Tawau is Sabah's third largest city, sitting on the southeast coast near the Indonesian border. For most visitors, it's a transit point — you fly into Tawau airport and drive an hour to Semporna for the islands. But Tawau has its own attractions worth a stop, especially if you arrive early or have time to spare.
The city is a major hub for palm oil, cocoa, and timber industries. It has a different feel from KK — less touristy, more industrial, but with genuine local character and some unexpectedly good nature spots.
Things to Do
- Tawau Hills Park — 280 sq km of lowland forest. Hot springs, waterfalls, and the world's tallest tropical tree — a Shorea faguetiana measuring 100.8m. Day trip from town.
- Teck Guan Cocoa Village — Sabah's cocoa heritage. Processing tour from bean to bar, chocolate tasting, and the history of Sabah's cocoa industry. Unique Tawau experience.
- Bukit Gemok — Hilltop park with panoramic views over Tawau and the Celebes Sea. Short climb, good for sunrise or sunset.
- Tawau Central Market — Sprawling wet market. Fresh seafood, tropical fruit, local produce. Authentic and bustling.
- Border crossing to Indonesia — Tawau has a ferry to Nunukan and Tarakan (Kalimantan, Indonesia). The only Indonesia border crossing in Sabah.
The Shorea faguetiana in Tawau Hills Park is the tallest tropical tree ever recorded at 100.8m. If you're into nature records, this alone is worth a detour.
Where to Eat
- Tawau seafood restaurants — Fresh and cheaper than KK. The city's proximity to the sea means excellent daily catches.
- Sabindo Square — Food courts and hawker stalls. Good variety of local Malay, Chinese, and Filipino food.
- Kopitiam along Jalan Dunlop — Local coffee shops with traditional breakfast. Try nasi kuning (yellow rice) — a Tawau breakfast staple.
- Night market — Grilled fish, satay, and local snacks. Active in the evenings near the waterfront.
Getting There
- Flight from KK — ~50 minutes, AirAsia/MASwings, from RM32-100 one way. The practical route.
- Drive from KK — ~480km, approximately 8 hours via Keningau interior route or via Sandakan coast route. Long drive; flying recommended.
- Tawau Airport (TWU) — Small but functional. Located ~30km from city centre. Grab or pre-arranged transfer to Semporna (~1 hour).
- Bus from KK — Available but very long (10+ hours). Not recommended.
Getting Around
- Grab — Available in Tawau town. Most rides RM5-15.
- Taxi — Available at airport and town. Negotiate fares in advance for longer trips.
- Car rental — Available at the airport. Useful if combining Tawau with Semporna or other east coast stops.
Accommodation
| Budget | Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Town guesthouses | RM40-80/night |
| Mid-range | Promenade Hotel / city hotels | RM100-250/night |
| Near airport | Transit hotels for early flights | RM80-150/night |
If your flight arrives late and you can't make the boat to Semporna/Mabul that day, overnight in Tawau and use the morning to visit Teck Guan Cocoa Village or Tawau Hills Park before heading to Semporna.
Practical Tips
- Most visitors don't need more than 1 night in Tawau. It's primarily a gateway to Semporna. But the cocoa village and hills park are worth it if you have time.
- Book Semporna transfers in advance. Most dive resorts arrange airport pickups. Otherwise, Grab or taxi to Semporna costs RM80-100.
- Security: Tawau is within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone. The city is safe, but check your government's advisory for the broader east coast region.
- Border crossing: If heading to Indonesia, the Tawau-Nunukan ferry is the standard route. Bring your passport and check Indonesian visa requirements.
- Cash up here: Tawau town has reliable ATMs and banks. Stock up on cash before heading to Semporna or the islands, where ATMs are less reliable.