THE DATAI LANGKAWI RENEWS PARTNERSHIP WITH SAVE WILD TIGERS AND THE EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS FOR TIGER EXPRESS 2026

An unforgettable journey to raise awareness for Malaysia’s endangered tigers

The Datai Langkawi is delighted to announce the renewal of its collaboration with Save Wild Tigers; The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia; and Raffles Singapore, for the 2026 edition of The Tiger Express. This exclusive journey, taking place from 10 to 16 May 2026, provides guests with a unique adventure across Malaysia dedicated to raising awareness and important funds for the preservation of the Malayan Tiger.

Now entering its fourth year, the collaboration forms part of The Datai Pledge, the resort’s community and conservation programme launched in 2020 under its Wildlife For The Future pillar, which is dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable species within the local ecosystem. The Tiger Express embodies The Datai Langkawi’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, offering guests an opportunity to actively contribute to tiger conservation while experiencing Malaysia’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

The seven-day journey begins with a night at the legendary Raffles Singapore, including an exclusive evening cocktail reception and a special screening of Dead Talk, featuring acclaimed British actor Ray Winstone. Guests then board the iconic Eastern & Oriental Express, where they will enjoy a two-night journey through Malaysia’s landscapes, including immersive excursions in Taman Negara National Park, a 130-million-year-old rainforest, where dense jungle, majestic rivers, and verdant mountains provide sanctuary to remarkable wildlife, from water buffalo and macaques to tapirs, hornbills, and the elusive Malayan tiger. Activities on offer include learning directly about conservation efforts, wildlife explorations guided by tiger experts, and serene wellness experiences amidst the rainforest. 

The adventure continues with an intimate cultural immersion on Penang Island, home to George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage site, where guests will tour historic landmarks such as the Cheah Kongsi Temple and the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. This is complemented by a traditional batik display and the acclaimed Eye on the Tiger photographic exhibition curated from London’s Royal Albert Hall, with the chance to meet the curator.

Guests then journey onward to The Datai Langkawi for a three-night stay in one of Asia’s most pristine natural settings. Nestled in a 10-million-year-old rainforest on one of the world’s top-rated beaches, the Datai Bay, the resort provides a sanctuary for both wildlife and guests. Optional excursions include early morning forest walks with resident naturalists, ending in a refreshing dip in a hidden jungle pool.

The journey concludes with an exclusive cocktail reception followed by a gala dinner on the beach hosted at The Datai Langkawi, where the natural beauty of the surroundings enhances the culmination of this remarkable journey.

“It is an honour to once again host the finale of this meaningful journey,” says Stephane Duvacher, General Manager of The Datai Langkawi. “Through The Datai Pledge and our Wildlife For The Future initiatives, we are committed to creating a legacy of conservation. The Tiger Express represents not just a luxury travel experience, but a key opportunity to raise awareness for tiger conservation at a critical time.”

This vital conservation journey comes at a crucial time as wild tigers continue to be hunted for illegal trade, with skin, bones, and other parts valued at approximately USD20 billion (approx. GBP15.5 billion) per year on the black market. Today, fewer than 5,000 tigers remain in the wild, with only 150 in Malaysia.

Alongside conservation partners and ambassadors, the 2026 Tiger Express aims to amplify awareness and galvanise action to protect one of the world’s most iconic big cats. In keeping with tradition, Save Wild Tigers will also welcome a select group of surprise ambassadors and tastemakers to join the journey and help spread its important message. Previous Save Wild Tigers guests and ambassadors have included Kim Jones, Cara Delevingne, Lila Moss, Mabel, Neneh Cherry, Mel Blatt, Gok Wan, Jimmy Choo, Victoria Tang and Jaime Winstone.

For further information, please visit www.savewildtigers.org or www.thedatai.com/events-and-occasions/tiger-express-2026/. Limited tickets available. For more information or to book, contact Simon Clinton at simon@theclintonpartnership.com. This bespoke journey will also be available through Belmond’s website www.belmond.com/trains/asia/eastern-and-oriental-express/.

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ABOUT THE DATAI LANGKAWI     

One of the world’s most stunning resorts, The Datai Langkawi is situated on the northwest tip of the island of Langkawi in Malaysia. Located in an ancient rainforest rich in wildlife and overlooking the tranquil Datai Bay awarded by National Geographic one of the Top 10 Beaches worldwide, the iconic property enchants with mesmerising nature, visionary architecture, understated elegance, and Malaysian hospitality. All the 121 rooms, villas, and suites at The Datai Langkawi, including the five-bedroom The Datai Estate Villa, offer breath-taking views of the surrounding nature. Elevated among treetops, set in the very heart of the rainforest, and located directly on the coastline, the dining outlets which include the award-winning The Gulai House, The Pavilion, The Dining Room, and The Beach Club, pay homage to the exotic flavours and culinary traditions of the region and beyond.   

Facilities include The Nature Centre, an educational facility and home to resident naturalists and marine biologists, and The Spa featuring Ramuan treatments, its own Akar retail range, and Voya facials. Leisure facilities include three pools, a state-of-the-art fitness centre at The Health Club; an array of wellness activities including Pilates and yoga, retail outlet The Boutique, a reserved space to showcase local arts and talents at The Atelier, as well as one of the most scenic golf courses in the world designed by golf legend Ernie Els, The Els Club Teluk Datai. The resort has founded The Datai Pledge in 2020 - a sustainability and conservation programme that supports Langkawi’s unique fauna, flora, and communities. All proceeds from The Datai Pledge aid this work and contribute to local non-profit organisation. The Datai Langkawi is managed by Datai Hotels and Resorts Sdn Bhd, a company incorporated to manage and operate hospitality properties in Malaysia and beyond.  

ABOUT THE DATAI PLEDGE

In 2020, The Datai Langkawi launched its environmental, community and conservation impact initiative, The Datai Pledge. It is founded on the belief that travel has the potential to be transformative; not only for the traveller but also for the host community. The Datai Pledge was created on the premise of protecting biodiversity and supporting the local community of Langkawi, for today and the future. It comprises four pillars: Pure For The Future, Fish For The Future, Wildlife For The Future, and Youth For The Future, working to make the resort’s business operations more sustainable, and support marine life, terrestrial wildlife and local youth, respectively. For guests of The Datai Langkawi, The Datai Pledge aims to create educational experiences that inspire and uphold our collective role in responsible living on a wider global level. The Datai Pledge’s vision is to integrate conservation and sustainability into the business operations, company ethos and guest experience of The Datai Langkawi and future properties, to protect and help regenerate the rich biodiversity and enable the local community to thrive. The Datai Pledge is working towards this goal by developing a robust programme with local non-governmental organisations, social enterprises and community partners.

Elevating its aim to inspire positive impact across the industry and beyond, The Datai Pledge and The Datai Langkawi partnered with UN Tourism and the University of Oxford to support their development of a blueprint for an industry-wide Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework for sustainable tourism in 2024.

For further press information and images, please contact:

Dara Soeharto (dara@frogandwolfpr.com), Leanne Barton (leanne@frogandwolfpr.com), Nat Frogley (nat@frogandwolfpr.com) or Flora Gandolfo (flora@frogandwolfpr.com) at Frog & Wolf PR.