The Datai Langkawi to join Save Wild Tigers and the Eastern & Oriental Express for the 2027 edition of Tiger Express
Flora Gandolfo
5
min read
Taking place in May 2027, the six-night journey will spotlight crucial efforts to protect Malaysia’s critically endangered tigers
Wild Tiger by Misha Masek; The Datai Langkawi - The Beach Club (evening)
The Datai Langkawi will once again join Save Wild Tigers, The Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond Train, Southeast Asia, and Raffles Singapore, for the 2027 edition of Tiger Express, taking place from 9 to 15 May. Returning for its fourth year, the six-night, seven-day journey will connect guests with the rich natural and cultural heritage of Singapore and Malaysia, while supporting vital conservation efforts and raising awareness of the urgent need to protect the critically endangered Malayan tiger.
The collaboration forms part of The Datai Pledge, the resort’s sustainability 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 reflects the long-standing commitment of The Datai Langkawi to local fauna conservation, offering guests an opportunity to actively engage in efforts to highlight the plight of wild tigers, while experiencing Malaysia’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Beginning in Singapore, the journey will continue with conservation-led experiences in Taman Negara National Park and a cultural visit to Penang before culminating in three nights at The Datai Langkawi.
The experience will kick off with a night at Raffles Singapore, with an evening drinks reception and screening of Ray The Rug, a compelling short film presented on behalf of Save Wild Tigers. Starring renowned British actor Ray Winstone, the conservation film features the story of Ray, an animated tiger-skin rug, highlighting the devastating impact of poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.
Guests will then board the Eastern & Oriental Express at Woodlands Station for two nights travelling through Malaysia’s lush landscapes, complemented by entertainment and an elegant dinner by Chef André Chiang on board.
Early the next morning, the train will arrive at Merapoh Station, Pahang, Malaysia, where guests will be able to choose between three excursions in Taman Negara National Park, one of the world’s oldest rainforests and home to remarkable wildlife, including the elusive Malayan tiger. The adventure will continue to Penang and the UNESCO World Heritage site of George Town on the fourth day, with private visits to Cheah Kongsi Temple and Cheong Fatt Tze, The Blue Mansion, where guests can view the stunning images from the ‘Eye on the Tiger’ photographic exhibition, first presented in 2018 at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Guests will rejoin the train for lunch before transferring to Kuala Perlis, where they will set sail for Langkawi. During their three-night stay at The Datai Langkawi, they will have time to explore the resort at leisure, from the tranquil shores of Datai Bay, named one of the top 10 beaches in the world by National Geographic, to the surrounding 10-million-year-old rainforest, home to dusky langurs, tokay geckos and great hornbills. Guests will also have the option to join unique excursions, including Mandi Embun – an ancient Malay ritual of early morning forest bathing led by one of The Datai Langkawi’s resident naturalists, where they can enjoy the scent of the rainforest before diving into a serene jungle pool.
The Datai Langkawi - Aerial View by Marion Payr
On the final evening, participants will gather for a beachside sunset cocktail reception followed by a gala dinner set against the exquisite backdrop of the Andaman Sea. Hosting the grand finale of this journey is a natural extension of The Datai Pledge and its Wildlife For The Future pillar, reflecting the resort’s ongoing commitment to preserving Malaysia’s wildlife and ecosystems for future generations.
“The return of the Tiger Express reflects a shared belief that meaningful travel can deepen people’s understanding of the natural world and the responsibility we have to protect it. We are honoured to be part of this journey once again, bringing together like-minded partners and guests united by a shared mission. We look forward to creating more memorable experiences, meaningful connections and stories in our rainforest home,” says Stephane Duvacher, General Manager of The Datai Langkawi.
Founded by Simon Clinton, Save Wild Tigers is an organisation dedicated to protecting and preserving wild tigers, with fewer than 5,000 estimated to remain in the wild worldwide – including around 150 in Malaysia. This journey takes guests to the forefront of this crucial conservation effort, helping to raise awareness and support for the fight to save the Malayan tiger.
“The Malayan tiger is an irreplaceable part of the country’s natural heritage, yet fewer than 150 are estimated to remain in the wild. We are proud to continue this collaboration with The Datai Langkawi, Belmond and Raffles Singapore,” says Simon Clinton.
For further information, please visit www.savewildtigers.org or https://www.thedatai.com/events-and-occasions/tiger-express-2027/. Limited tickets available. For more information or to book, contact Simon Clinton at simon@theclintonpartnership.com. This bespoke journey is also available through Belmond’s website www.belmond.com/trains/asia/eastern-and-oriental-express/.
ENDS
Notes to editors
For a selection of high-resolution photos of The Datai Langkawi, please click here.
For a selection of high-resolution photos of The Datai Pledge, please click here.
For a selection of high-resolution photos of Save Wild Tigers and The Eastern & Oriental Express, please click here.
ABOUT THE DATAI LANGKAWI
One of the world’s most stunning resorts, The Datai Langkawi, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, 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 SAVE WILD TIGERS
Save Wild Tigers is a global marketing focussed conservation organisation set up by Simon Clinton in 2011. Wild Tigers are being hunted for their skins, bones and parts by the illegal poaching trade. The illegal trade in endangered species is worth around $20usd billion every year. Additionally, the Tigers’ natural habitat is being decimated by greedy developers, which increases the risk of human/animal conflict points.
Save Wild Tigers also work in conjunction with leading global conservation charities such as the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) in the UK, RIMAU and The Habitat Foundation in Malaysia. With as few as 4,900 tigers left in the wild globally and only 150 in Malaysia, time is running out to save this majestic species from extinction. We want to inspire the public to join us and act to save, surely one of the planets’ most beautiful & captivating species for future generations.
For further press information and images, please contact:
Christina Dendrinou (christina@frogandwolfpr.com), Leanne Barton (leanne@frogandwolfpr.com), Nat Frogley (nat@frogandwolfpr.com) or Flora Gandolfo (flora@frogandwolfpr.com) at Frog & Wolf PR.
