Kota Kinabalu, Sabah: North Borneo Heritage Train

A railway journey with a real sense of place. The North Borneo Heritage Train links Kota Kinabalu with Papar in restored wooden carriages, passing plantations, villages, and tropical scenery along Sabah’s west coast. I especially like the friendly onboard crew and the chance to explore Papar through a simple photo mission rather than just looking out of a train window.

The included lunch, fruit tasting, snacks, souvenir bag, and hand activity give the day more substance than a basic rail ride. My main caution is the locomotive situation: the Vulcan steam engine is currently undergoing maintenance, so the train may run with a diesel engine instead. There have also been reports of delays and a changed return arrangement when mechanical trouble occurred, so anyone booking mainly for a steam-powered ride should confirm the latest operating status first.

Five things to know before you book

• The steam locomotive may not be operating: The Vulcan Steam Engine is being maintained, while the historic carriages continue to be used.
• The journey runs from Tanjung Aru to Papar: You leave Kota Kinabalu at about 9:00am and return to Tanjung Aru Railway Station later the same day.
• Papar is an active part of the day: You receive a mission book, walk to local points of interest, take photographs, and visit a local market.
• Lunch is normally part of the train experience: A meal is included, though service arrangements may change if the train is delayed or mechanical problems occur.
• Expect heat and walking: Bring water, a hat, comfortable clothing, cash, and a hand fan if you have one. The Papar stop can be hot.
• The reward is part of the fun: Complete one of the listed activities and you can receive a mystery gift.

Starting at Tanjung Aru Railway Station

The day begins at Stesen Keretapi Tanjung Aru, the departure point for this old-fashioned rail trip. The train leaves at approximately 9:00am, so you should arrive ready for a full day rather than a short scenic transfer.

The first impression comes from the carriages. The wooden coaches have been refurbished with brass fittings and traditional livery, giving the train a period feel without turning it into a museum piece. I like this balance. You are not simply looking at railway history behind glass. You are sitting inside it, moving through Sabah’s countryside.

The train is operated as a hybrid steam-diesel service. Under normal circumstances, that means the heritage train can use steam power alongside diesel support. At present, the Vulcan Steam Engine is still being maintained for safety and smoother operation. The official arrangement says the tourism service continues with the same carriages, activities, and schedule even when diesel power is used.

That distinction matters. If the sight, sound, and smell of a working steam engine are your main reason for booking, the experience may not match the photographs. If you are more interested in the vintage coaches, railway setting, scenery, Papar, and included activities, the trip still offers plenty to look forward to.

The 45-minute ride through Sabah’s countryside

The first train section takes roughly 45 minutes. The route moves inland from Kota Kinabalu toward Papar, through a changing mix of tropical greenery, plantations, rustic villages, and open countryside.

This is not a high-speed railway. That is the point. The slower pace lets you watch ordinary Sabah life pass by. You might find yourself paying as much attention to small village scenes and roadside views as to the carriage itself. The train gives you a different view of Borneo than a road transfer does, because the railway cuts through areas you would otherwise pass without noticing.

The carriages are part of the attraction, but comfort is worth considering. The day involves walking and warm weather, and Papar can be especially hot. Wear loose, comfortable clothes, carry water, and bring a sun hat. A hand fan is a sensible extra, not a silly souvenir-shop purchase.

Onboard crew members provide guidance in English and help organize the activities. The service has received strong praise for its welcoming approach, with staff offering refreshments, explaining the train’s past, and creating a celebratory mood. If you enjoy friendly human contact more than a formal audio commentary, this should suit you.

Lunch, snacks, and a practical look at the value

The $114 price is not just for a seat on a train. The package includes the return rail ticket, onboard guide or crew, a souvenir bag, light refreshments, lunch, a mission book, and fruit tasting at Papar’s local market.

Lunch onboard is one of the more memorable details when the schedule runs as planned. Eating inside a restored carriage turns a basic meal into part of the day’s story. Past service has also handled vegetarian requests when they were made ahead of time. Dietary restrictions should be provided in advance so the team can notify the restaurant and adjust the menu.

There is one important practical wrinkle. When a mechanical problem caused a major delay on one operating day, lunch was moved to a local cafe and arrived cold. That is not necessarily the normal arrangement, but it shows why you should think of this as a heritage excursion with old equipment, not a perfectly predictable modern rail service.

The souvenir bag adds a pleasant touch. It has included snacks and a booklet, and the small extras help the opening of the day feel cared for. Still, the price is easiest to justify if you value the complete package: train, food, guided activity, and cultural stop. If you want only a steam locomotive photograph, $114 is harder to defend while the Vulcan engine remains out of service.

Papar Town and the mission book

The Papar stop is more than a quick platform break. A guide or crew member leads you into town with a mission book and a set of points to photograph. The activity encourages you to walk, notice details, and interact with local surroundings instead of staying with the train group from start to finish.

The town visit gives the trip a useful human scale. You see a working place rather than a purpose-built attraction. The experience also includes contact with indigenous communities and an introduction to local ways of life, though the available schedule gives you about an hour for the guided visit and activities. That is enough for a taste, not a full study of Papar.

The local market is another key stop. Fruit tasting is included, so you get to try local produce while seeing how the market functions. Bring some cash for personal purchases, since personal expenses are not included.

The mission book turns the walk into a small game. Complete the required activities, show your progress, and you may receive a mystery gift near the end of the day. I like this idea because it gives children and adults a reason to stay alert. You are not just being led from one checkpoint to another. You have a simple task to complete.

The drawback is that the Papar section can feel rushed, especially if the train runs late. One disrupted departure resulted in very little time at the market and the loss of a planned temple visit. The temple is not guaranteed as part of the stated program, so I would not book this trip specifically for that stop. Think of Papar as a short, guided introduction.

A small onboard henna activity

Back on the train, the crew provides a simple stencil henna activity. You choose a pattern, have it applied to your hand, let it dry, and peel it away.

This is not a major cultural workshop, and it should not be sold as one. It is a light, hands-on extra that breaks up the ride and gives you something to do between views and meals. Families and small private groups may enjoy it, particularly if they like activities that produce a small keepsake.

The mission book and henna activity also explain why the experience feels more like a hosted event than a transport service. The crew works to keep the day social and upbeat. Several passengers have especially valued the attentive staff, refreshments, gift bag, and willingness to arrange a vegetarian lunch.

How the steam issue changes the experience

The locomotive is the biggest question to settle before paying. The Vulcan Steam Engine is being maintained and requires further work before it can safely return to regular operation. The heritage coaches remain in use, but the power may be diesel.

That means the experience has two separate parts:

• The railway setting remains: restored wooden coaches, brass details, traditional paintwork, rural views, lunch, and onboard activities.
• The working steam feature may be absent: you might not get the smoke, sound, and moving steam locomotive shown in promotional images.

There is also a mechanical risk. A diesel locomotive reportedly broke down not far from Papar during one trip, causing a delay of more than an hour. A local shunter helped move the train toward Papar, and the return was later completed by coach rather than train. That kind of disruption can change lunch, shorten the town visit, and leave you disappointed.

I would ask Kinabalu Heritage Tours for a current update before departure. Specifically, ask if the Vulcan engine will operate on your date and what the backup plan is if the train is delayed. The activity is cancellable up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, but a clear answer before that deadline is more useful than finding out at the station.

Seating, walking, and who will enjoy it

Tables seat three to four people. If you want a private table, the additional charge is RM200 per table. This arrangement makes the normal service social, though it may not suit you if you want a quiet private meal.

The tour is described as a private group experience, but the seating setup still depends on shared tables unless you pay for privacy. Clarify what private group means for your booking if you are expecting an entirely separate carriage or reserved dining space. The supplied information only confirms that private tables cost extra.

You will do a fair amount of walking during the Papar visit. The activity is not recommended for pregnant women or people with limited physical activity, and wheelchair users are not considered suitable for this tour. Passengers with disabilities must be accompanied by someone.

The best match is someone who enjoys a relaxed pace, old railway equipment, local food, small cultural tasks, and scenery. Families, couples, and visitors with a full day in Kota Kinabalu may find the mix rewarding. It is less suitable if you need precise timing, air-conditioned comfort, guaranteed steam power, or a long and detailed town tour.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though they may be available for a surcharge. Alcohol is not included and alcohol and drugs are prohibited. You should also carry cash, water, a hat, and sun protection.

Should you book the North Borneo Heritage Train?

Book it if you want a social, old-fashioned day out with restored coaches, a friendly crew, lunch, countryside views, and a short look at Papar. The strongest parts are the atmosphere, the staff, the food extras, and the chance to turn a town visit into a simple treasure hunt.

Wait or ask detailed questions first if your heart is set on a true steam locomotive ride. The Vulcan engine may not be running, and the service has experienced a serious delay and changed transport arrangements when equipment failed. At $114, the day offers reasonable value when all elements operate together, but it becomes less attractive if the train portion is shortened or replaced by a coach.

My practical call is this: book for the heritage railway experience as a whole, not for steam alone. Confirm the locomotive, return plan, lunch arrangement, and meeting details before the cancellation deadline. If those answers suit you, this is a charming way to see a quieter side of Sabah without treating Papar as just another roadside stop.

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 train start?

The tour starts at approximately 9:00am. Check the available starting time when booking because the activity is valid for one day.

Is the Vulcan steam locomotive currently operating?

The Vulcan Steam Engine is undergoing maintenance and may not operate. The tourism service continues with the heritage train carriages and may use a diesel engine until the steam locomotive is fully operational.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch, light refreshments, and fruit tasting at Papar’s local market are included. Dietary requests must be made in advance.

What should I bring?

Bring water, a sun hat or hat, comfortable clothes, and cash. A hand fan is also recommended because Papar can be very hot.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve now and pay later option.