Continue from SiennyLovesDrawing’s 👩🏻 earlier blog post that she is back again to Sabah, Malaysia 🇲🇾 to enjoy a holiday & enjoyed max the adventurous extreme sports ~ Paragliding 🪂🏞️🇲🇾 @ 📍 Ranau Paragliding Park, read more via 🌐 https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2024/03/17/amazing-1st-paragliding-experience-with-flynow-ranau-paragliding-sabah-malaysia/
Hmm…If you’ve noted her handrawn doodle art for Fly Me To Sabah, both the paragliding 🪂 & steam train 🚂 actually on her artwork, just that she didn’t get to complete all her Sabah travel bucket list & hence this so called her 2024 birthday trip to Sabah aims to complete them all 👩🏻🎂🎊🎉✨🥳🎈
So so happy that this time she got ticked off ✅ another wish list ie. To ride on the North Borneo Heritage Steam Train🚂, yeah 💯😃😁👍🏻
Sabah State Railway aka Jabatan Keretapi Negeri Sabah (JKNS), FKA North Borneo Railway is a railway system & operator in the state of Sabah in Malaysia 🇲🇾 It is the only rail transport system operating on the island of Borneo
This steam train 🚂 was made by Vulcan Foundry Ltd in Newton-le-Willows in Lancashire, United Kingdom 🇬🇧 in 1955 for North Borneo Railway. It’s 1️⃣ of the few functional locomotives powered by burning wood 🪵 They don’t use coal that produces very fine ash powder which would cause black stains on your shirt 👕👚 It’s an iconic hybrid steam engine train 🚂 that was once a key trade route in the days of British 🇬🇧 colonial rule & still remain as the only railway on Borneo island. The exterior of the steam train is in deep green & cream colors, ie. the original colours used in old days. The windows 🪟 are open all the time for a more enjoyable experience. While the interior is natural wooded seat & there are cooling by ceiling fans. This train has 5️⃣ Japanese-designed carriages that each can accommodate 16 passengers, with a total train capacity of 80 passengers that have been meticulously restored & renovated to reflect the era of the classical steam train 🚂
The railway service of Borneo is 1️⃣st started by William Clarke Cowie, Managing Director of the British North Borneo Chartered Company in 1896. It’s a memory lane with history that involves Bruneians, British, Japanese, Australians & forebears of Sabah Chinese. From 1888 to 1963, Sabah (Then, North Borneo) was colonised by the British empire, as part of their economic plan to build a kingdom that never sleeps. The construction of this railway in 1896 is a major development that transformed the wild West Coast of Sabah into a belt of prosperity as this 134km Borneo railway helps to open up more lands & forms the lifeline of the west coast. Cargo after cargo of tobacco, rubber, paddy 🌾, coffee ☕, timber 🪵 & other agricultural products were transported from the fertile inland to the harbour of Jesselton (NKA Kota Kinabalu City or KK). Colonial townships such as Kinarut, Papar, Beaufort & Tenom also sprouted up along the railway 🚃 This single 134-kilometre railway line 🛤️ from Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu in West Coast Division to the town of Tenom, in the Interior Division of Sabah
The North Borneo Heritage Train (FKA North Borneo Railway) features a hybrid locomotive in which the engine can run on either steam ♨️ from a boiler or diesel fuel
It’s refurbished to create the nostalgic romance of the bygone era of the Colonial days of British North Borneo, the train 🚂 allows all its passengers to experience the beauty of the Sabah’s countryside & the unique sights and sounds of the Sabah landscape on board this heritage vintage train, a must have experience 💯👍🏻
Passengers are offered 🆓 seating on one of the 5️⃣ colonial-style train carriages. Each carriage provides the amenity of a modern unisex washroom 🚻🚾🚽
It accommodates 32 passengers in each carriage, with a total train capacity of 160 passengers
The train windows 🪟 remain open throughout the journey to enhance the overall heritage experience. Also with high-powered fans line the ceilings to ensure maximum comfort for all its passengers
The train 🚂 runs every Wednesday only. It runs 36 miles from Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah & then stopped at Papar, an agricultural town, known as the rice bowl 🌾🍚 of Sabah for lunch & sightseeing activities
So, this train departs sharp at 9am from Tanjung Aru Station & each passenger received a Sabah paper bag filled with light refreshments to enjoy during the ride, hand sanitizer, face mask & a little Sabah souvenir 🎁 All will enjoy wind your way through scenic landscapes on the only railway track in Sabah since 1896. This 134 km line stretches south from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom (Pangi Station). It’s actually originally used to transport tobacco to the coast, at present it serves as a vital public transport for the locals
Tanjung Aru
After breakfast ☕🍽️🥪🍳 at Flypod Restaurant, SiennyLovesDrawing slowly walking 🚶🏻♀️& then joined in with other registered passengers to on board to this heritage train 🚂 at Tanjung Aru Station at the designated platform
At the station, all its passengers will receive respective boarding pass & a train passport book (Task mission book 📖 to complete 🔟 missions) at the counter before proceeding to the platform. As the whistle blows during departure time, the train will commence its journey while passengers are treated to some of the unique & interesting sceneries in Sabah from the train window 🪟
Putata
As the train pulls out of the station, the development of Kota Kinabalu begins to slip away. Time & 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 Lok Kawi Bay & offers passengers an opportunity to take in the picturesque view of the South China Sea 🌊
Kinarut
The name Kinarut derived from the words ‘China Road’. From the train 🚂 , you can view the large Tien Nam Shi Toaism Temple ⛩️ (镇南寺) that worships Guang Ze Zun Wang (广泽尊王). Chinese immigrants didn’t have an easy life in Borneo. In some estates, their mortality rate could reach 40% due to ill treatment & poor living environment. Religion would offer them some comfort
The train then leaves the road & 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
SiennyLovesDrawing & other passengers 🧑🏻🤝🧑🏻👭🏻👬🏻👫🏻 got to get down at this Kinarut station to take some photos 📸🤳🏻 Just merely approximately 15mins stop by only, so she doesn’t have time to explore this small town
Kawang
After Kinarut, the train passes through Kawang, home to Kawang Forest Reserve 🌳🌳 which being azetted 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 & 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 & the coast. Here, everyone is a neighbour & the intimacy is clear with their dispositions & smiles 😁 The local market or tamu is a reflection of life in Sabah ~ A simple & alive with the sounds & smells of recurrent daily routines
SiennyLovesDrawing enjoyed chitchatting with the locals especially at the fish 🐟 wet market aka Pasar Ikan, the locals so welcoming friendly & offered her some of the fresh fishes to take photos 🤳🏻📸 hahaha 🤣 😂
Also enjoyed viewing the well maintained vintage shop houses that lace the charming small town. Also not to forget to explore some exciting spots around Papar town to complete the mission book 📖, yes ✅, a treasure hunt activity to enjoy 😁
There will be a tour guide from the Kinabalu Heritage Tour company to lead the way to explore Papar Town. During SiennyLovesDrawing’s recent tour, she was guided by a friendly Mr Carpet 🙋🏻♂️ The 1️⃣st stop we went to Majlis Bandaran Papar to take photos/ videos with 📸📹 the heritage old train 🚂 Then, went to claim a 🆓 traditional local ice cream 🍦 at Perniagaan Bee Hong & enjoyed while walking 🚶🏻♀️to explore the town
After visited to a Chinese temple ⛩️ & Papar Riverfront, she was invited to enjoy a delicious lunch ie. Ayam Penyet rice set with a glass of refreshing tasty Kitchai drink in a local restaurant named Kak Anna Restaurant 🍽️🍛💯👍🏻, instead of lunch in the train ya 🚂 She was told this was a suggestion from earlier tourists that dining in train 🚂 quite shaking during the train moving, some felt dizzy 😵 🥴, hence now dining at Papar town instead 💯👍🏻
After lunch, slowly walking back to Papar station 🚶🏻♀️🚉 to on board the train which scheduled to depart at 12.30pm to then relax a return journey to Tanjung Aru Station. During this train journey, each passengers get to take part in the simple henna tattoo-making activity (Just using a sticker with different designs to pick & paint henna paint on it) while indulging in the afternoon tea served onboard ie. A small packet of local fruits ie. Mata Kucing, a pack of strawberry jam biscuits 🍪 & a bottle of mineral water 💦😋
This whole adventure will conclude when the train 🚂 safely return to Tanjung Aru Station & SiennyLovesDrawing slowly walking 🚶🏻♀️ back to her hotel room at Flypod hotel 🏨🛏️ to shower & rest before her return flight ✈️ to home sweet home that evening 🌆✨
She was told that the fee of this heritage train tour includes hotel pickup & dropoff 🚌 directly to Tanjung Aru Train Station (seat-in-coach), train ticket 🎟️, Train Passport ie. Mission Book 📖, Treasure Hunt Activity, Henna Tattoo Activity, Goodies, ice cream 🍦, Meals & snacks during the journey
Note 📌: This tour fee excludes Tour Guide, Alcoholic Drinks, Personal Expenses & Personal Travel Insurance
Suggest to wear comfortable walking shoe 👟, bring along umbrella 🌂, cap 🧢 or hat 👒, phone 📱🤳🏻, camera 📸
So, what are you waiting for ❓⁉️
If you’re travelling in Sabah, be sure to add this heritage element into your itinerary, highly recommend it 👩🏻💯👍🏻 that you all don’t wanna miss it in case steam train 🚂 is no longer working then
This heritage tour involves lot of walking & hence not recommended for pregnant 🤰 women & those with disabilities/ mobility concerns ♿️🦽🦼 suggest must have a caregiver accompanied with them at all times for assistance
Additional safety notes from SiennyLovesDrawing’s personal travel experience;
- Keep away from the edge ~ Don’t stand too close to the edge of the platform, regardless of whether there is a train 🚂 coming or not. Always stand behind the yellow 💛 lines
- Stand clear of closing doors ~ Whether you’re trying to get on or off a train, don’t make a rush for closing doors. You or your luggage could get trapped
- Keep children under close supervision at all times on the train & waitin at the platform. Hold on to your pushchair or pram (if using) & use the brake when possible
- Don’t block doors or aisles & keep your luggage in the designated areas
- Mind the gap between the train 🚂 & the platform 🚉
- Pay attention to train public announcements
- If you are standing, hold on to a pole or similar when the train 🚂 start & stops
- You may take photographs or videos for your personal use only. Commercial photography needs prior permission from JKNS
- Flash photography ❌📸 is not allowed. It could distract train drivers & platform staff ~ A potential safety hazard. You might be asked not to use a tripod at busy stations, as it could cause an obstruction. You must keep tripod legs away from the platform edge & behind the yellow 💛 line
- Be careful when crossing the road & always keep your belongings attended when exploring Papar Town
- Do pay attention to the announcement by the Tour Guide on duty
- All guests are required to behave & with respectful manner when visiting religious destinations
This tour arrangement in SiennyLovesDrawing’s travel itinerary was done by AEROPOD TRAVEL & TOUR SDN. BHD., highly recommended their good tour services from her own experiences, this was her 2️⃣nd time travelling with them 💯👍🏻 Read more of her earlier experience sharing via 🌐 https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2023/06/28/awesome-one-stop-travel-solutions-from-flypod-team-at-sabah-malaysia/
Do check out more of her earlier Sabah travel blog stories via 🌐 https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/?s=Sabah+malaysia
Contact no. 📱📞: +6013-3716333
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