Australian travellers looking for a memorable way to take in the stunning Sabah landscape, can now once again explore this idyllic countryside on the North Borneo Railway. A joint venture project between Sutera Harbour and the Sabah State Railway Department, the North Borneo Railway was re-launched in early February, signifying a historical collaboration between the private sector and the state government.

The re-launch ceremony was officiated by The Honourable  Datuk Masidi Manjun, the Minister of Tourism, Culture & Environment Sabah at the Tanjung Aru Train Station in conjunction with the Kota Kinabalu City Day Celebration. The North Borneo Railway was temporarily closed in September 2005 due to the upgrading works of the railway track by the Ministry of Transportation, and continued its service on 4th July 2011 after the upgrading works was completed.

The re-launch of the North Borneo Railway is set to further stimulate Australian interest in Sabah, with the steam train service running from Sabah’s capital Kota Kinabalu to Papar. The service, which can accommodate up to 80 passengers, features five fully refurbished colonial-style passenger train carriages and runs every Wednesday and Saturday. The service also passes through the towns of Kinarut, and Kawang and stops in Papar for 30-40 minutes, allowing eager passengers to experience this little known “rice bowl” township. 

The North Borneo Railway is the last of a fleet of locomotives that have operated in Borneo since the late 1880s and was manufactured by the Vulcan Foundry Ltd in Newton-le-Willows in Lancashire, United Kingdom. 

Along the journey, passengers will be treated to some of the most unique and interesting scenery in Sabah, while being pampered with polished service on board. On the return leg, passengers will experience “tiffin-styled” meals, which reflect a typical railway meal of the turn of the century.  Served in traditional tiffin boxes, this unique culinary experience highlights the exotic blend of Asian and Continental cuisine, primarily focusing on a sampling of Malaysian delights. 

The steam train is scheduled to run every Wednesday and Saturday; and is priced at:

• RM250 (approx. $AUD 77) for adults
• RM150 (approx. $AUD 47) for children between the ages of 2 to 12. 
• Complimentary for children below 2 years old

The ticket prices are inclusive of Continental breakfast and tiffin-style lunch.  For guests of Sutera Harbour Resort, the fare is also inclusive of complimentary transfer from the Resort to Tanjung Aru Station. 

For bookings and further details, please call (+60) 88 308 500 or email to nbrinfo@suteraharbour.com.my