Eastern and Oriental Express Fables of the Hills
(7 days/6 nights)

 

 

An extended journey through the delights of Asia from Singapore to Bangkok, including visits toi Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Penang, Tham Kasae Viaduct, and River Kwai.

Prices

  2011 2012

Pullman Superior/Single
State Cabin US$8,900 US$8,900
Presidential Suite US$11,500 US$11,500


Prices are per person based on sharing accommodation (except for single cabin) and include all table d'hôte meals and drinks on board with complimentary tea and coffee in your cabin, and all sightseeing and excursions as described in the itinerary.


Special Offer

To celebrate the launch of the Chronicles of South East Asia passengers who travel on our six night journeys receive a complimentary one night stay at the legendary Raffles Hotel in Singapore, and the 5 star Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, including breakfast and transfers to and from hotel/station.

Offer valid on all departures through December 2011 and will be added to your itinerary automatically on reservation. Subject to availability.



Departure Dates

2011
October 2



Itinerary

DAY ONE - Singapore
The gleaming green carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express await you at Singapore’s Keppel Road station  As you arrive you are welcomed by stewards in exquisite Thai uniforms with their hands pressed together in a gracious “wai”—a promise of the journey to come.
 
A cool drink is served as you settle into your luxurious cabin. The whistle blows and the train sets off through the city, over the causeway into Malaysia and out into the countryside beyond.  Make your way to the Bar Car for a cocktail reception hosted by the Train Manager and the chance to meet other guests. Enjoy dinner in one of the opulent dining cars and listen to the resident pianist playing nostalgic melodies in the Bar Car.

DAY TWO - Kuala Lumpur & Overnight at Cameron Highlands
After breakfast, the E&O arrives at the impressive Mughal-style Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, built in 1885.  Immerse yourself in the bustling capital of Malaysia through a choice of activities such as a city tour, heritage walking tour or a visit to the National Museum.  Full details of available options are provided on board.

Return to the E&O at midday and depart Kuala Lumpur. Lunch will be served on board as the E&O climbs past rubber plantations towards Malaysia’s verdant uplands.   After arriving at Tapah Station, disembark the train for the coach transfer to the luxurious Cameron Highlands Resort.

Relax and enjoy the two hour scenic drive over the rolling hills and pass through dense jungle where you may spot settlements of the Orang Asli (indigenous people). Along the way, enjoy photo stops at tea plantations, strawberry farms and flower galleries

Upon your arrival at the Cameron Highlands Resort, sip cocktails and savour dinner while enjoying the fabulous views from what is Malaysia’s most celebrated hill retreat.

DAY THREE - Cameron Highlands
After a leisurely breakfast at the resort, choose from a wide variety of tours and activities available (full details will be provided).  Spend the morning being pampered at the famed Spa Village or visit the Best of Highlands tea plantation for a guided walk through the fragrant tea gardens and a tour of the factory with the chance to sample a variety of aromatic brews.  Other options include a trip to the Mardi Agro-technology Park to discover the array of fruits, vegetables and flowers grown in the Highlands and to sample an amazing ten different varieties of strawberries.

A lunch based on this wonderful produce will be served at the resort. You then travel to Ipoh to once again board the gleaming Eastern & Oriental Express.  Relax with an aperitif in the Bar Car before enjoying a fabulous dinner as the train glides on through the night.

DAY FOUR - Kuala Kangsar & Penang
This morning brings a leisurely tour through the royal city of Kuala Kangsar, home to the Sultan of Perak .  Cradled in a bend of the Perak River, this historic city is charming, serene and full of interest.  Visit the Victorian-era Royal Museum (the former Royal Palaces) and the impressive Ubudiah Mosque. 

Return to the train for lunch as you travel across exquisite Bukit Merah Lake before heading to the western coast of Malaysia.  Upon your arrival at Butterworth Station you will be transferred to the island of Penang where several excursions are available.  Options include a tour of colonial Georgetown with its rich blend of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures, or you may choose to visit the Peranakan Heritage Museum or the Tropical Spice Garden Gallery which showcases excellent displays on the origins of the spice trade and how spices are used today.

At sunset, gather at the E&O Hotel and sip cocktails on the seafront terrace before heading to your choice of specially-selected venue to experience some of the best dining in Penang, an island known for its exceptional, regional cooking.  A selection of local and international cuisines is available, including a Malaysian "hawker center" experience After dinner, return to the train to continue your journey.

DAY FIVE - Monkey Training College at Surat Thani
During the early hours of the morning, the train crosses into Thailand at Padang Besar.  Relax and enjoy scenic views of southern Thailand, as the train passes paddy fields and golden temples. A sumptuous lunch will be served on board before the E&O arrives at Surat Thani.

This agricultural town is known for its many types of fruit and oysters. However, the highlight of this stop is a private tour of the Monkey Training College.  Its skilful ‘students’ have traditionally been used in this region to help harvest coconuts. At this college they learn how to choose only ripe coconuts, and to bring them down without damaging them.

Following the tour, return to the train to depart from Surat Thani.  Dinner tonight is served on board as the train continues its journey through the Thai countryside towards Bangkok.

DAY SIX - River Kwai & the Tham Kasae Viaduct
This morning the train arrives at the River Kwai Bridge where you disembark for a leisurely cruise along the dramatic gorge on a local river barge.  You then have time to visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum and Don Rak War Cemetery. 

After returning to the train in the late morning, lunch will be served as you depart from Kanchanaburi Station.  The train crosses the historic bridge at the River Kwai and travels towards Wang Po where you continue along the famous trestles at the Tham Kasae viaduct - one of the railway’s most scenic stretches. 

After lunch, choose from a variety of tours including a visit to an elephant camp, where you will see the animals at work and even ride one. Or, join an excursion to the memorial at the Hell Fire Pass Museum, a moving tribute to this region’s turbulent history.

For your final night aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, join the Train Manager for a farewell cocktail reception followed by a glamorous dinner on board. You may wish to exchange addresses with fellow guests over a digestif in the open air Observation Car, and spot stars in the night sky overhead.

DAY SEVEN – Bangkok
Arrive at 09:30am and disembark in Bangkok as the on board team wave you goodbye and wish you a pleasant onward journey.

Timetable

 Arrive   Depart 

Sunday Singapore
Check-In at Raffles Hotel for Transfer to Keppel Railway Station
Welcome Cocktails Reception
- 16:00
Monday Kuala Lumpur
Choice of Local Excursions
08:30 12:00
Tapah Road
Transfer to Cameron Highlands Resort for Entertainment and Overnight Stay
14:30 -
Tuesday Cameron Highlands Resort
Choice of Morning Tours & Activities
Transfer to Ipoh & Reboard Train
- -
Wednesday Kuala Kangsar - -
Penang
Choice of Tours with Sunset Cocktails at E&O Hotel
Dinner in Penang
14:00 22:30
Thursday Surat Thani
Visit to a Monkey Training College
14:00 17:00
Friday River Kwai
Local Barge Cruise on River Kwai
Thai Burma Railway Museum, Don Rak War Cemetary
08:30 -
Wang Po
Choice of Optional Tours
Farewell Cocktails & Dinner Onboard
14:30 17:30
Saturday Bangkok 09:30 -

Please note: All timings shown are for your guidance only. Confirmed timings will be supplied with your travel documents.

to book call 1 877 256 1999

or

Contact Us

see www.atiworld.com