North Borneo Railway - Sprucestudios

Travel and Transport Films
Go to content

North Borneo Railway

North Borneo Railway
The North Borneo Railway was built by the British in 1896 and keeps alive the traditions of the white Rajah’s who once ruled this land. The wild jungles provided grounds for great adventure whilst offering potential riches for plantation owners. As the need for larger plantations grew, the question of transportation became a major issue for these young entrepreneurs.
A railway was proposed straight into the heart of Borneo and largely considered to be the only viable solution. It provided a relatively cheap and time saving option for the transportation of the produce to the coast. At the ports of Jessleton and Weston, The British East Indian Shipping Company could export the produce on board their Europe bound cargo ships.
The North Borneo Railway is transporting once again, although this time the cargo is visitors - all keen to discover just what travelling in a by-gone age was like. Today this journey travels the 66 Km from Kota Kinabula south to the small town of Papar. On route there is a short stop to view a Chinese temple and on the return the delights of a Tiffin lunch is provided. The motive power is provided by a Vulcan Steam locomotive - built in Newton-le-Willows England in 1954 as part of the last order of steam engines before the factory converted to diesel.
Total Running Time 59 minutes.
Richard and Heather Productions
Spruce Close, Exeter, Devon, EX4 9JU

+44 (0)1392 467774
+44(0)7766338670 mobile

sales@sprucestudios.com
Travel and Transport Films
   © 1995-2025 Spruce Studios
Back to content