild Malaysia” itinerary, concluding with two nights at The Datai in Langkawi. The “Wild Malaysia” journey runs every week from March to October. The six-night “Tiger Express” journey runs May 5-11, 2024.

The revamped Eastern & Oriental Express offers eight sleeping carriages, two restaurants, a Piano Bar and the open-air Observation Car. There are three types of air-conditioned, cherry-wood paneled cabins—Pullman, State and Presidential. The new in-cabin experience offers guests a sensory journey through scents, lights, playlists, teas and more. Daytime encounters with locals are complemented by nightly entertainment spotlighting resident musicians and special acts, such as the Shang Sisters, a trio known for blending jazz tunes with Nanyang flair.

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