Tawau — Cocoa hub and volcanic forest park.
Tawau is Sabah's main southeastern city and a centre of the state's cocoa and palm oil industries. Tawau Hills Park protects a volcanic landscape and is best known for its giant yellow meranti trees, with a hot spring and waterfalls inside the park. The city has strong Indonesian influences in its food, its airport is the usual gateway to Semporna, and ferries cross to Kalimantan.
Start here if you only have limited time in Tawau. It's the experience most visitors remember long after the trip.
Activities in Tawau
- Tawau hills hiking
- Cocoa plantation tours
- Border crossing to kalimantan
- Seafood dining
- Bird watching — Wetlands, forest edges, and riverbanks attract hundreds of species year-round, including rare endemics found nowhere else in the world.
- Hot springs — Soak in the natural thermal pools at Poring Hot Springs, surrounded by lowland rainforest — a perfect reward after the mountain trail.
Local Tips for Visiting Tawau
- Plan at least one overnight stay. At about 555 km from KK, a day trip leaves little time to see what's here.
- Download offline maps before leaving KK in case mobile coverage drops on the road, and carry some cash for small shops, stalls and rural areas.
- Consider flying, since East Sabah towns have airports with flights from KK (check current carriers and schedules with the airlines). A short flight saves 6+ hours of driving and leaves you with energy to actually explore.
- Dress for the tropics — light moisture-wicking clothes, a packable rain jacket, and SPF50+ sunscreen are non-negotiable. Rain can arrive fast even in dry season.
Getting There from Kota Kinabalu
Tawau is about 555 km by road from Kota Kinabalu.
- Express bus, LPKP maximum fare RM72.20
- Flights from KK to Tawau Airport
Budget Guide
Prices in Tawau change with the season and with demand. Check current rates on booking sites before you go, and confirm tour and transfer prices directly with the operator.
- Budget traveller — Guesthouses or budget hotels, hawker meals, shared transport or local buses.
- Mid-range — A comfortable hotel, sit-down restaurants, private transport or day tours.
- Comfort traveller — Better hotels or resorts, guided experiences, private transfers and dining at better restaurants.
Keep some cash for markets, small shops and transport.
Where to Stay in Tawau
Room rates in Tawau change with the season. Check current rates on booking sites before you go.
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Book Tours and Tickets in Tawau
See tours and tickets around Tawau on Klook →
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Nearby Districts to Combine With Tawau
These districts are in the same region and pair well with a visit to Tawau:
- Sandakan — Orangutans, sun bears, and colonial heritage (about 335 km from KK)
- Kinabatangan — Sabah's great river wildlife corridor (about 306 km from KK)
- Beluran — Untouched rainforest and off-grid river life
Best Time to Visit Tawau
Best months: Apr, May, Jun — drier weather, better road conditions, and optimal visibility for outdoor activities.
Avoid if possible: Dec, Jan — higher chance of sustained rain that can affect road access and outdoor plans.
See the full month-by-month guide for Tawau →
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Tawau?
The top activities in Tawau include tawau hills hiking, cocoa plantation tours, border crossing to kalimantan. Start with Tawau Hills Park — the district's standout attraction.
How do I get to Tawau from Kota Kinabalu?
Tawau is about 555 km by road from Kota Kinabalu. Express bus, LPKP maximum fare RM72.20. Flights from KK to Tawau Airport.
How much does a trip to Tawau cost?
Costs depend on the season, where you stay and which tours you book. Check current room rates on booking sites and confirm tour prices with the operator before you go. Carry some cash for markets and smaller shops.
Is Tawau safe for tourists?
Take standard precautions in Tawau: watch your belongings, avoid poorly lit areas at night, travel with a guide in remote areas, share your plans with someone, and check current official travel advisories before you go.