13/12/2025

SATURDAY | DEC 13, 2025

6 Nostalgic ride on century-old train

o Heritage tourism journey in Sabah offers views of rustic villages, tropical rainforests, winding rivers and traditional settlements

introduces younger generations to the history and significance of the oldest transport system in the state. Student Muhammad Fairul Yahya, 19, said although the train journey takes longer than travelling by road, the experience offered is far more meaningful. “It’s really enjoyable. Although it’s slow, you can appreciate the beauty of nature from your seat, so you don’t feel bored at all.” Passenger Ameera Natieesyah Md Yussof, 23, said the classic train service should be upgraded for greater comfort, given its huge potential as a heritage tourism product. “This train carries sentimental value as Sabah’s oldest mode of transport. The ticket price is low, but the experience is priceless and something both locals and tourists should have,” she said.

approaches a station or crossing, evoking nostalgia from the era of British colonial rule. According to the Sabah Railway Department website, the service was first developed in 1896 under the British North Borneo Chartered Company, beginning with a 37km route from Bukau to Weston. It later expanded into a 134km network spanning 14 stations from Tanjung Aru to Tenom. Originally, the railway was built to transport rubber and tobacco from the interior to the port in Kota Kinabalu (then Jesselton) for export. It later became an essential mode of transport for delivering daily necessities to residents in Tenom and Beaufort. Today, the rail service plays a bigger role. It is not only a mode of transport for local communities but also a heritage tourism attraction that

Bongawan and Membakut, before arriving at the main destination at about 10am, depending on the weather and operations. Over the more than two-hour long journey, passengers are treated to views of Sabah’s traditional villages, padi fields and oil palm estates as well as mangroves, winding rivers and gentle hills that create a serene, calming atmosphere. Adding to its charm is how well the train has retained its classic features despite several rounds of repair work. The carriages still use a combination of metal and wood and have large windows that can be fully opened, and old front-facing seats that offer unobstructed views. But what truly captures attention is the familiar rhythmic ringing of the classic metal bell – ting, ting, ting – followed by the loud diesel locomotive horn each time the train

KOTA KINABALU: Going on beautiful train journeys offering stunning scenery is always a draw for travellers. Photos of rail routes like the Kandy–Ella line in Sri Lanka, which is famed for its sweeping views of tea plantations and mist-covered mountains, are often shared widely on social media. Malaysians too can enjoy a remarkably similar experience in Sabah through its classic railway service, the only one of its kind still operating on the island of Borneo. With fares as low as RM4.80, unchanged since 1989, the Tanjung GEORGE TOWN: The 2025/2026 edition of Pesta Pulau Pinang will be the last to be held at Tapak Pesta Pulau Pinang here, before the festival goes on a six-year hiatus beginning from next year. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this was to make way for the construction of the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) line and a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) by MRT Corp at the site “Last year, I announced that the 58th edition could be the final one before the event was postponed to allow for the construction of the Mutiara LRT line and TOD by MRT Corp. “However, based on the latest developments, MRT Corp will only take over the site in April 2026, allowing the festival to proceed with its 59th edition,” he said at the Pesta Pulau Pinang 2025/2026 opening ceremony on Thursday. The event was officiated by Yang

Aru-Beaufort line, served by a century-old train, offers views of rustic villages, tropical rainforests, winding rivers and traditional settlements. Passengers begin gathering as early as 6am at the Tanjung Aru station in Kota Kinabalu, although the train only departs at 7.45am. Tickets are still sold manually and only at the counter, which opens at 7am, Bernama reported. Covering a distance of about 105km to Beaufort, the train passes seven major stations in Putatan, Kinarut, Kawang, Papar, Kimanis, Dipertua Negeri of Penang Tun Ramli Ngah Talib. Also present was his wife Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah. Chow said currently, there is no decision on whether the festival would remain at its present location or be relocated. “This land acquisition involves only a portion of the festival grounds. The state government, relevant agencies and MRT Corp are reviewing the master plan for the site redevelopment, which includes the construction of a depot, LRT station and the Sungai Nibong bus terminal. “We need to wait for the outcome of the master plan before we can finalise any decision on the festival,” he told reporters Chow said the state government understands the sentiments of the public, especially Penangites, who feel a sense of loss as the site holds many nostalgic memories. He added that the Sungai Nibong

Last hurrah for Penang festival before 6-year break

Chow said no decision has

been made yet on whether the festival would be relocated for its future editions. – BERNAMAPIC

entrepreneurs and state agencies. “In view of the growing number of foreign tourists, non-citizens will be charged RM10 for entry this year, while tickets for Malaysians remain at RM5, with free admission for children under 12 and persons with disabilities.” – Bernama

Pesta Fun Walk was held on Nov 29 to symbolise the community’s support for the festival over the years. Chow said this edition would run for 36 days, from Dec 6 to Jan 10, featuring a variety of products from small and medium enterprise

grounds been synonymous with hosting the festival, which is one of the state’s annual highlights. He also said should Pesta Pulau Pinang be revived in the future, it may no longer be possible to use the original site, adding that the first have long