Malaysia · A private journey

From the Rails to the Sea

A Colonial-Era Rail Journey, Then an Island Retreat.

Singapore  ·  Malaysia  ·  Indonesia

Enquire See the journey

OVERVIEW

ITINERARY

STAYS

RESERVE

The Essence of the Journey

Journey from the vibrant rhythms of Singapore into the verdant landscapes of Malaysia aboard the legendary Eastern & Oriental Express. Trace a passage through the region’s rich cultural heritage and ever-changing scenery before continuing to the secluded shores of Lombok. Here, volcanic horizons, traditional island life and tranquil coastal sanctuaries invite a slower pace of discovery. Thoughtfully composed around the contrast of storied rail travel and an island retreat, this journey brings together the romance of the unexpected and the quiet luxury of time well spent.

The Grandeur of Singapore

Discover Singapore’s layered cultures, striking architecture and verdant gardens before embarking on a journey shaped by timeless rail romance.

The Romance of the Rails

Experience elegant cabins, refined dining and ever-changing Malaysian landscapes aboard the legendary Eastern & Oriental Express.

Malaysia, Beyond the Rails

Explore Malaysia through cultural excursions, heritage-rich towns and remarkable landscapes, with experiences shaped by your selected departure.

The Island Uncovered

Discover Bintan’s mangrove waterways, coastal landscapes and Malay heritage through thoughtfully chosen experiences beyond the resort.

Across the Singapore Strait

Return to Singapore before a short sea crossing carries you to Bintan and a slower island rhythm.

The Art of Island Seclusion

Unwind in a secluded coastal sanctuary, where attentive hospitality, restorative mornings and unhurried days meet the rhythm of the sea.

Why Choose a Hayah Reserve Journey?

Bespoke Curation

24/7 white-glove itinerary and culinary customization.

Seamless Logistics

Private aviation and fast-track VIP transit chains.

Exclusivity Guarded

Rare, off-lottery experiences tailored for your family.

Pristine Sanctuaries

Exclusive access to remote, crowd-free luxury properties.

The Journey

Singapore

Before the train

The Lion City

Singapore

You are met on arrival and settled into the city before the journey begins. Singapore blends Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions in a few square kilometres: the shophouses of Peranakan Katong, the supertrees of Gardens by the Bay, and a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar if the mood takes you. Your afternoon is yours until it is time for the train.

Private transfer to Woodlands Train Checkpoint · about 30 minutes

Day 1: All Aboard

Singapore to Johor

The Eastern & Oriental Express departs

The lounge car of the Eastern and Oriental Express

Your steward welcomes you aboard and shows you to your private cabin. The train pulls out of Woodlands in the afternoon and crosses the Johor Causeway into Malaysia. Take afternoon tea, wander to the open-air observation car as the plantations slide past, and dress for dinner in the dining car. By night your cabin is turned into a bedroom as the train runs north.

Overnight on board, north along Malaysia's west coast

Day 2: Alor Setar

Pulau Payar Marine Park

Rice paddies and coral

The coast near Langkawi

Breakfast is served as the train rolls through rice paddies and quiet villages in the far north-west. Around midday you step off at Alor Setar and take a short boat to Pulau Payar Marine Park, off Langkawi, for snorkelling over reefs full of parrotfish and angelfish. Back on board there is time to relax before the train departs in the evening, with dinner served as you head south to Penang.

Evening departure, overnight to Butterworth

Day 3: Penang

George Town

A UNESCO heritage island

A Peranakan shophouse in George Town, Penang

From Butterworth you cross to Penang Island and choose from a set of guided excursions in George Town. Walk the heritage lanes and street art, visit a clan house or Peranakan mansion, and taste the hawker food Penang is famous for. You rejoin the train for lunch before it departs in the early afternoon.

South through the afternoon and night, passing Kuala Lumpur after midnight

Day 4: Homeward

Johor to Singapore

Breakfast through Johor

A window table in the dining car

Linger over a last breakfast in the dining car as the train crosses Johor, with its beaches and rainforest. By mid-morning you cross the Causeway and arrive back at Woodlands, where you say goodbye to your steward and step off.

Private transfer to the ferry terminal, then the ferry to Bintan · about 1 hour crossing

Bintan

Indonesia

The island finale

Bintan

A short ferry from Singapore lands you on Bintan's north coast, where the pace drops at once. Spend the days on a quiet beach, in a spa, or out among the mangroves by boat, and finish each evening with a long dinner by the sea. After the train, this is where you do nothing at all.

Ferry back to Singapore, then private transfer to Changi · about 1 hour crossing

Departure

Singapore, and the flight home

We time the ferry and the airport transfer around your flight, with your luggage handled throughout, so you leave Singapore unhurried.

Along the Way

Aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, and the stops in between.

  • Breakfast served at a window table on the train On board Breakfast with the countryside

    A leisurely breakfast in the dining car, with rice paddies and rural villages passing the window.

  • A set dinner table in the dining car On board Dinner in the dining car

    Multi-course dinners in the Malaya and Adisorn cars, with menus by culinary curator André Chiang.

  • The open-sided observation car On board The Observation Car

    A panelled lounge at the rear of the train, open to the air, for watching Malaysia unfold behind you.

  • A treatment room in the Dior Spa carriage On board Dior Spa carriage

    A private treatment room on the rails, the first Dior Spa in Southeast Asia.

  • Carved and gilded heritage interior in George Town Penang George Town, your way

    A choice of excursions in the old town, from a tuk-tuk tour to an artist’s studio or a cooking class.

  • Fresh produce at a Penang market Penang Market and street food

    Walk the local market and taste Penang’s street food, one of the great food cities of Asia.

A few of many. We place them where they suit your journey. Tell us what you love.

Grand Hyatt Tokyo

Tokyo

Grand Hyatt Tokyo

A landmark hotel set in the Roppongi Hills complex, three minutes on foot from Roppongi Station. Rooms look out across the city, and Tokyo Tower stands on the skyline at night.

We choose it as a soft landing. After a long flight you are close to the Mori Art Museum and the observatory, with a spa, an indoor pool and ten restaurants and bars under one roof, and Ginza and the Imperial Palace gardens a short drive away.

Why we like it

  • Wide views across the city from the guest rooms
  • Roppongi Hills on the doorstep, with its art museum and observatory
  • A spa, indoor pool and ten restaurants and bars to ease the jet lag
Hyatt Centric Kanazawa

Kanazawa

Hyatt Centric Kanazawa

A design-led hotel that opened in 2020, directly in front of the west exit of Kanazawa Station. It is as easy a base as the city offers, and the rooftop terrace is the place to be at sunset.

We like the position. Omicho Market is within reach, Kenrokuen and the geisha quarter are a short taxi ride, and the next morning the car to Shirakawa-go collects you at the door.

Why we like it

  • Two minutes on foot from Kanazawa Station
  • A rooftop terrace bar over the city at dusk
  • Ishikawa ingredients at the all-day restaurant, FIVE
Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan

Takayama

Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan

A traditional ryokan in the centre of Takayama, mixing the old and the modern, with tatami rooms and wooden baths that look out over the town.

This is where the mountain road ends. Dinner is kaiseki, with Hida beef, served in your room or in the restaurant, and in the morning the Miyagawa market and the old merchant quarter are close by.

Why we like it

  • Kaiseki and Hida beef dinners, in your room or the restaurant
  • Tatami rooms and wooden baths with views over the town
  • Close to the Miyagawa morning market and Takayama Jinya
Sowaka

Kyoto

Sowaka

A former ryotei in the heart of Gion, restored in sukiya style with hand-carved timber, shoji screens and bamboo lattice. Rooms are arranged around a quiet garden courtyard, so it feels like a private residence rather than a hotel.

We end the journey here on purpose. You can walk the lanes of Gion at the quiet ends of the day, and dinner downstairs is kaiseki at Gion Loka, the hotel’s own restaurant.

Why we like it

  • Sukiya-style architecture, hand-carved wood and shoji screens
  • Rooms around a private garden courtyard
  • Kaiseki at Gion Loka, with vegetarian and allergy needs catered for

Our Curated Selection

The Investment & Inclusions

A Note on Design & Tariff: Expeditions of this scale are custom-priced based on your seasonal travel window and private party requirements.

    • Private transfers with airport meet & greet

    • Hotels with daily breakfast

    • Private experiences along the route

    • Round the clock support, before & during your journey

    • International flights and visas

The Long Way Through Japan

Begin the conversation

Tell us a little about your plans. We will shape the journey, and its length, around you.

  1. i.We reply personally within 24 hours.
  2. ii.A private call to understand how you like to travel.
  3. iii.A proposal with route, stays, timing and length.

Prefer to talk now? WhatsApp us
or write to hello@hayahreserve.com

Our Destinations

  • Egypt

    Beyond the monuments, discover a civilization alive in its culture, people and traditions.

    Learn More

  • Tanzania

    Journey into vast wilderness, where nature and culture unfold at their own rhythm.

    Learn More

  • Malaysia

    Explore a rich tapestry of cultures, heritage, flavours and landscapes.

    Learn More

  • Japan

    Discover ancient traditions, exquisite craftsmanship and quiet beauty

    Click Here