[2025 Kota Kinabalu ] Travel Guide for North Borneo Railway (Updated May)

#kotakinabalutrip Kota Kinabalu (KK), the vibrant capital of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, is a city rich in culture, history, and stunning landscapes. While many visitors come for its beaches, islands, and Mount Kinabalu, there’s a hidden gem that offers a nostalgic journey into Sabah’s colonial past—the **North Borneo Heritage Train**. ## **A Ride Back in Time: The North Borneo Heritage Train** The **North Borneo Railway**, operated by Sutera Harbour, is a lovingly restored steam train that takes passengers on a scenic journey through Sabah’s countryside, offering a glimpse into the state’s colonial-era transportation. Originally built during British North Borneo’s time, this vintage train harks back to the early 20th century when steam locomotives were the lifeline of trade and travel. ### **The Experience** - **Vintage Charm**: The train features beautifully restored wooden carriages, brass fittings, and old-world elegance, evoking the romance of early 1900s rail travel. - **Scenic Route**: The journey takes you from Tanjung Aru station through lush paddy fields, rustic villages, and along the coast, offering stunning views of the South China Sea. - **Cultural & Culinary Delights**: The ride includes a delicious onboard meal, often featuring local Sabahan cuisine, along with live music and storytelling about Sabah’s history. ### **Route Highlights** The train typically runs a **half-day excursion** from Tanjung Aru to **Kinarut**, a small town with historical significance. Along the way, you’ll pass: - **Traditional villages** showcasing rural Sabah life. - **Papar River**, where you might spot local wildlife. - **Kinarut’s old shophouses**, remnants of a bygone trading post. ### **Why You Should Ride** - **Perfect for history buffs** who want to relive the colonial era. - **Great for families** looking for a unique, educational outing. - **Photography enthusiasts** will love the vintage aesthetics and scenic landscapes. ## **Planning Your Trip** - **Frequency**: The train usually runs once or twice a week—check with Sutera Harbour for the latest schedule. - **Booking**: Advance reservations are recommended as seats are limited. - **What to Bring**: A camera, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure! ## **Final Thoughts** The **North Borneo Heritage Train** is more than just a ride—it’s a moving museum, a culinary journey, and a scenic escape all in one. If you’re visiting Kota Kinabalu and want to experience Sabah’s history in a unique way, this vintage steam train is a must-do! Have you ridden the North Borneo Railway? Share your experiences in the comments! 🚂✨

[Idea][Like]Attractions: • Signal Hill Observatory Platform: This is a great place to enjoy a panoramic view of Kota Kinabalu. There are two white round roofs that stand out in the forest. [Kiss] • Kota Kinabalu Waterfront: This is one of the liveliest parts of the city with bars, restaurants, nightclubs and cafes. [Love] • Sabah State Museum: There are many interesting artefacts and collections here that showcase Sabah’s rich history, heritage and culture. [BlinkUU] • North Borneo Railway: This historic railway line takes you through beautiful tropical jungles, with stunning views of the coast from time to time. [Clap][Clap][Clap] • Night Market: Kota Kinabalu’s night market is not to be missed, as it has the best seafood and street food. • Kota Kinabalu City Mosque: This mosque is known as the “Floating Mosque” as it is partially surrounded by water. • Gaya Street Sunday Market: Home to Kota Kinabalu’s Chinatown, this is where a lively street market is held every Sunday. • Tanjung Aru Beach: This beach is about a 20-minute drive from the city center and is a great place to relax. • Atkinson Clock Tower: This is one of the oldest colonial buildings in Kota Kinabalu and the best place to learn about the history of the area. • Mari Mari Cultural Village: Here, you can step into the traditional homes of Sabah’s five major ethnic groups and experience the culture. Accommodation [Clap] Kota Kinabalu offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious five-star hotels to budget hotels to suit every budget. • Luxury hotels such as Shangri-La Tanjung Aru and Shangri-La Rasa Ria offer a beachfront resort experience with facilities such as private beaches and spas. • Budget hotels: such as Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu and Grandis Hotels and Resorts, which are conveniently located and reasonably priced. Consumption level [Cute] The cost of living in Kota Kinabalu is relatively moderate: • Budget Travel: Budget travelers will need about RM20 per day. • Mid-range consumption: The mid-range consumption level is approximately RM50 per day. • Deluxe accommodation: Deluxe accommodation costs approximately between RM85 to RM100 per day, depending on your spending. Super super economical! Tourist activities and shopping Kota Kinabalu offers a wealth of tourist activities and shopping experiences: • Beach Experience: You can enjoy a tropical beach experience that includes spa treatments, cruises and water sports. • Shopping: There are large shopping malls and traditional markets in the city center where you can buy cosmetics, clothing brands, food, etc. The prices are cheaper than in China, and you can also get a tax refund. • Handicraft Market: The Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market offers unique local handicrafts that are suitable as souvenirs. Other tips • Currency Exchange: Currency exchange services are available at the airport, but the exchange rates are usually more favorable. • Transportation: Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the main gateway into eastern Malaysia and is easily accessible.

🌲**Explore Natural Wonders:** 🍄- **Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park**: Just a 15-20 minute flight from Kota Kinabalu, this park consists of five islands and is a great spot for snorkeling and diving. The clear waters, beautiful beaches, and abundant marine life will let you experience the mysteries of the ocean. 🍄- **Mount Kinabalu**: As the highest peak in Southeast Asia, this is a challenge for mountaineers and a great place to watch the sunrise. 🌲**Cultural and Historical Experiences:** 🍀- **Sabah Museum**: Showcasing the handicrafts of the Bajau people and the various ethnic groups of Borneo, this museum will give you an in-depth understanding of the local culture and history. 🍀- **Gaya Street Sunday Market**: Open every Sunday, you can find a variety of handicrafts, antiques, and souvenirs here and experience the local life. 🌲**Gastronomic Journey:** 🎋- **Seafood Feast**: Kota Kinabalu is famous for its fresh and diverse seafood, a culinary experience you can't miss. 🎋- **Authentic Cuisine**: From Bak Kut Teh to Nasi Lemak, a variety of Malay delicacies will delight your taste buds. 🌲**Nature and Leisure:** 🌷- **Tanjung Aru Beach**: One of the world's top three sunset viewing spots, you can enjoy a spectacular sunset here. 🌷- **City Park**: Located in the city center, this park is a great place for a walk and relaxation, and it also has a monument to the soldiers who died in World War II. 🌲**Adventure Activities:** 🌱- **Paragliding Experience**: Experience paragliding in Ranau and enjoy a bird's eye view of the stunning scenery of Sabah. 🌱- **North Borneo Railway**: Take a ride on the North Borneo Railway for a unique train journey. 🌹**Shopping and Souvenirs:** - **Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market**: Here you can buy a variety of unique local handicrafts as a souvenir of your trip. 🌲🌲Kota Kinabalu, a tropical paradise that combines natural beauty, cultural experiences, and culinary delights, awaits your exploration and discovery. Whether you're an adventure seeker or a traveler seeking tranquility, you'll find everything you want here.🌹🌹🌹