Papar Railway Station:
A Journey Through Time

Papar Railway Station has come a long way from its humble beginnings as part of the historic North Borneo Railway. Once a simple stop along the line that carried rubber, timber, and agricultural goods under British rule, the station underwent a dramatic transformation when the entire Sabah State Railway received a major upgrade between 2006 and 2011. By the time the modernized railway reopened in 2011, Papar Station was no longer just a relic of the past—it was a vital link in a railway that blended history with modern convenience.

Located in the heart of Papar town, the station now boasts a sleek, functional design with improved facilities for passengers. Gone are the days of uneven wooden platforms and outdated tracks. Today, passengers board trains from well-maintained platforms, shielded by a proper station building that offers comfort while they wait. The tracks themselves were completely replaced with modern steel rails and sturdy concrete sleepers, ensuring a smoother, safer ride along the line.

Trains departing from Papar travel in two directions—northward to Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu, where commuters and tourists alike disembark for the capital city’s bustle, or southward to Beaufort, a gateway to one of Sabah’s most scenic railway journeys. From there, an adventurous detour awaits those heading toward Tenom, where the train winds through the dramatic Padas Gorge, a stretch famous for its white-water rafting and breathtaking landscapes.

Despite these modern improvements, Papar Railway Station hasn’t lost its charm. It remains a reminder of a time when rail was the backbone of Sabah’s development, connecting small towns and rural communities long before roads became the primary means of transport. Today, it serves as both a practical transit hub and a piece of living history, a place where the echoes of the past meet the rhythm of modern rail travel.