North Borneo Railway — Sabah's Colonial-Era Railway and Heritage Trains
What is the North Borneo Railway?
The North Borneo Railway, now operated by the Sabah State Railway Department (Jabatan Keretapi Negeri Sabah, JKNS), runs about 134 kilometres from Tanjung Aru station in Kota Kinabalu to the interior town of Tenom (JKNS, checked 7 October 2026). Begun in 1896 under the British North Borneo Chartered Company, the railway remains one of Sabah's best-known heritage landmarks.
For visitors, JKNS offers a Saturday tourist train from Tanjung Aru to Muara Sungai Benoni and a chartered hybrid steam train for groups between Tanjung Aru and Papar. JKNS says the steam locomotive is not operating at present (JKNS, checked 7 October 2026). The regular line continues through Beaufort and the Padas Gorge to Tenom.
For visitors and history enthusiasts, a train ride on this line is one of Sabah's most memorable day trips. The journey combines outdoor adventure, cultural history, and the romance of heritage railway travel—a living museum on wheels moving through some of Sabah's most beautiful landscapes.
How was the railway built under colonial rule?
Construction of the North Borneo Railway began in 1896 on the Beaufort to Weston line, under Arthur J. West, after a proposal by William Clarke Cowie. The line from Beaufort to the port of Jesselton was completed in 1906 and became North Borneo's main transport link. The railway was formally established as the North Borneo Railway on 1 August 1914 and renamed the Sabah State Railway Department after Malaysia was formed in 1963. Since 1979 the remaining network has been about 134 km from Tanjung Aru to Tenom (JKNS, checked 7 October 2026).
The primary purpose was economic: the railway carried crops, goods and passengers, and helped the towns along the route grow (JKNS, checked 7 October 2026).
Construction was difficult and costly. Workers faced dense jungle, steep terrain, and tropical diseases. The Padas Gorge section was particularly challenging, requiring careful surveying and engineering to lay track safely alongside the river.
By the early 1900s, the railway was operational, and it transformed the west coast economy. During World War II, Japanese forces used the line, and they entered Jesselton by rail from Beaufort in January 1942 (Percival despatch, London Gazette, checked 7 October 2026). After the war, the railway continued to serve local communities and freight, though roads and motor transport gradually took over much of its traffic.
What route does the heritage steam train take?
The line runs about 134 km from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom, with 15 stations along the route (New Straits Times, checked 7 October 2026). It follows the coast south to Papar and Beaufort, then turns inland through the Padas Gorge to Tenom.
| Station | Notable Feature |
|---|---|
| Tanjung Aru | Main terminus in Kota Kinabalu |
| Papar | Coastal town; end point of the chartered steam train trip |
| Beaufort | Junction town where the line turns inland; about 48 km before Tenom |
| Halogilat | Small station in the gorge |
| Tenom | End station, interior agricultural town |
Check departure times on the JKNS timetable. The section from Papar to Beaufort passes through farmland and small settlements. The Beaufort to Tenom section is the scenic highlight, entering the Padas Gorge.
What is the Padas Gorge and why is it special?
The Padas Gorge is a steep, forested valley cut by the Padas River between Beaufort and Tenom. It is some of Sabah's most dramatic scenery, with rainforest and white water rapids.
The railway track follows the gorge wall alongside the Padas River for much of the Beaufort-to-Tenom section, and passengers can see the rapids from the train.
The gorge has no road running through it, so the railway is the easiest way for most visitors to see it.
The gorge is also known for white water rafting, and JKNS lists a charter service for rafting participants as an upcoming concept. On the train you travel through the gorge at a leisurely pace without getting wet.
How do I book and take the heritage steam train?
JKNS currently lists two tourist services (JKNS, checked 7 October 2026). The steam locomotive is not operating at present, so the steam train cannot be booked until JKNS announces otherwise:
Where to book
- Train to Muara Sungai Benoni: every Saturday, 4pm to 8pm, from Tanjung Aru, for up to 160 passengers. Tickets are RM100 per person.
- Chartered Hybrid Steam Train: a charter for tour agencies or groups, Tanjung Aru to Papar and back, 9am to 2pm, up to 160 passengers. Contact JKNS for charter rates.
- Regular passenger trains: tickets are bought in cash at the station counter on the day of travel, with sales starting about 30 minutes to an hour before departure.
Contact and fares
JKNS lists its office line as 088-279 300 (JKNS, checked 7 October 2026). Check fares and times with the trip planner on the JKNS website before you travel, as services are subject to department updates.
What else can I do along the railway route?
The railway journey itself is the main attraction, but there are several ways to extend your experience and explore the surrounding areas:
Tenom and the surrounding highlands
Tenom is an interior agricultural town at the end of the line. The town has shops, cafes and places to stay if you prefer to spend the night.
Beaufort town exploration
Beaufort is where the railway's construction began in 1896. It has old shophouses, local shops and traditional food, and is worth a brief walk-around if time permits.
Padas River white water rafting
For the adventurous, combine your railway trip with a separate Padas River rafting excursion. Rafting operators run trips in the same gorge that the train passes through—a thrilling contrast to the train experience. Rafting requires a separate booking with local operators in Kota Kinabalu.
Photography
The entire journey is a photographer's paradise, especially the Padas Gorge section. Bring a good camera and try for a window seat.
Local guides
Some tour operators include a local guide who shares stories about the railway's history, the gorge's wildlife, and the communities along the route. This context enriches the experience significantly.
Frequently asked questions
Q Is the North Borneo Railway still operating?
Q How long do the tourist trains take?
Q Can I do the full journey in one day?
Q Is the Padas Gorge the same as the Padas River white water rafting?
Q What is the best seat on the heritage train?
Resources
- Sabah State Railway (official website) — Schedules, booking, contact information
- Sabah Tourism Board (homepage) — Tourist information and local insights
- JKNS corporate page — Official history of the railway