The North Borneo Railway features a British Vulcan steam locomotive, designed and built by the Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows, England in 1954 as part of the last order before the factory converted to diesel and electric locomotive construction. The Vulcan 6-015, A2-6-2 carrying a green livery with polished boiler bands and red edging to the running plate and tender frame, was de- commissioned for general use in the early 1970’s by the Sabah State Railway Department. It is one of the only few functional wood-burners left in the world.
It was proudly re-launched on 22nd January 2000, in honour of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital, achieving City-Status.
The North Borneo Railway runs 36 miles between Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah, and Papar, an agricultural town, known as the rice bowl of Sabah.
Tanjung Aru : Passengers board the train at Tanjung Aru Station at the designated platform. At the station, passengers are greeted by well-appointed train stewards. They receive their train passport and boarding pass at thecounter and proceed to the platform. As the whistle blows during departure time, the train will commence its journey while passengers are pampered by the train stewards and treated to some of the unique and interesting sceneries in Sabah.
Putatan: As the train pulls out of the station, the development of Kota Kinabalu begins to slip away. Time and history begin to take over. After Putatan, the train veers into the countryside, away from the modern day trapping of Sabah society. The train hugs the coast of Lokawi Bay and offer passengers an opportunity to take in the picturesque view of the South China Sea.
Kinarut: The train then leaves the road and edges towards Kinarut, a traditional trading village. A school stands proudly in the forefront, reminding everyone of the importance of education. A mosque also stands near the station, highlighting the influence of the national religion. An interesting Buddhist temple appears at the foot of the nearby hill.
Kawang : After Kinarut, the train passes through Kawang, home to Kawang Forest Reserve. Gazetted as a Second Class Domestic Forest Reserve, its main purpose is to supply clean water for locals in the Vicinity. The centre also offers a myriad of activities from jungle trekking, camping to cave exploration.
Papar: The train veers again and crosses the Papar River over a steel trestle bridge as Papar town comes into view. A quaint township, Papar is wedged in the valley between the Crocker Range and the coast. Here, everyone isa neighbor and the intimacy is clear with their dispositions and smiles. The local market or Tamu is a reflection of life in Sabah – simple and alive with the sounds and smells of recurrent daily routines.
0915 hrs Depart from your hotel to Tanjung Aru Station. (Breakfast provided)
0930 hrs Arrive at Tanjung Aru Train Station. Check in and Boarding.
1000 hrs Depart from Tanjung Aru Station 1040 hrs Short excursion in Kinarut Town and visit to Tien Shi Temple. Free to stroll around the temple and pictures taking. 1100 hrs Train departs Kinarut Station for Papar Town. 1145 hrs Arrive in Papar Town to visit local wet market and shops. 1220 hrs Re-board train for return journey 1230 hrs Depart from Papar Station for Tanjung Aru. 1240 hrs Tiffin' Lunch onboard. 1340 hrs Arrive at Tanjung Aru Station ~ End of service ~
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