North Borneo Train Tour — Attraction in Sabah

Went on train tour to Papar yesterday with North Borneo Railway. I had booked in advance. Arrived station at 7.15am and was met by Grace, our guide for the tour, Charming lady who spoke very good English. Train departed at 7.45 and journey to Papar would take an hour. There were 2 other people on the tour, Anastasia from Russia, and Marius from The Netherlands. 🙂👍 Grace gave us water for the trip in self refillable containers. She also handed us ear phones so we could hear her commentary during the train trip. During the trip to Papar she gave us a running commentary of the sites on the way, along with the history of the people and the train itself. We passed through the shortest tunnel in Asia. 🙂 There were some Royal cemeteries and a memorial to a British officer.🇬🇧 There were about 3 to 4 station stops on the way to Papar. When we arrived at Papar Grace walked us around the older part of the town. We visited some of the local food stalls where we tried locally cooked dishes and various fruits. Jackfruit, Durian, Grapefruit and others. We visited the sellers markets. Along the way Grace took lots of photos of our tour group. We stopped into a local restaurant near the end of the walking tour, that was run by a family for over 3 generations. We had noodle pork soup and Nasi Goreng. Nice dishes. The walking tour in Papar was over 3 hours. There were toilet stops along the way if required. We walked to train station just after 12 and waited for train for return trip back to KK. It was a good day. Cool train ride. Met very nice people. Food was good. Grace our guide was excellent. Very informative. Answered all our questions. She looked after us on our trip. Well worth a trip on the North Borneo train if...

I think this is a very good joint program between the Sabah Tourist Guide Association, Jabatan Keretapi Sabah, and the local cultural association.

Allan and Grace made every effort to ensure that every guest felt comfortable throughout the journey.

At RM130 per person, the package is truly reasonable compared to others I found online. It includes a return train ticket, brunch, local delicacies/food tasting, a guided tour of the Tamu, and the Heritage Walk—plus two very practical and down-to-earth souvenirs (which you can discover for yourself ^^).

However, for those with mobility issues, do think twice before joining, as you may need to walk and stand for more than an hour.

We got to try some local delicacies—the RM3 murtabak was really awesome!

Due to the uncertainty of the return train to Tanjung Aru, the guides suggested we take a bus back to KK town.

The good thing is, Grace and Allan accompanied us to get a Grab ride back to the train station to retrieve our car. We were not charged for either the bus fare or the Grab—both were covered.

I have nothing to complain about this tour. I truly feel that the guides are genuinely passionate about sharing their culture with visitors, while also supporting the local community and the state's economy. I think this is something that other states, including the Sarawak government and tourism board,...

The North Borneo Train Tour was an unforgettable experience, made even more special by our fantastic guide, Basil. From the moment we boarded the vintage train, we were transported back in time, enjoying the scenic views of lush landscapes and the vibrant local culture. Basil’s deep knowledge of the region’s history and natural beauty was evident throughout the journey. He shared fascinating stories about the area’s heritage, wildlife, and the railway itself, adding rich context to the sights we were seeing.

Basil was not only informative but also engaging, ensuring everyone felt included and comfortable. He was always available to answer questions, offer recommendations, and take photos of the group. His enthusiasm for the local culture and his friendly, approachable demeanor made the tour enjoyable for all.

The train ride itself was smooth and comfortable, with ample opportunities to snap photos of the stunning surroundings. The stops along the way provided a glimpse into local life, and Basil’s insights made these experiences even more meaningful. Overall, the North Borneo Train Tour was a delightful journey, and Basil’s expert guidance truly enhanced the experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore the beauty and history of Borneo in...