North Borneo Railway

enjoying the view and the food served in the train

Kota Kinabalu travel blog - Riding the historic North Borneo Railway. How does it feel boarding an old steam powered train from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom?


You got a chance to experience it by joining North Borneo Railway daily trip. Get onboard this classic train while enjoying the beautiful view of West Coast of North Borneo Malaysia during your journey.

Here's the is North Borneo Railway's train schedule:

• 9.30am - Boarding at Tanjung Aru Station - Breakfast is provided
• 10.00am - Depart from Tanjung Aru Station for Papar
• 10.40am - Stop at Kinarut Town - visit Tien Shi Temple or traditional shops
• 11.00am - Depart from Kinarut Station
• 11.45am - Arrive in Papar Town - visit local wet market and shops
• 12.20pm - Re-board train for return journey
• 12.30pm - Depart from Papar Station for Tanjung Aru
• 12.40pm - 'Tiffin' Lunch onboard
• 1.40pm - Arrive at Tanjung Aru Station

How much the price for a ride?

The price for boarding North Borneo Railway is 358.50 nett per adult /per child (Age above 4 years old). For kids below 3 years of age, the ride will be for free.

Food and beverages will be served in the train by fully trained service staff, dressed in British colonial attire just like you see in the photos.

What is so special about North Borneo Railway? The train they use is an old steam train. The old train itself has been used since 1914 until now.

Back on the year of 2000, Sabah State Railway Department created a join venture with Sutera Harbour Resort.

Their project is to re-create new experience for and new life for North Borneo Railway. Thus, their joint venture creates historic train experience for the guests of Sutera Harbour Resort and other tourists who come to Kota Kinabalu for vacation.

The state railway department takes care of the train and the railway while Sutera Harbour Resort takes care of guests service system in the train.

The railway celebrated its centennial anniversary in 1996 as the oldest form of transportation in North Borneo.

train staff served hot beverages

North Borneo Railway boarding ticket

train driver burnn magrove woods to power up the train

waiting for the train to depart

North Borneo Railway signage in train station

view in Tanjung Aru train station, about 10 minutes from city center

passengers seat inside the train

North Borneo Railway boarding pass and ticket

food and beverages menu served in North Borneo Raiway

the 'Tiffin' food given to passengers

this is how it looks like inside the tiffin