Tiger Express: Exclusive Luxury Journey to Protect Malaysia’s Last Wild Tigers

THE DATAI LANGKAWI JOINS FORCES WITH SAVE WILD TIGERS AND THE EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS TO PROTECT MALAYSIA’S ENDANGERED TIGERS THROUGH AN EXCLUSIVE JOURNEY ACROSS MALAYSIA

The Datai Langkawi announces its latest collaboration with Save Wild Tigers, The Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond Train, Southeast Asia, and Raffles Singapore, to create a unique journey dedicated to raising awareness for the preservation of wild tigers. The exclusive Tiger Express experience will take guests on a remarkable 7-day, one-off adventure across Malaysia from 11-17 May 2025, fostering deeper engagement with Malaysia’s endangered wildlife and supporting tiger conservation.

This collaboration, now in its third year, aligns seamlessly with The Datai Pledge, the private trust of The Datai Langkawi, particularly one of its four core pillars, Wildlife For The Future, which is dedicated to preserving and protecting vulnerable species within Malaysia’s diverse ecosystems. The journey allows guests to actively contribute to conservation efforts for the Malayan Tiger, a species currently on the brink of extinction. The Tiger Express also reflects The Datai Langkawi’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, a guiding principle at the heart of its philosophy to live in harmony with nature that shapes every aspect of the guest experience and operations.

The journey commences with a reception and overnight stay at Raffles Singapore, followed by a three-day/two night experience aboard the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia. Guests will travel through Malaysia with excursions in Taman Negara National Park - one of the oldest rainforests on Earth - and Penang, culminating in a three-night stay at The Datai Langkawi. This exclusive travel experience will close with an

unforgettable beachside cocktail reception and gala dinner, set against the stunning backdrop of the Andaman Sea and hosted by internationally acclaimed principal ballerina and proud Save Wild Tigers ambassador, Maria Sascha Khan. Guests will also have the option to join unique excursions, including an early morning Forest Bathing walk led by one of The Datai Langkawi’s resident naturalists, where they can enjoy the aromas of rainforest and earth, before diving into a serene jungle pool - a perfect immersion into Langkawi’s lush and diverse natural beauty.

As part of Belmond’s Wild Malaysia journeys for 2025, the Tiger Express will include four excursions into Taman Negara’s 130-million-year-old rainforest, home to the critically endangered Malayan Tiger. Among these, a special tiger conservation experience will offer guests a rare opportunity to learn more about efforts to protect the species, providing firsthand insight into the initiatives necessary to safeguard Malaysia’s tigers for future generations.

“The Datai Langkawi is proud to once again support the mission of Save Wild Tigers, alongside esteemed partners like Raffles Singapore and Belmond. Hosting the finale of this journey is a natural extension of The Datai Pledge and our dedication to preserving Malaysia’s wildlife and ecosystems,” says Stephane Duvacher, General Manager of The Datai Langkawi. “Sustainability is at the core of The Datai Langkawi’s ethos, and through the various initiatives under our pillar Wildlife For The Future, we’re committed to creating a legacy of conservation for generations to come. This collaboration represents an important step in raising awareness of the urgent need to protect wild tigers and their habitats.”

This critical conservation journey comes at a crucial time, as wild tigers continue to be hunted for illegal trade, with skins, bones, and other parts valued at approximately USD20 billion (approx. GBP15.5 billion) per year on the black market.

Set within one of Asia’s most pristine natural environments, The Datai Langkawi is more than a luxury resort - it is a sanctuary that actively promotes eco-friendly practices and is deeply committed to preserving the island’s rich biodiversity. Located on Datai Bay, rated among the top ten beaches globally, and surrounded by a thriving rainforest ecosystem, The Datai Langkawi is home to a wealth of wildlife, some of which is found only in this region.

In addition to supporting Save Wild Tigers, this journey will feature a select group of ambassadors and influencers, including award-winning actor and producer Jaime Winstone, a dedicated Save Wild Tigers ambassador, who will help amplify the message of tiger conservation.

For further information, please visit www.savewildtigers.org or www.thedatai.com/events-and-occasions. 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/.

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. Bespoke 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 2019 - a sustainability and conservation trust 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.

© The Datai Langkawi