Papar means flat or open land, is a town as well as a district located in West Coast Division of Sabah, Malaysia. Its population in the district was estimated to be around 105,200 in 2006, almost evenly divided between ethnic Kadazan (Limbahau,Kinarut, Kopimpinan, Lakut, Limputung), Dusun (Mondolipau, Koiduan, Ulu Kimanis, Sumbiling Bongawan) and Malay (Pengalat Besar, Pengalat Kecil). It is situated 38 kilometers south of Kota Kinabalu and is one of the stops on the North Borneo Railway line.

The area is characterized by low lying coastal areas which extend inland towards the Crocker Range,

Traditionally this was good rice growing land and the flat open padi fields may have given it the name. The Town is on the bank of a Papar River not far from the sea. There are also areas of tidal wetland that are home to mangrove and saltwater palm or nipah.

The town has seen considerable growth in recent years but still manage to maintain some of its older buildings. The Railway Station is much the same as ever and the huge old banyan tree is still there. St Joseph's Secondary School still stands opposite the station and behind the Catholic Church of St Joseph's. The old town is being renovated either by design or as the result of fires destroying parts of the town.

Our farmers, breeders and livestock producers for their contribution to the food industry and agricultural development in the country. It also seeks to foster unity and strengthen ties among these agriculturalists towards individual or organizational development as an example to other agriculturalists of dynamic and progressive standard.

Why not take the chance to visit Papar, to see the exciting and sales of our farmers, breeders and livestock producers. which is geat opportunity to learn more about our local agriculture and food produce and to purchase fresh fruits, meat, handicrafts and many more!

The Rubber plantations that existed on the northern bank of the river have been cut down years ago and have been replaced by the villages of Buang-Sayang and Melugus along with a very large school complex.

Still despite repair and refurbishment over the years the Papar Railway Bridge looks much as it did in the Second World War and it featured in Allied plans to retake North Borneo from the Japanese. References to it and the Papar river can be found in covert intelligence operations Agas & Smut and later in attack plans Stallion and Oboe.

The North Borneo Railway is built and operated to the highest of international standards and is fully compliant with modern safety standards. Departures from Kota Kinabalu / Papar, round. lasting approximately 4 hours, passengers experience the lush landscape of the coastal and rural regions of Sabah. A typical colonial lunch is served on board.