Sabah: Sunset Railway Tour Experience (Every Saturday)

Imagine gliding through lush Malaysian countryside on a vintage train as the sun dips low, casting a golden glow over vibrant villages and scenic estuaries. For around $98 per person, this Saturday sunset train journey offers a peaceful escape into Sabah’s natural beauty and cultural charm, all wrapped in relaxed comfort. With a departure from Kota Kinabalu and a carefully curated itinerary, this tour is as much about appreciating the landscape as it is about experiencing a nostalgic mode of travel.

What we really love about this experience are two things: First, the atmosphere aboard the historic train—its vintage charm makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Second, the stop at Benoni Beach for sunset viewing, which provides an unforgettable moment of quiet beauty away from the busy town streets.

One consideration to keep in mind is that this is a shared tour, so expect some mingling with fellow travelers, which can be a plus or a minus depending on your preference. Also, it’s a relatively long afternoon schedule, so comfortable shoes and a relaxed attitude are advisable. This trip suits travelers who appreciate scenic, cultural outings and enjoy a slower pace to soak in the views and atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Nostalgic Vintage Train Ride: Experience Sabah’s countryside in style aboard a historic train.
Unbeatable Sunset Views: Conclude the journey at Benoni Beach, perfect for photos and peaceful reflection.
Cultural Insights: Travel through villages and towns, gaining a glimpse into local life.
All-Inclusive Price: Includes transportation, entrance fees, and a packed dinner, offering good value.
Relaxed Pacing: The tour moves at a gentle pace, ideal for those wanting to avoid rush.
Authentic Experience: Popular with both locals and travelers, making for a lively, community-oriented atmosphere.

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An In-Depth Look at Sabah’s Sunset Railway Tour

Setting the Scene: An Afternoon of Anticipation

Starting at 3:15 pm, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu, a city bustling with activity that quickly gives way to the calmer, greener outskirts of Sabah. The pickup is smooth, and the transport to Tanjung Aru Station is straightforward. Once there, you’ll have a brief moment to settle before boarding the vintage train, which departs at 4:00 pm.

The train itself is a highlight—its nostalgic design, with comfortable seats arranged in compartments, makes the journey feel like stepping into a different era. According to reviews, the compartments are only about 10% full, meaning you’ll have plenty of space to relax and take in the scenery.

The Scenic Route: Villages, Countryside, and More

Once underway, you’ll travel towards the Papar District, passing through quaint villages, lush farmland, and the jungle. The route includes stops at Kinarut Station, Papar, and Kimanis, each offering glimpses into local life and the agricultural roots of Sabah. Traveling through these areas in daylight gives travelers a chance to see everyday Malaysian life outside the tourist hotspots.

One traveler described the ride as “a two-hour journey in daylight through villages, towns, countryside, a tunnel, and the jungle,” emphasizing how varied the scenery is. This diverse landscape is what makes the journey so worthwhile—it’s not just a train ride but a window into the region’s natural and cultural fabric.

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The Climax: Sunset at Benoni Beach

At 6:00 pm, the train arrives at Benoni Beach, a pristine stretch of sand where the real magic happens. This stop is the core of the experience—the chance to watch the sun set over the water in a tranquil setting. Travelers describe it as “just the icing on the cake,” with the sunset providing a stunning backdrop for photos and reflection.

The beach’s proximity to the train tracks makes it especially special—sitting on the sand, watching the sky change color, and feeling the gentle sea breeze creates a memorable moment you won’t forget.

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The Return Journey: A Delicous Dinner and Nighttime Views

After enjoying the sunset, you’ll reboard the train at 6:30 pm to head back toward Kota Kinabalu. During the return trip, a packed dinner is served onboard—an appreciated touch that adds to the relaxed, all-inclusive vibe of the tour. The reviews praise the delicious food and the thoughtful presentation, noting that even “knife and fork” are provided, making it feel more like a proper meal than just a snack.

As darkness falls, the train continues along the same scenic route, but now in a different light—quiet and contemplative. The journey completes with a return to Tanjung Aru Station at around 8:00 pm, where your transfer back to the hotel awaits.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers excellent value with transport, entrance fees, and the dinner included. It’s clear that the experience is designed to be hassle-free—no stress about organizing transport or meals—and that’s a real plus. However, personal expenses and items not explicitly mentioned are on your own, so packing a small extra for souvenirs or beverages might be wise.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Timing is everything: The departure time ensures you catch the sunset, but weather can affect visibility—clear skies make for the best photos.
Comfort and attire: Dress comfortably, especially since you’ll be sitting for a couple of hours and walking on the beach.
Group size: It’s a shared tour, so expect some mingling, but the small train compartments keep things intimate.
Additional charges: If you’re staying outside Kota Kinabalu, there’s a RM 40 per person fee for pickup, payable directly to the driver.

Authentic and Enthusiastic Reviews

Both Matthias and Christian praised the tour highly. Matthias described it as “a very special experience,” highlighting the hassle-free transport, atmospheric train ride, and sunset stop as highlights. Christian appreciated the comfortable seats and the opportunity to take photos at sunset, calling the experience “well worth seeing.” Their comments reinforce that the tour offers genuine value—combining scenic beauty, cultural glimpses, and good food—all in one reasonably priced package.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for travelers seeking a leisurely and authentic experience. If you enjoy natural landscapes and cultural scenery without the rush, you’ll appreciate the relaxed pace. Enthusiasts of vintage trains or nostalgic travel will find the historic train a highlight. And if you’re after a memorable sunset with minimal hassle, this tour hits the mark.

The Sum Up: Who Should Join?

For those with a curiosity about Sabah’s rural life, scenic beauty, and the charm of vintage travel, this tour offers a well-rounded, memorable experience. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to avoid overly commercialized attractions and prefer a more genuine connection with the landscape and local culture. The inclusion of a delicious dinner and the peaceful sunset stop make it a worthwhile outing for couples, families, or solo travelers looking for that perfect snapshot of Sabah’s natural charm.

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic, and culturally rich adventure within a manageable timeline, this sunset railway tour could very well be a highlight of your trip to Sabah.

FAQ

How long is the entire tour?
The tour runs from around 3:15 pm to 8:00 pm, making it a relaxed afternoon and evening activity, including pickup, travel, sunset, dinner, and return.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers round-trip land transfer from your hotel, entrance fees, and a packed dinner. Personal expenses are not included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the relaxed pace and scenic stops suggest it’s suitable for families, especially those comfortable with a longer afternoon outing.

Are there any restrictions on smoking, alcohol, or littering?
Yes, smoking, alcohol, drugs, and littering are not allowed during the tour, in keeping with environmental and safety policies.

What if the weather is cloudy or rainy?
Sunset viewing depends on weather conditions. A clear sky offers the best sunset, but the scenic train ride itself can still be enjoyed in less favorable weather.

Can I join this tour outside of the scheduled Saturday?
No, this particular sunset railway experience runs only on Saturdays, so plan your schedule accordingly.

This thoughtfully curated trip is a great way to see Sabah in a relaxed, nostalgic way, blending natural beauty with cultural insights—all aboard a vintage train that promises unforgettable memories.