Kota Kinabalu, Sabah: North Borneo Heritage Train

This experience is interesting because it turns a normal day trip into a moving time capsule, powered by a hybrid steam-diesel locomotive and vintage wooden carriages. You start at Tanjung Aru Railway Station in Kota Kinabalu and head inland toward the town of Papar, with plenty of chances to look out the window and then get moving on land.

I like the Papar Town mission book approach, where you’re given prompts and asked to photograph specific points of interest. I also like the simple onboard activity, a stencil henna tattoo where you choose a pattern, watch it dry, and peel it off. The main consideration is practical: this is a hot, walk-involved tour, and recent operations have sometimes shifted when the steam engine is unavailable, which can affect timing.

Key points before you go

• Hybrid steam-diesel locomotive: a rare setup, using a steam locomotive setup alongside diesel when needed
• Papar mission book photo game: guided prompts make the town stop feel like a small adventure
• Henna onboard: hands-on, low-stress fun that takes just enough time to make the ride feel special
• Market fruit tasting and lunch: included meals keep the day smooth, if the schedule stays on track
• Mission reward and mystery gift: complete the activities and you get something extra
• Plan for heat and walking: bring water, hats, and comfortable shoes

North Borneo Heritage Train: the hybrid steam-diesel concept

This isn’t just a scenic rail ride. The big hook is the hybrid steam-diesel experience, described as the only Sabah tourism package that uses this kind of locomotive setup.

On paper, it’s a nostalgia hit: vintage carriages restored for a more old-school feel, with wooden coaches, brass fittings, and classic livery. The experience is also built around the idea that you’re not merely traveling, you’re seeing how Sabah keeps parts of its railway identity alive.

There’s also an important note about the Vulcan Steam Engine. The steam-powered locomotive is still being maintained and needs additional work for safe, smooth operation. You should expect a notice once it’s fully operational. The good part is that even when a diesel engine is used, the train wagon still uses the steam locomotive setup.

So you get the heritage vibe either way. But you should treat the steam portion as a living system, not a guaranteed movie prop.

The day’s rhythm from Tanjung Aru at 9:00am

The tour runs as a 1-day experience starting at 9:00am from Stesen Keretapi Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu. The schedule is built around two rail segments, then a land stop inland toward Papar.

A simple way to picture the timing:

• You ride for about 45 minutes
• Then you do about 1 hour of guided sightseeing and walking during the inland stop
• Then you ride another 45 minutes back toward Tanjung Aru

It’s a compact plan, which is great if you’re on a tight schedule in Sabah. It also means you feel every delay more strongly. If the train takes longer to transition near Papar, you have less slack later.

Your best move is to show up ready for a full, active morning. Wear comfortable clothes. Bring water. And if you’re the type who gets irritable with heat, take that seriously, because Papar can be very hot.

The rail ride segments and the photo stop, what you actually do

Most people book this for the train itself, so the key question is what you do during the rail time. You mostly ride, look out, and enjoy the slower pace of a heritage carriage.

The tour also includes a photo stop plus a guided component with a walk that lasts about an hour. That land time is where the day stops being just sightseeing and starts turning into an activity.

You’re not left to wander. There’s a guide or crew member leading you through the Papar Town part, using your mission book to give structure. The walking is part of the fun, but it’s not a sit-and-stretch break.

Practical tip: bring a hat that actually shades your face, not just your scalp. And keep your water accessible, not buried in a day bag at the bottom.

Papar Town mission book: the easiest way to feel local

The Papar Town stop is the centerpiece activity. You’ll be given a mission book and asked to photograph several points of interest around town. The guide or crew leads the experience, and the design is meant to help you notice everyday life instead of just snapping random streets.

The tour also emphasizes interaction and learning about local way of life, including indigenous community elements. You’re not doing anything complicated or technical. You’re being asked to look, follow prompts, and capture what the guide points out.

Because it’s a mission, it tends to keep people engaged. Even if you’re not a big organized-tour person, the photo challenge works like a friendly filter: you see more, and you don’t end up standing around wondering what to do.

Also, the weather matters here. The guidance is very clear that Papar can be hot, so I’d treat this as an activity that needs shade planning. Bring water and wear breathable clothing. A hand fan helps a lot, especially if you run warm.

Fruit tasting at the local market

Another nice touch is fruit tasting at Papar’s local market. It’s included, and it adds flavor to the day beyond the rail and lunch.

If you like small, edible moments that don’t require a full meal stop, this works well. It’s also the kind of detail that makes a short day feel more complete.

Lunch onboard, plus when plans can shift

Lunch is included, and it’s described as lunch onboard. That matters because it keeps the day from feeling like a nonstop shuffle.

That said, timing can be affected when the locomotive situation changes. In some cases, lunch has been arranged at a local cafe instead of onboard, and if the day runs late, you can end up with less time where you expected it.

So here’s the balanced takeaway: the food part is included, and it should be good value for your ticket price, but you may not always get the exact delivery method you imagined. If you care a lot about a very specific lunch setup, ask the provider what the current plan is once you’re closer to departure.

Vegetarian and dietary requests

You can request dietary adjustments, but you need to do it in advance so the team can notify the restaurant and adjust the lunch menu. This is one of those “simple if you plan, messy if you don’t” items, so don’t wait until the last minute.

Also note what you might be tempted to pack: alcohol is not allowed, so don’t count on pairing lunch with a drink.

Onboard henna: small activity, big payoff

This is the kind of included extra that turns a heritage ride into a memory. You can do a stencil henna tattoo onboard. Crew members let you choose a pattern, apply it on your hands, let it paint and dry, then you peel it off after.

It’s low pressure. It doesn’t demand much walking time beyond where you already are. And it gives you something physical to remember the day.

If you’re traveling with kids or you just like hands-on moments, this is a smart inclusion. If you hate waiting around, this also has the advantage of being scheduled inside a moving day, not tacked on as an extra detour.

Steam locomotive updates: plan for the real world

This tour is built on a romance of steam. But the real world runs on maintenance schedules.

Right now, the Vulcan Steam Engine is still being maintained, and additional maintenance is needed for safe and smooth operation. A notice will be issued once it’s completely operational. Even then, operational choices can still happen based on how things are performing.

The good news is that the train wagon uses the steam locomotive setup even when diesel is used. The other news is that if the steam engine is out and there’s no replacement plan with steam operations, the day can feel longer and tighter.

So what should you do?

• Bring a flexible attitude. This is a working railway heritage project.
• If steam is the main reason you booked, ask for the latest engine status before you go.
• Pack for heat and walking even if the train part is smooth, because Papar time is active.

Price and value around $114 per person

At about $114 per person for a 1-day outing, the value depends on what you want most.

Where the price makes sense:

• You get the return train transfer ticket
• You get light refreshment plus lunch included
• You get a mission book for the Papar photo activity
• You get fruit tasting
• You get a guide or crew onboard and a guided activity component
• You receive a souvenir bag
• There’s an included onboard activity (henna)
• Participation in the mission is tied to a reward mystery gift idea

That is a lot of included parts for a short time period, especially compared to piecing it together yourself with transport, guided activity, and meals.

Where the price can feel less fair:

• If you are expecting a guaranteed, uninterrupted steam engine experience and the day shifts to diesel operations
• If delays compress your time in Papar
• If you dislike walking in heat, because the tour involves a lot of walking

Bottom line: it’s worth it if you’re paying for the overall package experience, not just the train’s engine type.

Who should book, and who should skip

This tour is best for people who:

• Like heritage train experiences with an actual onboard activity
• Want a structured way to explore Papar Town without feeling lost
• Can handle a warm day with walking
• Appreciate friendly crew service and guided hands-on elements like henna and a photo mission

You should think twice if you:

• Are pregnant, have limited physical activity, or have trouble with walking, because the tour is not suggested for those needs
• Use a wheelchair, since it is not suitable for wheelchair users
• Want zero schedule risk, because steam operations can affect timing

One more practical note: seating is typically set in tables for three to four people, and private table arrangements cost extra. If you’re traveling with a small group and want quieter space, plan for that.

Should you book the North Borneo Heritage Train?

I think you should book if you want a short, guided Sabah day that combines train nostalgia with a guided Papar Town photo mission, included meals, and an easy onboard activity like henna. The package works best when you treat it as a heritage rail experience plus a town activity, not a guaranteed steam-only performance.

If steam engine status is your top priority, confirm the latest operational situation before you go, since the steam locomotive is still under maintenance and the tour can run on diesel in the meantime.

If heat and walking can be challenging, or if you need wheelchair access, skip this one. For everyone else, it can be a fun day that feels more personal than most “sit and watch” tours.

FAQ

Where does the North Borneo Heritage Train tour start?

The tour starts at Stesen Keretapi Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu. The train departs at 9:00am.

What activities happen in Papar Town?

You receive a mission book and follow guided prompts to photograph points of interest in Papar Town. There is also an activity component connected to completing the mission, with a reward given at the end of the tour.

What is included in the ticket price?

The tour includes a souvenir bag, light refreshment, the train return transfer ticket, the Papar mission book, guide or crew onboard, lunch onboard, and fruit tasting at Papar’s local market.

Do you have to request dietary needs in advance?

Yes. If you have dietary restrictions, you must request them in advance so the team can notify the restaurant and adjust the lunch menu.

Is the steam engine guaranteed to be working?

The Vulcan Steam Engine is still under maintenance and requires additional work for safe, smooth operation. A notice will be issued once it is fully operational. The tour can operate with the diesel engine while the train wagon still uses the steam locomotive setup.

Is alcohol allowed on the tour?

No. Alcohol is not allowed during the tour.