Project Description

Papar Heritage Train Tour – A Scenic Railway Journey into Sabah’s Best-Kept Secret

Duration: 4–5 Hours
Departure: Daily (Except Sunday)
Starting Point: Tanjung Aru Railway Station, Kota Kinabalu

Escape the city and experience one of Sabah’s most unique heritage adventures aboard the Sabah, Borneo Railway commuter train. This leisurely journey combines scenic countryside, colonial history, authentic local culture, and delicious traditional food, making it one of the most memorable day trips from Kota Kinabalu.

Perfect for railway enthusiasts, photographers, food lovers, and culture seekers, the Papar Heritage Train Tour offers a refreshing glimpse into a slower pace of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations.

A Scenic Train Ride Through Sabah’s Countryside

Your journey begins at Tanjung Aru Railway Station, where you board the scheduled diesel commuter train (daily except Sundays) or a pre-arranged charter train for groups of 20 passengers or more.

As the train gently rolls south, enjoy approximately 50 minutes of scenic rail travel accompanied by lively commentary from a professional Heritage Tourist Guide. Along the route, passengers pass lush countryside, rivers, and traditional villages including Kinarut, Kawang, and Kimanis, while crossing one of Sabah’s historic colonial railway bridges.

Unlike modern high-speed rail, this relaxed journey invites travellers to slow down and appreciate the landscapes, local communities, and timeless beauty of Sabah’s west coast.

Discover the Heritage Town of Papar

Nestled beside the Papar River, Papar is one of Sabah’s oldest railway towns and remains refreshingly authentic.

Known for its nostalgic atmosphere, the town is home to charming wooden shophouses, traditional coffee shops, family-owned businesses, and friendly local communities that have preserved their heritage for decades.

Your Heritage Guide will lead a walking tour through Papar’s historic streets, sharing fascinating stories about the town’s multicultural history, colonial past, and railway heritage.

Depending on the day of your visit, you will explore:

  • Papar Thursday Tamu – one of Sabah’s oldest traditional open-air markets.
  • Papar Central Market and lively alley stalls on other weekdays.
  • Historic streets lined with old businesses and local family shops.

Taste the Flavours of Old Papar

No visit to Papar is complete without experiencing its legendary local food.

Visitors can sample the town’s famous 60-year-old BBQ Meat Noodles, freshly grilled satay, traditional kopitiam breakfasts, handmade local snacks, and freshly brewed Sabah coffee.

The town is also home to an old camera shop, charming cafés, artist studios, and creative workshop spaces tucked inside restored heritage shop lots, offering visitors a wonderful blend of history and contemporary local culture.

Free Time to Explore

After the guided heritage walk, enjoy free time to wander the streets, browse local shops, meet friendly residents, capture photographs, or simply relax over coffee while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of this riverside town.

Papar offers a refreshing contrast to the busy pace of Kota Kinabalu, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking authentic Sabah experiences.

Return Journey

The return train departs Papar at 12:00 noon, arriving back at Tanjung Aru Railway Station at approximately:

  • 12:50 pm (Chartered Train)
  • 1:10 pm (Scheduled Commuter Train)

This half-day heritage experience is one of Sabah’s hidden gems—combining scenic railway travel, local storytelling, traditional food, and the timeless charm of one of Borneo’s most historic railway towns. The price for ride minimum 2 person is RM210.  grab promotion ride now ,  for more service please refer to travel assistant and www.northborneotraintour.com

PAPAR TOWN AND TRAIN TOUR

与众不同的火车之旅
时间：4 小时（上午 8 点 30 分至下午 12 点 50 分 承包火车）
5 小时 （上午7点45分至下午1：10点 乘定时火车）

每天除周日将带您乘坐 50 分钟的火车，火车上的专业遗产导游将进行生动的解说，这是令你惊叹且不同类型的旅行。

游览于上午 7:45 在丹绒亚路火车站开始。

抵达吧巴火车站后，专业遗产导游将带领您进行遗产徒步之旅，参观周四的传统露天斗磨市场或星期六的中央市场，并沿着吧巴的古老街道讲述多彩文化的有趣故事和吧巴的历史。

将有“空闲时间”供您购物，当然还有品尝当地美食。

火车回程于中午 12：15 出发，并于下午 1 点 10 分抵达丹绒亚路火车站。

## 轻便的夏季服装、步行鞋和帽子