The world’s last steam-powered line service:
Hawaiian-Philippine

Steam in the Philippines: 6–13 February 2027

Real steam in 2026

Almost two decades ago, I considered steam operation in the Philippines to be a thing of the past. At the time, I lamented the decline of the Hawaiian-Philippine network from 164 to just 56 km, the loss of knowledge regarding steam technology, the inoperability of a locomotive and the dilapidated track network. Times change. The remaining track network has been reduced to a mere 2 km; and there is now just a single scheduled empty train that leaves the sugar mill in the morning and returns to it loaded in the afternoon. Rarely do two loaded trains return to the mill. But there are as many as three operational steam locomotives – one Henschel and two Baldwins – as well as two diesel locomotives. The engineer with whom I first negotiated steam charter trains on the Hawaiian-Philippine railway network back in 2006 has saved the steam locomotives over time and, in recent years, had them refurbished one by one, so that they have been back in regular service for about three years now.

These are the world’s last non-tourist steam powered line operations for commercial trains! In the 2027 season, Henschel locomotive No. 1 (Henschel 21646/1929) is set to be back under steam for the first time in over 20 years and haul trains out into the countryside. If that isn’t a sensation in the world of steam!

Is the long journey to the Philippines worth it for just two trains a day on a 2-kilometre stretch? That’s a question everyone must answer for themselves. My answer is: absolutely yes! Here’s what’s on offer: the chance to experience real steam trains on real production trains out on the line in a relaxed atmosphere. Of course, we’ll give things a little nudge to ensure we get some good photos, and we’ll ask for the locomotives to be deployed in such a way that we see trains with locomotives hauling them chimney first. There is no turning facility any longer available. Fortunately, No. 7 is facing the opposite way of nos. 1 and 2. During the 2025 and 2026 harvest seasons, both steam and diesel locomotives were used, with the empty trains being pushed to the three loading points and only the loaded trains being hauled. However, the empty trains can also be hauled if requested, said the engineer. We’ll be making a small contribution to the sugar mill’s coffee fund, partly so that no diesel locomotives run on the line on the days of our visit.

It will therefore be a relaxed trip to witness the last genuine operational use of steam on a system 8or the remains of it) that, after many years, has returned to steam locomotive operation thanks to the efforts of a single man.

The fire is burning: milling season 2026

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Itinerary

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Line descriptions

The Philippine island of Negros is a tropical volcanic island. The landscape is characterised by volcanoes, magnificent coastlines, palm trees and sugarcane fields. The remaining section of the sugarcane railway runs through the lowlands, and the extinct volcanoes can only be seen in the distance. But there are also sights to see in the lowlands: a bridge, banana trees, palm trees, plenty of sugarcane of course, and above all the people working in the fields.

The trains travel at little more than walking pace over tracks that are, in places, laid in rather adventurous fashion. Particularly when pulling loaded trains, the small locomotives often cannot manage any faster at all. The gauge of the line is 914 mm.

During the harvest season, trains ran round the clock, except from Sunday midday until Monday afternoon. Those days are over, and there will now be one, or at most two, pairs of trains a day to the fields and the loading points 77, 77C (Colisap) and 78 (San Diego) on the former Guimbala-on line. We don’t need to search for trains in the fields; we’ll receive all the information from the sugar mill. On the other hand, it is also unlikely that you could miss the train on the remaining section of the line. We have the opportunity to ride on the trains and stop them at scenic spots for a runpast.

Anyone who wishes to do so can also visit the island’s plinthed locomotives. Taxis are very cheap and can be arranged by us.

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Small Print

In the Philippines, particularly following the terrorist attacks on some southern islands (far, far away from Negros), virtually nothing happens without a permit. So do not be surprised if, despite having the necessary permits, we first have to go through cumbersome security checks, which can sometimes take up to 15 minutes. Once we are out in the fields, however, everything goes smoothly. A free-roaming tour of the mills, as in Indonesia, is not possible. However, we have applied for a permit here too. Although we were allowed to visit the mill from the inside in 2006 and 2007, the approval process through all the bureaucratic channels may drag on for a while and our request may be rejected.

The steam locomotives, which are between 98 and 107 years old, are now back in regular service. However, technical problems may still arise despite planned tests carried out the evening before. In such cases, there is nothing to be done but to be patient. The railway staff are very good at improvising and carrying out emergency repairs, and will be able to resolve problems in most cases. In addition, three operational steam locomotives are expected to be available. However, severe weather and other events may also lead to operational restrictions beyond our control. Please therefore bear in mind that – as always – we cannot guarantee operations on the line, a specific departure time or the use of a particular locomotive. No entitlement to the provision of these journeys or the provision of specific locomotives can be derived from the itinerary. This is a scheduled service! The purpose of this itinerary paper here is simply to outline what we have planned. Neither train lengths, journey times nor whether a train will run at all are guaranteed. If the mill is shut down, e.g. for technical reasons, it is possible that no trains will run at all. We have no alternative destination in the Philippines. However, a total cancellation is extremely unlikely, as we can still charter a train in the event of a harvest stoppage or a mill shutdown.

The lighting conditions are, of course, tropical. The best light is from around 6.30 am to 9 am and from 3 pm to 5.45 pm. However, we have to organise our photography around the train timetables. We’ll only have breakfast at the hotel if it doesn’t mean we might miss a train. We want to bring home some good shots; there’s time for culinary delights after sunset and at lunchtime. Getting up early isn’t a problem, as it gets dark as early as 6 pm, so you can go to bed very early.

Time plays a secondary role in the Philippines. It has happened before that ‘the early morning train’ didn’t set off until sunset...

The Philippines is a tropical archipelago. Temperatures rise quickly to 30 degrees in the morning and rarely drop below 22 degrees at night. The people are very friendly and helpful. Nevertheless, particularly in the major cities, especially Manila, you must keep a close eye on your belongings.

On Negros, there has long been a problem with anti-government rebels. They operate from the inaccessible mountains. Although no incidents have been reported in recent years, we will cease our activities in the fields at sunset as a precaution. However, you are safe at night in the mill, on the main roads and in the towns. Bacolod does not suffer from the kind of crime found in some of Manila’s seedy corners.

Electricity: 220 volts, 50 Hz; power cuts are rare. Mobile phone networks are well developed, so you can use your mobile phone without any problems. However, roaming charges are considerable. An eSIM “card” might be a useful solution for you.

Our hotel is equipped with air conditioning and an en-suite bathroom. For our chartered coach, we have chosen a typical local model without air conditioning. Given our frequent getting on and off the coach, there is otherwise a risk of catching a proper cold. The drivers often only know the maximum setting on the control. If the system can manage 17 degrees, then the coach is cooled down to that temperature. When we are out in the field, we have the sun on our necks anyway. We therefore recommend loose-fitting clothing and, depending on your skin type, sun protection. The main reason for choosing this bus, however, was that it is perfectly capable of travelling on unpaved roads, something that is virtually impossible with air-conditioned luxury coaches.

No visa is required for EU countries as well as Japan, Australia, New Zealand or the US. However, your passport – which is still required – must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have at least one blank page.

Please note that the hotels, buses, trains – in fact, everything we will encounter – are by no means EU-compliant. That is precisely why we are travelling there. We will be visiting a country where environmental protection and accident prevention are virtually unknown. We would like to draw your attention specifically to the dangers that may arise from using the railways or being in their vicinity. Cautious travellers are advised to take out international accident insurance and the essential international health insurance. Neither the Hawaiian-Philippine Co. nor FarRail Tours shall be liable under any circumstances for accidents, illness, inconvenience caused by delays, etc.

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Price

The price includes:

• Flights Manila – Bacolod and Bacolod – Manila in Economy Class
• Steam train journeys as described
• All transfers in the Philippines
• All hotels
• Half board excluding drinks
• English speaking tour guide

Not included:

• Personal expenses such as telephone calls, bars, laundry service
• Visas, where required
• Drinks
• Tips for bus drivers, train, locomotive and workshop staff, etc. (please allow for approx. 50 Euros/60 Dollars per person).