Having a 3-night Belmond train excursion as a component of our AHI “Treasures of Southeast Asia” trip was a giant bonus and something I always wanted to do! Of course I was a huge fan of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express.” We boarded the train at Singapore’s Woodland Station and settled in our luxurious cabin before lunch. An exciting adventure was ahead.

We were escorted to our beautiful cabin.

A tasty welcome drink and exotic fruit.

Unpacking for our 3 night train adventure.

We relaxed before lunch.

Our cabin was beautifully designed with decorative pillows and velvet built-in sofa and chair.

You can tell by the smiles that our group loved the initial lunch.

The Piano Bar Car.

Evenings were dressy affairs. Marla and I are enjoying pre-dinner Champagne in the Piano Bar Car with Lisa and Ray.

The dining cars are very elegant.

You couldn’t ask for a better group of people to travel with! Our AHI travel companions were all very nice, engaging, and interesting. We would definitely enjoy traveling with them again!

Our dinners were different each evening with a blending of regional and European elements. The one happy constant each day was the flow of delicious Champagne!

Our beds were prepared for us each evening by our cabin butler. The beds were a little short for a tall person. The train does roll around a little because it is narrow guage. The unexpected motion made it hard to sleep at times.

Marla enjoys the view of the Malaysian jungle at lunch.

You can tell I’m a very happy guy!

Marla and Andrea in conversation.

“Ah…Champagne and…a magician” in the Piano Bar.

All of us were really enjoying all the luxurious attention!

Delicious deserts!

Lisa is our “Goodwill ambassador” and loved sitting with different members of our group.

Marla is with a singer in the Piano Bar Car.

Group photo with the amazing chef who prepared salt free meals for Marla.

Next up….Exploration of the Malaysian jungle, Penang & George Town.

Photos: Dick Gentry…Not to be used without permission.