North Borneo Railway

[STEVIEBOY1]

Does anyone know if the North Borneo railway that used to run from near Kota Kinabalu to Beaufort & into the Jungle has reopened yet. I think it was closed for a while for renewal?

I went on it some years ago on a diesel hauled train. I think there is sometimes a steam service that runs on the first section of the line.

 

[davetheguard]

I went on it about thirty years ago: a diesel railcar in one direction (where I sat next to the driver!), and a loco hauled train back to the coast (where I sat on the coach steps with the door wide open).

A splendid trip: I hope the railway has re-opened.

 

[High Dyke]

There seems to be a service, of sorts. Though it seems to be aimed at tourists with steam being the traction of choice. No mention of any other form of traction these days.

The North Borneo Railway runs two weekly return departures (Wednesday, Saturday) from Kota Kinabalu to Papar, year round. Lasting approximately 4 hours, passengers experience the lush landscape of the coastal and rural regions of Sabah. A typical 'tiffin' colonial lunch will be served on the return trip.

After Malaysia was formed, the North Borneo Railway assumed the name of the Sabah State Railway Department and several changes were again made to improve passenger and cargo facilities. By 1971, technological advancement in the form of diesel and petrol-powered locomotives replaced the steam engines. The railway celebrated its centennial anniversary in 1996 as the oldest form of transportation in the state.

On 22 January 2000, the North Borneo Railway was relaunched as a joint venture project between Sutera Harbour Resort and the Sabah State Railway Department, signifying a historical collaboration through common initiatives between the private sector and the state government.

http://www.suteraharbour.com/v4/index.php/styles

http://www.suteraharbour.com/downloads/factsheet/NBR_FactSheet.pdf