Kota Kinabalu, Sabah: North Borneo Heritage Train

The North Borneo Heritage Train is less about getting somewhere fast and more about enjoying an old railway carriage, tropical views, and a small taste of Sabah beyond Kota Kinabalu. You board at Tanjung Aru Railway Station at 9:00am, then ride inland toward Papar through plantations, villages, and rainforest scenery.

I like two things in particular: the restored wooden coaches, with their brass fittings and old-style finish, and the chance to explore Papar with a mission book rather than simply stepping off for a quick photo. The onboard lunch, fruit tasting, light refreshments, and souvenir bag also add real value. The main drawback is important: the Vulcan steam locomotive is currently being maintained, so a diesel engine may pull the train instead.

Key points before you book

• The steam engine may not be operating: The Vulcan Steam Engine is under maintenance, but the vintage tourist carriages and full program continue to run.
• Papar is part of the experience: You get a guided walk, market visit, fruit tasting, and activity book rather than only a train ride.
• Lunch is planned onboard: Dining on the heritage train is one of the most unusual parts of the day, though service arrangements can change if delays occur.
• The mission book keeps the town visit active: Complete the listed tasks and you may receive a mystery gift at the end.
• Expect heat and walking: Bring water, a hat, cash, and comfortable clothing. Papar can feel very hot.
• The $114 price covers quite a lot: Return rail travel, food, refreshments, activities, a crew member, and a souvenir bag are included.

Riding from Tanjung Aru at 9:00am

Your day begins at Stesen Keretapi Tanjung Aru, the departure point for the North Borneo Heritage Train. The departure time is listed as 9:00am, so you will want to arrive ready for a full day rather than treat this as a short morning attraction.

The train is the star of the show. Its wooden coaches have been restored with traditional livery, brass fittings, and old-fashioned details that give the ride a strong sense of place. I like this better than a standard sightseeing train because the carriage itself connects you with Sabah’s railway past.

The North Borneo railway is a working reminder of an older transport system in Sabah. The hybrid steam-diesel setup is unusual, and the tourism program helps keep the historic railway in public view. The ride also gives you a slower view of the countryside. From your seat, you can watch tropical forest, plantations, rustic villages, and open rural areas pass by.

The first train section lasts about 45 minutes. That is long enough to settle in, take photos, enjoy the scenery, and listen to the onboard crew explain the train and the day ahead. An English-speaking driver or crew member is provided, and the staff are also involved in the activities.

The steam locomotive question matters

The advertised train has a Vulcan Steam Engine, but the latest operating notice says this locomotive is still receiving maintenance to protect its safety and smooth operation. Until it is fully ready, the train may use a diesel engine.

That distinction matters if the sound, smoke, and motion of a steam locomotive are your main reason for booking. The passenger wagons remain the same, and the tourism program is scheduled to continue with the activities, food, and Papar visit unchanged. Still, you should check the current operating status before paying if steam power is essential to you.

There is also a practical reason to keep expectations flexible. A diesel engine experienced a serious delay during one reported trip, and passengers were eventually transferred back by coach after the train could not complete the return service. That does not mean every departure will have the same problem, but it shows that railway operations can affect the day.

I would book this for the old carriages, scenery, food, and Papar visit first. Treat the steam engine as a welcome bonus until the operator confirms it is running.

Papar Town and the mission-book walk

After the first train ride, you stop in Papar for about an hour of walking, sightseeing, and guided activities. This is where the tour becomes more than a scenic rail journey.

The crew gives you a mission book with several points of interest to find and photograph. That simple challenge encourages you to look closely at Papar instead of following the group from one photo stop to the next. You may also interact with local communities and see parts of everyday town life that are easy to miss from a train window.

You should expect a short visit, not a full historical tour of Papar. The time is designed to give you a taste of the town, its market, and local surroundings. A temple visit has not always been possible when delays have shortened the schedule, so I would not treat every listed stop as guaranteed if the train is running late.

The market is one of the more useful stops. You receive fruit tasting at Papar’s local market, which gives you a chance to try local produce and see a more ordinary side of Sabah. Bring some cash if you want to buy anything for yourself, since personal expenses are not included.

Papar can be hot. Take the advice about carrying a hand fan seriously, especially if you are not used to tropical temperatures. A sun hat, water, loose comfortable clothing, and sensible shoes will make the town walk much easier.

Lunch on a moving heritage train

Lunch is included and is planned onboard, which gives the day its most memorable dining feature. Eating in a vintage wooden carriage while the train rolls through rural Sabah is more interesting than stopping at a standard restaurant.

The lunch menu can be adjusted for dietary restrictions, but you must request this in advance. That is especially important for vegetarian meals or other food needs. One trip included a vegetarian lunch after a request, so the operator can make adjustments when notified early.

Keep in mind that delays can change the dining plan. On one disrupted departure, lunch was moved to a local cafe, and the meal arrived cold after the long delay. That is not the intended experience, but it is a useful reminder that the train schedule and meal setting depend on the railway operating normally.

The included food package also has light refreshments and fruit tasting. For $114, these extras help explain the price. You are not paying only for a return train ticket. You are paying for a staffed cultural program, lunch, snacks, activities, and a keepsake bag.

Henna, snacks, and the mystery gift

The train also includes a small hands-on activity, usually stencil henna. A crew member lets you choose a pattern, applies it to your hand, and allows it to dry before you peel it away.

This is a modest activity, but it suits the relaxed character of the trip. It gives you something to do during the ride and makes the experience feel more personal than a simple narrated transfer. It is also a good option for families and for anyone who enjoys small craft activities.

The souvenir bag includes snacks and a booklet. The mission book is not just information for the Papar walk. If you complete one of the listed activities, the team gives you a reward, described as a mystery gift. I like that the program gives you a reason to take part instead of leaving you to wait around during the town stop.

The reward should not be your main reason for booking. The quality of the day depends more on the train, weather, staff, schedule, and engine in service. But the combination of the booklet, henna, snacks, and gift gives the experience a friendly, lighthearted feel.

The return ride and the limits of a railway tour

After Papar, you return toward Tanjung Aru by train, with the second rail section listed at about 45 minutes. If everything runs on time, this is your chance to relax after the walking stop, finish refreshments, and enjoy the countryside from the other direction.

The return journey also shows why you should avoid planning a tight evening appointment. A train delay of more than an hour has occurred, and a breakdown can force the operator to use a local shunter or coach. The standard program includes a return train ticket, but the actual return method can depend on operational conditions.

That uncertainty is part of the tradeoff. A heritage railway is slower and less predictable than a bus tour. If you want precise timing and a guaranteed steam performance, this may frustrate you. If you enjoy old transport, rural views, and a day with room for the unexpected, the railway format is part of the appeal.

Is $114 good value?

At $114 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Sabah countryside. A basic local train ride would cost far less. The question is what you are comparing it with.

The price includes:

• Return train transport from Tanjung Aru
• Onboard crew or guide
• Lunch
• Light refreshments
• A souvenir bag
• Mission book for Papar
• Fruit tasting at the local market
• Henna or a similar onboard activity
• The chance to earn a mystery gift

That is a solid package when the train runs smoothly and lunch is served onboard. The highly praised parts of the experience are the friendly staff, thoughtful refreshments, souvenir items, informative explanations, and unusual lunch setting. One particularly positive account described the staff as attentive and said the team handled a vegetarian meal request well.

The value drops sharply if the steam engine is your central expectation and the diesel substitute disappoints you. It also drops if a delay removes the Papar activities or changes lunch to a less appealing venue. I would see the price as reasonable for a special heritage day, but not as a bargain for transport alone.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend the North Borneo Heritage Train to you if you enjoy:

• Historic railways and restored carriages
• Slow scenic journeys
• Small cultural activities
• Local markets and fruit tasting
• Guided town walks
• Light group games and photo challenges
• A full day with food and extras included

It is also a good choice if you want to leave Kota Kinabalu for a few hours without arranging separate transport to Papar. The private-group format can make the experience feel more personal, although tables are generally arranged for three or four people.

You should think twice if you are pregnant, use a wheelchair, or have limited physical stamina. The tour includes a lot of walking, and wheelchair users are listed as unsuitable. Passengers with disabilities must be accompanied by someone.

Private tables cost an extra RM200 per table. Standard seating is shared among three or four people, so solo visitors and couples should be prepared to sit with others unless they pay the supplement.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Wear light, comfortable clothing and shoes that can handle a town walk. Bring a sun hat, water, a hand fan, and cash for personal purchases at Papar.

Do not bring alcohol or drugs. Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses are not included.

If you need hotel pickup or drop-off, ask about the surcharge before booking. An accompanying tour guide and private table also cost extra. The listed guide language is English.

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful while you check the current steam-engine status and forecast.

Most important, ask yourself what you would still enjoy if the Vulcan locomotive is not running. If your answer includes the wooden coaches, Papar, lunch, countryside, and friendly crew, you are looking at the trip in the right way.

FAQ

Where does the North Borneo Heritage Train depart?

The train departs from Stesen Keretapi Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 9:00am. Check availability for the exact operating date.

Is the Vulcan Steam Engine currently operating?

The Vulcan Steam Engine is still under maintenance. A diesel engine may operate instead until the steam locomotive is fully ready, while the vintage passenger carriages and tour program continue.

What is included in the price?

The package includes return train transport, lunch onboard, light refreshments, a souvenir bag, an English-speaking guide or crew, a Papar mission book, and fruit tasting at the local market.

Can I request a special diet?

Yes. You must provide dietary restriction details in advance so the team can notify the restaurant and adjust the lunch menu.

How much walking is involved?

The day includes walking and sightseeing in Papar for about one hour, along with the station and train activities. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.

Should you book the North Borneo Heritage Train?

Book it if you want a relaxed day built around Sabah’s railway heritage, not simply a fast ride from one station to another. The restored coaches, rural views, Papar market, fruit tasting, lunch, henna activity, and mission-book challenge give you several worthwhile parts to enjoy.

I would be more cautious if a genuine steam locomotive is the deciding factor. Confirm its status first, then remember that railway delays are possible. For most people, the best reason to go is the complete mix of old train travel and local town activities. At $114, it is fair value when the schedule holds, but you should arrive with flexible plans and a little patience.