After walking around Beaufort for a short while after arriving from Tanjung Aru, it was time to head back to catch the last train of the day back to Tanjung Aru, the Sabah State Railway (JKNS) 502/506 from Beaufort departing at 11.01am. Yup, you read that right. This is also why you can’t explore the entire JKNS network from Kota Kinabalu within a day despite its short length of just 134 km.
The station concourse of Beaufort.
Getting my ticket back to Tanjung Aru (Kota Kinabalu) from the ticket counter.
My ticket for the Sabah State Railway (JKNS) 502/506 from Beaufort to Tanjung Aru. This trip costs just RM4.80.
Tickets are checked by the security guard at the turnstiles.
Boarding the same the CRRC Ziyang – Nanjing Puzhen Push-Pull Train back to Tanjung Aru from the bay platform.
The locomotive end of the CRRC Ziyang – Nanjing Puzhen Push-Pull Train is facing north.
The builder plate of the CRRC Ziyang – Nanjing Puzhen Push-Pull Train.
The interior of the CRRC Ziyang – Nanjing Puzhen Push-Pull Train.
The legroom on board the CRRC Ziyang – Nanjing Puzhen Push-Pull Train.
Departing from Beaufort, passing by the famous Beaufort Bridge.
All the vehicles waiting for my train, causing a strange twice-a-day jam in this small town.
Arriving into Membakut.
Making a brief stop at Membakut.
The OEPL Railbus 8802 was seen strangely at Membakut, as its services are usually confined to the Beaufort – Halogilat sector.
Turns out that OEPL Railbus 8802 was used as a locomotive to haul wagons with rails on them.
Not sure where the rails are being transported to.
After departing from Membakut, the conductor comes around to check for tickets.
Passengers who are getting off at intermediate stations have their tickets stuck by the conductor on their seat, probably as a sign for him to alert them when approaching their station.
Making a brief stop at Bongawan.
Crossing over the Bongawan River.
The train travels by the coast at Mandahan.
Making a brief stop at Papar, where the station was a hive of activity with both arriving and departing passengers here.
I wanted to walk to the station concourse but was worried that my seat would be gone if I didn’t return.
Crossing the Papar River.
Making a brief stop at Kawang.
Making a brief stop at Kinarut.
Running parallel to the highway into KK and the South China Sea.
Making a brief stop at Putatan where a bulk of passengers alighted.
Passing by the Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
Seriously, a new halt should be constructed here.
It even could be integrated with the bus stop just after the bridge beside the track.
Not so much for actual ridership demand, but it’s just one of the projects where it can conveniently be said that you have a new “airport rail link” or “train to airport” to put the city on the world map with just a simple concrete platform and shelter. Padang has 5 trains a day from the airport but it has certainly brought attention to the small town.
Entering Kota Kinabalu.
Passing by the former KKIA Terminal 2.
Turning into Tanjung Aru Railway Station from the former alignment.
Entering Tanjung Aru Railway Station.
Heading to the exit.
The CRRC Ziyang – Nanjing Puzhen Push-Pull Train at Tanjung Aru Railway Station. I was expecting the train to carry on to Sembulan as per the schedule, but the engine was switched off here. Oh well.
Heading off the platforms.
I had wanted to check on my refund details for my North Borneo Railway trip cancellation, but the strange-looking modern-rustic office was closed. Oh well.
Overall, a surprisingly crowded ride on the Sabah State Railway this time despite its limited services, which means the local demand is there for a train service. In a way, due to the cancellation of my North Borneo Railway trip, I was able to experience a crowded Sabah State Railway train, which I think it’s pretty good for JKNS.