Last week, I flew across the South China Sea, to catch a train.
Not just any ordinary train, but the Vulcan steam locomotive … and a mighty fine hunk of steel to ride on! Heh.
I love trains, and yes, I do jump up and down at the sight of them when no one’s looking... I don’t know much about the mechanics, but what I do know is that this particular ride is a heritage in its own right, one not to be missed.
To hear the whistles blowing as the massive locomotive goes chug-a-chugging through the countryside got my heart bouncing around like a big ball of happiness and my face permanently plastered with a sloppy grin from start to finish!
Everything about this special train ride is either old or old-fashioned.
The vintage locomotive runs on the North Borneo Railway tracks which dates back to the 1890's (when the British colonists decided that building railways was the best way to tap the rich resources of Borneo).
It draws 5 Kawasaki-designed carriages that were built in the 70's. Both the exterior and interior were modified to reflect the era of the steam train. In each carriage, passengers are seated in comfy diner-styled seats, with opened windows and ceiling fans to enhance the overall heritage experience.
Buying tickets and boarding the train at Tanjung Aru Station was in itself a step back in time of the bygone era. Passengers are greeted by a bevy of station staffs, all smiling widely and proudly, in their colonial-style uniforms: crisp white shirt over khaki shorts, complete with a planter’s hat!
Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: For the Love of …. The NORTH BORNEO RAILWAY
..