Photo by Sabah Travel
The North Borneo Heritage Train runs along one of Sabah’s oldest railway lines. The track was first built in the 1890s as the North Borneo Railway to transport rubber, rice and other crops from inland areas to the coast. Over time, this railway evolved into the Sabah State Railway. Today, a restored section of the line is used for heritage trips, letting passengers travel past rivers, mangrove forests, quiet kampungs and century-old bridges, while seeing a piece of Sabah’s railway history.
The train itself retains a vintage look. Carriages feature wooden fittings, classic seating and traditional décor, reflecting early railway travel. The train is often pulled by a steam locomotive, though a diesel engine is used when the steam engine is unavailable. Both types of engine preserve the nostalgic atmosphere, giving passengers a sense of what travelling by train was like over a century ago.
There are two main packages. The Day Tour departs in the morning from Tanjung Aru to Papar. Passengers pass rivers, mangroves, small bridges and villages. In Papar, travellers can explore the town, visit the local market, and take part in a treasure hunt activity using a mission book. On the return journey, light refreshments or high tea are served, and onboard activities such as henna tattooing are available.
The Sunset Tour departs in the afternoon and heads toward Benoni Beach. The train stops to allow passengers to watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting warm golden and orange hues over the coast, rivers, and surrounding villages, creating a scenic and tranquil atmosphere perfect for photographs. Onboard, visitors can enjoy batik painting and receive a souvenir bag. A packed dinner is provided on the return journey. Both tours combine scenic views, cultural activities, and the experience of travelling in restored heritage carriages. Packages generally start around RM299 per person.
What Each Tour Offers:
Day Tour: About 4.5–5 hours. Enjoy a scenic train ride from Tanjung Aru to Papar and back, explore the town, browse the local market, take part in a fun treasure hunt, and enjoy light refreshments with henna tattooing onboard.
Sunset Tour: Around 5 hours. Travel from Tanjung Aru toward Benoni Beach, pause to watch the golden sunset over the coast and rivers while capturing photos, try traditional batik painting, enjoy a packed dinner, receive a souvenir bag, and take in the peaceful countryside scenery.
Bookings for the North Borneo Heritage Train can be made through Sabah Travels official website. The ride provides a chance to experience Sabah’s historic railway, see rivers and kampungs along the west coast, and enjoy onboard cultural activities while travelling in restored vintage carriages.