NORTH BORNEO RAILWAY

 

Borneo is a massive, rocky island in Southeast Asia's Malay Archipelago shared by Malaysia's Sabah and Sarawak, Indonesia's Kalimantan, and the tiny republic of Brunei. It's famous for its beaches and old, biodiverse rainforest, which is home to Orangutans and Clouded Leopards.

Passengers board a steam train right out of the 1900s, steaming down the lines from Tanjung Aru to Kinarut before landing at Papar, Sabah's Rice Bowl. Take in the lush panoramas of huge rice fields, traditional hamlet cottages on stilts, and buffaloes ambling in the distance as you go.

Passengers onboard are treated to a rare treat: a Tiffin-style breakfast and lunch with Asian and Continental cuisine. The train has five completely rebuilt colonial-style passenger railway cars with a combined capacity of 180 people. The North Borneo Railway is designed and run in accordance with the highest international standards.

The North Borneo Railway, which was originally built to transport tobacco, has also been renovated for tourists. Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea aboard one of the renovated carriages painted in British racing green - one of the most fashionable ways to travel in Borneo.

Photo by jccoffey


Things to Consider Before Traveling

  • This is a must-do excursion for train aficionados and history buffs both.

  • The train does not have air conditioning, but the windows are left open to provide for a breeze.

  • The North Borneo Railway is free for children under the age of three.

  • If you wish to buy souvenirs in Papar, bring cash because credit cards are not generally accepted.

 
TravelMary FadahunsiTrain Journey, Borneo, Railway