Thank you for booking our Eastern and Oriental Express – Essence of Malaysia trip – Your trip will be here before you know it!
Approximately 30 days prior to the trip start date you’ll receive your personalized travel documents, confirming your trip inclusions and airport transfer details. Below you will find additional information to help you prepare for the adventure that lies ahead.
All documentation required for this itinerary is the sole responsibility of the guest. Brand g Vacations will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for any passenger, or for any delays, damages, and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip, related to improper or absent travel documentation. It is suggested that copies of important documents, including your passport and visas, be kept in a separate place, in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Passport: A passport that is valid for at least six (6) months after your return date is required for this program. Please also ensure you have at least two blank pages available in your passport.
Visas: Citizens of the United States do not require a visa for stays in Malaysia or Singapore of less than 90 days. Citizens of other countries should check visa and entry requirements with your home country Malaysia or Singapore Embassy or Consulate.
Currency Restrictions for Entry and Exit: All travelers to/from Singapore must declare any cash, financial instruments, and cryptocurrency equal to or greater than $20,000 Singapore Dollars (SGD), approximately $15,500 USD (as of April 2024) in value to a customs official upon entry/exit from the country.
All travelers to/from Malaysia must declare any cash, financial instruments, and cryptocurrency equal to or greater than $10,000 or $45,000 Malaysian Ringgit (MYG) (as of April 2024) in value to a customs official upon entry/exit from the country.
Special Health Considerations for Singapore and Malaysia:
We recommend that you read the “Health” section from the US State Department’s Singapore and Malaysia travel page as it has some important considerations for safe and healthy travel in this unique and remote destination:
Singapore:
Malaysia:
Vaccinations:
No vaccinations are required for entering Malaysia and a Yellow fever vaccines may be required from certain countries, but it is recommended that you discuss available vaccinations and any other health concerns you may have with your personal physician or a travel medicine specialist.
The consulates of the countries to be visited will also provide information on vaccination requirements and/or suggestions. You may also consult the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for their current recommendations. View the CDC webpage for Singapore and Malaysia here: CDC_Singapore & CDC_Malaysia
Physical Limitations: This is an active trip, and there is much to see and do. Many included excursions require an extensive amount of walking over uneven terrain, and some sites may have numerous steps that may be steeper and narrower than you are used to without hand rails. Guests with physical limitations will find access to many sites difficult or impossible to navigate. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that you be in good physical condition. If you have questions or doubts about your ability to participate, please call us at 952-405-9309 to discuss.
Medical: Medical facilities are not always easily accessible during the more rural portions of the trip. Any medical expenses incurred during the trip are the guest’s own responsibility, and neither Brand g nor the local ground operator is responsible for cost or quality of medical care received. Guests should bring their medications with them. A travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses as well as medical evacuation while traveling internationally is highly recommended. Towards the bottom of the Singapore CDC page & Malaysia CDC page you will find a “Healthy Travel Packing List” with suggestions for putting together a personal first aid kit. Again, due to the remoteness of this destination it is a good idea to come prepared to cover your own basic health and first aid.
Dietary Preferences: Please advise us of any special dietary restrictions at least 45 days prior (September 19th) to your departure. This information will be provided to the proper personnel, and where possible within local conditions and limitations, every effort will be made to accommodate your needs. It is the guest’s responsibility to provide us with as much detail as possible concerning any medically related dietary concerns. Not all dietary requests can be accommodated, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.
***Please read below for important information concerning the luggage restrictions for the internal flights that are part of this trip.
It is highly recommended that each guest bring only one checked bag. Additionally, on your international flights, all airlines impose some restrictions on both size and weight, and many airlines restrict the number of bags per person. Each guest must check with their selected air carrier for limitations prior to departure, as luggage restrictions are subject to change. Guests who exceed an airline’s luggage restrictions may be asked by the airline to pay the airline’s overweight/oversized luggage fees.
An airline’s limitations on the weight and size of checked and carry-on baggage are usually found on their website or may be obtained by calling the airline directly. Please remember that international (over the water) and domestic (intra continental) restrictions may not be the same.
Your luggage and all personal belongings are solely your responsibility throughout the trip. Brand g Vacations is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.
Please place luggage tags on the outside of all of your bags, including carry on and hand luggage, and include a copy of your contact information during the trip on the inside of your checked bags. Valuables and medication should only be packed in your carry-on bags (unless required to be placed in checked bags by your airline).
***Luggage Allowances for Flight from Bangkok to Singapore (for those joining from Thailand Discovery Land Tour):
Our internal program flights will be on Thai Airways, which is part of the Star Alliance. If you are a Star Alliance member you may register your frequent flyer number at flight check-in.
Carry-on bag Weight: 7kg (15lb)
Carry-on bag Dimensions: Must fit in a normal overhead bin and total dimensions should not exceed 22in x 18in x 10in (56cm x 45cm x 25cm). You may also carry on the following items free of charge:
Liquids for Carry On:
Checked Luggage Weight: 55 – 66 lbs (25 – 30kg)
Checked Luggage Dimensions: Total dimensions should not exceed 62 linear inches (158 cm) – LxWxH
At the time of publishing this page, the charge for overweight luggage is per kg over the weight allowance. Please note, the airline may refuse luggage that grossly exceeds 32kg or 70lb.
Please be sure to contact your airline prior to departure and verify there have been no changes to the flight number or schedule. If you have an airport transfer confirmed with Brand g, please advise of any schedule change affecting your airport pick up time.
Familiarize yourself with current airport security procedures and arrive at the airport at least two and a half (2.5) hours prior to your scheduled departure. During peak travel times, you may want to arrive three (3) hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
Entry documents will be required at all border crossings, so please carry proper identification with you all times, and never place it in checked luggage.
When arriving by airplane, it is not unusual for a border guard to ask you questions such as “where are you from,” “where are you going,” “how long will you be there,” or “what is the purpose of your trip.” Always answer honestly and politely.
If you are bringing laptops, cameras, or other electrical equipment with you on your trip, you may be required to register these items with the local customs authority in order to ensure you are not charged duty on these items when you return home.
Most items you purchase internationally can be brought back into the US and Canada. We do recommend, however, that you check with both your home country’s customs office for current restrictions, as well as with the embassies of the countries you are visiting for any restrictions on items that may be unlawful to take outside their borders.
When you return to your home country, you should be prepared to declare everything you purchased or acquired while traveling. Many countries will ask you to complete a customs form, which will require descriptions and values of the items. These forms are easier to complete if you keep your sales receipts easily accessible. Most countries have set customs duty exemptions for both quantity and value of certain items. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with these allowances and limits prior to your travel.
Please be advised that most hotels do not allow check-in earlier than 3:00pm. If you arrive at the hotel before 3:00pm, there may be a wait until the room becomes available. Check-out at most host hotel properties is 12:00pm. If your arrival or departure schedule does not coincide with these times, you may ask the hotel(s) to store your baggage while you explore independently. Please note that every effort is made to ensure that your hotel room is available and ready for occupancy upon your arrival, however a short wait for your room to become available may be unavoidable. Depending on your arrival or departure times, you may wish to purchase an early check-in, late check-out, or additional hotel night in order to guarantee availability of your room. Feel free to contact Brand g Vacations or your travel agent to book additional services.
Guests who provided their independently arranged flight details to Brand g Vacations no later than 45 days prior (September 19, 2025) to departure, will automatically have airport arrival and departure transfers arranged. Flight arrangements must also be made in accordance with Brand g vacations flight recommendations. Guests are responsible for checking with the airlines and providing their most up-to-date flight details. Please contact your travel agent or Brand g Vacations if you have any questions about your flight arrangements.
Guests joining from the Thailand Land Tour will automatically be transferred from the included flight from the Singapore International Airport (SIN) to the Eastern & Oriental Express train.
Arrival transfers are provided for guests on the main program, from Singapore International Airport (SIN) to the Eastern & Oriental Express train. Please consult the travel documents, which will be emailed to you approximately 30 days prior to the trip start date for instructions on where to meet your transfer at the airport.
Departure transfers are provided from Carlton Hotel Singapore to the Singapore International Airport (SIN). A departure confirmation will be provided to you during the trip advising you of the meeting time and place for your transfer.
Travel Delays: If you experience a travel delay while still in your home country, after working with your air carrier to revise your flight schedule, please contact Brand g’s Operations Office at 952-405-9309 to advise us of your revised arrival date and time. If the line is busy or you are calling outside of general business hours, please leave a message.
If you have already departed your home country, please contact our local staff at the numbers provided below in the Important Contact Information section. Please note, this section may not be added until we email your personalized travel documents to you about 30 days prior to the trip start date.
If you purchased travel insurance that covers flight delay and cancellation expenses, you will also want to contact your travel insurance company to start a claim for expenses incurred during your delay. If the delay is serious enough that you will miss the starting point of your cruise, any additional hotel, and/or flight arrangements necessary to meet your group will be at your expense.
Baggage Delays: Baggage delays unfortunately occur from time to time, especially during peak travel periods. If you discover any bag did not make it to your destination, do not leave the airport baggage area without completing a Lost Baggage Report with your air carrier. This report is essential to the tracking of your claim. If you have an airport transfer scheduled, and are traveling with a companion, we recommend that one person exit the baggage claim area and locate the representative to inform him or her of the situation. This will allow the representative to ensure that the transfer is properly provided. Give the air carrier a copy of your travel itinerary, along with the hotel and ship contact information. Report your lost baggage to your Brand g Vacations host and provide them with a copy of your Lost Baggage Report. Brand g Vacations is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and/or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.
A Brand g Vacations Tour Leader will be with you during your travel program to handle all the details, leaving you to relax and enjoy your vacation.
In today’s connected world, staying in touch with friends and family is a key part of travel. Since most guests bring their cell phones, access to reliable communication ensures they can share experiences, navigate unfamiliar places, and stay informed throughout their journey. International roaming charges can be expensive, and it is advisable to contact your domestic carrier to determine the charges and plans available for each country you are visiting, then select the best available plan for your expected usage. In some countries, SIM or E-SIM cards are available for purchase that can be used in an unlocked phone (call your carrier to determine if your phone is, or can be, unlocked), providing a local number that can be used both locally and internationally, usually at a significantly lower rate.
Making international calls from the hotels is possible, but costly. Connection fees are usually applied, in addition to other call charges.
While cell phone service is typically available in the larger cities throughout Malaysia, in rural areas, mobile coverage is significantly less reliable than in cities. Please be mindful and avoid phone calls or conversations during the guides’ excursion commentary to ensure a smooth and immersive experience for all guests.
The official currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, but cash is preferred in rural areas. Currency exchanges at the airports, banks, licensed exchange kiosks, and major hotels are able to exchange a wide variety of currencies, including US dollars, British pound sterling, Euros, and Australian dollars. Or, you may wish to withdraw local currency from a bank ATM machine.
Singapore’s official currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), symbolized as S$. Singapore maintains a currency interchangeability agreement with Brunei, meaning the Brunei Dollar (BND) is accepted at par in Singapore, and vice versa. Exchanging cash, banks, licensed exchange counters, and major hotels offer competitive rates.
Credit/Debit Cards: Both Malaysia and Singapore – American Express is also accepted but may have limited usability.
Please contact your bank and/or credit card companies to let them know that you will be leaving the country to avoid any problems using your debit/ATM and credit card(s) overseas.
Optional Gratuities for the included components of this program have been pre-paid. You are welcome to provide additional tips at your discretion.
Smoking is allowed only in designated areas throughout the program. All hotel rooms are non-smoking.
We ask everyone to refrain from smoking while on excursions.
Malaysia and Singapore uses Type G electrical outlets, the same as the UK, with three rectangular prongs. The standard voltage is 230V, though in practice, it often runs at 240V, with a frequency of 50 Hz
Your tour program includes comprehensive excursions led by a local English-speaking guide; these excursions have been designed to provide you with the best possible experience. Your Brand g Vacations host will provide details on each day’s excursion(s) and timing. Should guests be concerned about any aspect of an excursion, please inform your local guide or Brand g Vacations host.
Customs in Singapore and Malaysia may differ from those of your home country. Our itinerary takes us into areas where locals are simply living their daily lives. Should you wish to take a photo of locals, please request their permission first (simply pointing to your camera and allowing them to nod is sufficient), understand that the answer may be “No”. Please note that tipping individuals you photograph may be expected or appreciated as a gesture of gratitude.
Guides will inform you when entering places where photos are not allowed.
When visiting temples in Malaysia, wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to show respect for local customs and religious traditions. Carrying a shawl or lightweight scarf is a great option for easily covering up when needed.
Many of the places we visit on the itinerary are not handicapped accessible. Many excursions involve walking over uneven ground. Additionally, some excursions are walking tours only. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition.
At its sole discretion, Brand g reserves the right to refuse participation, or to require a passenger to end his or her trip if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition may affect his or her own health, safety, and enjoyment, or that of other passengers.
In the countries in which we operate, pickpockets are not uncommon, and caution is encouraged. Brand g cannot be held liable for loss of money, jewelry, or other valuable items from a hotel, or while on an excursion. A travel insurance policy will typically cover most incidents of loss or theft.
Weather forecasts are widely available on the Internet, and some of the favorites for large, international cities are www.weather.com and www.cnn.com/weather.
Malaysia is warm, humid, and rainy, with regional differences:
Singapore is hot, humid, and rainy, as it transitions into the wet season.
Expect afternoon and evening downpours, so carrying an umbrella is a good idea.
WHAT TO BRING
Travel Essentials: Please see the bottom of the What to Bring section for a link to a more specific packing list.
In general, the following items are essential for any destination: sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant, hat, rain jacket and umbrella. It is recommended that you bring duplicates of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any medications (generic equivalents are usually easier to obtain), copies of credit card information, and copies of your passport information pages and visas. We also suggest you bring your own personal first aid kit with basic over the counter medications, bandages and other basic first aid supplies. Please refer to the CDC’s recommended health packing list:
Malaysia: Click here
Singapore: Click here
Clothing: In general, comfortable, sporty, casual clothing is appropriate throughout the trip. We suggest natural and/or moisture-wicking fabrics in light colors which may be layered, such as a mix of lightweight shirts, everyday khakis, slacks, skirts/dresses, and walking shorts, along with a lightweight jacket or pullover/sweater for early mornings, late evenings, and air-conditioned spaces. It is also recommended to bring a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella.
Shorts, or lightweight pants, good walking shoes, and sun hats during the day are highly recommended. For evenings, we recommend casual attire and we require shirts and footwear to be worn at all times in the dining room.
You may also want to bring a lightweight stocking cap and gloves for the possibility of very cool mornings/evenings.
Sport jackets and cocktail dresses are not needed at any time during this program. However, you may wish to bring one or two dressier outfits for dinners and evenings out in Ulaanbaatar.
Footwear: You will engage in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain. We recommend comfortable walking shoes, with good ankle support.
Laundry: Laundry service is available for an extra fee at all properties used throughout the trip. Instructions and fees will be listed in your Guest Service Directory book or within the closet in your hotel room. Self-service laundry facilities are not available at any properties.
A detailed daily itinerary will be posted here approximately 30 days prior to the start of the trip.
All meals aboard the train: daily four-course dinner (seasonal table d’hôte menu, including coffee, tea and petits fours), daily continental breakfast served in your cabin and daily three-course lunch and afternoon tea. Also includes all house wine, house spirits and local beer. Premium drinks and drinks ordered to your cabin will be an additional charge.
Dress code:
The atmosphere on board is relaxed refinement. Guests should dress comfortable at all times. During the day dress of relaced comfort as you move about the train. We recommend light cotton clothing for sightseeing. We ask that you respect local cultures by wearing appropriate clothing when visiting religious sites
Please note: Evenings call for smart-casual attire with a touch of understated elegance, and we suggest a racket or dress equivalent for dinner. Please refrain from wearing jeans or trainers (sneakers).
Drinks onboard:
Complimentary tea and coffee are available at all times.
A selection of wines, spirits and local beers can also be served. Premium drinks and drinks served to your cabin will incur an additional charge. Bar drinks may be ordered in the Observation Car, the Bar Car, or served in your cabin by your steward.
The Bar Car stays open as long as you wish, but drinks service may be temporarily suspended at the Singaporean/Malaysian border for Customs formalities or at the Train Manager’s discretion.’
Piano Bar:
After a delicious dinner, retreat to the piano bar for a refreshing nightcap while delicate notes of the piano float through the air. Our musical curator is on hand to entertain with nostalgic melodies. Sit back and join your fellow guests in reminiscing about the day’s adventures.
Dior Spa:
As our majestic train returns to the tracks of Southeast Asia, we take slow travel and wellness to new heights. Welcome to the new Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express, where relaxing moments and rejuvenating treatments transform your luxury rail journey. Step onboard, Malayan wellness is within reach. Treatment List
Observation Car:
Head to the Observation Car to enjoy the breeze and the ever-changing views. Located at the rear of the Eastern & Oriental Express, it’s the perfect place to sit back and relax under the moonlit sky. Paneled walls and teak floors evoke a bygone era, giving the Observation Car a certain spirit of grandeur.
Our Presidential Suite offers supreme space with extra luxury touches and a large bathroom with enhanced amenities. Use the wifi onboard and set the ambience with your own music as you recline in the plush seating area.
The light, airy State Cabins of the Eastern & Oriental Express connect you to the passing landscapes outside. Recline in spacious elegance by day; toast the day’s adventures with a nightcap before settling into two single beds at floor level at night. Marvel at the unique designs of the State Cabins, as Malaysia rushes by.
A paradise of vintage charm, the twin bed setting of the Pullman Cabins dazzles and delights. Relax onto plush seating by day as your cabin is flooded with light, courtesy of the two large windows. After the stars emerge, enjoy upper and lower berths cozy with crisp linens.
Check out the below linked page for things to do and see in your free time in Singapore, along with some restaurant and bar recommendations: City Guide – Singapore
Below is a list of emergency contact details for you and to share with your friends and family back home, should they need to reach you in an emergency.
If needed, the Brand g Vacations office is available to support you Monday – Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm US Central Standard Time at +1 (952) 405-9309. Also, you may email [email protected].
Malaysia and Singapore operate on the same time zone the MYT or SST (Malaysian/Singaporean Time GMT +8 hours), so when it is 12:00 pm in New York it is 12:00 am in the Malaysia/Singapore.
International telephone calls can be placed by dialing the International Access Code (011), the country code and then the phone number. Our representatives will be monitoring your flight and will adjust accordingly to any early or late arrival time. However, if your inbound flights are canceled or completely rescheduled for any reason, please contact our local representatives immediately.
Should you need to utilize the local emergency mobile below, please specify that you are traveling with Brand g Vacations.
Emergency Contact information will be updated closer to the start of the trip.
While traveling the above contacts will be able to support you in your local time zone and at the various venues.
All of our trips include arrival and departure airport transfers, most meals, included beverages and so much more! Plus our trips are hosted, meaning someone from Brand g will be with you the entire time to take care of the details, so you can simply relax and enjoy your vacation.
© 2025 Brand g Vacations. All Rights Reserved.
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