North Borneo Heritage Train Print

• Comfortable train ride across Sabah's scenic countryside
• Explore the local wet market and other places of interest at Papar
• Enjoy fun activities throughout the tour
• Light refreshments, lunch & high tea included
• Hotel pickup / drop off

The North Borneo Heritage Train (previously known as North Borneo Railway) features a hybrid locomotive in which the engine can run on either steam from a boiler or diesel fuel. Refurbished to create the nostalgic romance of the bygone era of the Colonial days of British North Borneo, the train allows all passengers to experience the beauty of the countryside and the unique sights and sounds of the Sabah landscape on board a vintage train.

More About The Train Route

The North Borneo Heritage Train runs 36 miles between Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah, and Papar, an agricultural town, known as the rice bowl of Sabah.

Tanjung Aru

Passengers board the train at Tanjung Aru Station at the designated platform. At the station, passengers will receive their boarding pass and train passport book (mission book) at the counter before proceeding to the platform. As the whistle blows during departure time, the train will commence its journey while passengers are treated to some of the unique and interesting sceneries in Sabah.

Putatan

As the train pulls out of the station, the development of Kota Kinabalu begins to slip away. Time and history begin to take over. After Putatan, the train veers into the countryside, away from the modern-day trapping of Sabah society. The train hugs the coast of Lok Kawi Bay and offers passengers an opportunity to take in the picturesque view of the South China Sea.

Kinarut

The train then leaves the road and edges towards Kinarut, a traditional trading village. A school stands proudly in the forefront, reminding everyone of the importance of education. A mosque also stands near the station, highlighting the influence of the national religion. An interesting Buddhist temple appears at the foot of the nearby hill.

Kawang

After Kinarut, the train passes through Kawang, home to Kawang Forest Reserve. Gazetted as a Second Class Domestic Forest Reserve, its main purpose is to supply clean water for locals in the vicinity. The centre also offers a myriad of activities, from jungle trekking and camping to cave exploration.

Papar

The train veers again and crosses the Papar River over a steel trestle bridge as Papar town comes into view. A quaint township, Papar is wedged in the valley between the Crocker Range and the coast. Here, everyone is a neighbour and the intimacy is clear with their dispositions and smiles. The local market or tamu is a reflection of life in Sabah—simple and alive with the sounds and smells of recurrent daily routines.