Tawau Travel Guide
City City in Sabah, known for biodiversity
Tawau in Sabah acts as a rainforest gateway: people come for Tawau Hills Park with its jungle trails and hot springs, seafood markets, and plantations - cocoa and pepper - plus boat trips toward outlying reefs and islands.
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Why Visit Tawau? #
Set on Sabah’s southeast coast, Tawau attracts food lovers and nature fans alike with its bustling Tawau Market, fresh seafood and multicultural cuisine influenced by Malay, Chinese and indigenous communities. Rainforest lovers head to Tawau Hills Park for jungle trails, waterfalls and hot springs, while cocoa and spice plantations around the town tell a different agricultural story. The combination of lively markets, coastal seafood and easy access to protected forest makes Tawau a compelling stop in eastern Sabah.
Who's Tawau For?
Tawau’s seafood markets and Malay‑Chinese stalls are a major draw - try fresh sambal fish and grilled ikan along the jetty. Local hawker prices are very reasonable and markets near Jalan Kuhara are lively.
Tawau Hills Park offers waterfalls, montane forest trails and hot springs just outside town, ideal for day hikes. Birdwatchers and botanists appreciate its biodiversity and cooler highland trails.
Base yourself in Tawau for trekking in Tawau Hills Park and island hopping around Darvel Bay; local dive operators run trips to nearby reefs. Good for active day trips and outdoor exploration.
Family‑friendly attractions like Tawau Hills Park, easy beach access and relaxed seafood restaurants suit kids. Simple hotels and bungalow stays near the park make short family stays straightforward.
Top Things to Do in Tawau
All Attractions ›
- Tawau Hills Park - Lowland rainforest reserve with hot springs, short trails and scenic viewpoints.
- Tawau Central Market (Pasar Tawau) - Bustling market where fresh seafood, tropical fruit and local snacks are sold.
- Teck Guan Cocoa Museum - Small museum and factory interpreting Tawau's cocoa history and small-scale processing.
- Tawau Waterfront Esplanade - Pleasant seaside promenade popular for evening strolls and seafood stalls.
- Tawau Golf Club - Quiet green space used by locals, offering morning walks and a clubhouse.
- Pulau Bum-Bum viewpoint areas - Local spots for relaxed seaside views and informal picnics away from crowds.
- Local seafood stalls along Jalan Kuhara - Evening food stalls favored by residents for grilled fish and authentic Sabah flavours.
- Tawau Night Market (evening stalls) - After-dark collection of food stalls and street vendors serving regional specialties.
- Semporna - Gateway town for island-hopping to Mabul, Kapalai and Sipadan; roughly two-hour drive.
- Kunak - Small coastal town about an hour south, known for local markets and fishing.
- Lahad Datu - Regional hub north of Tawau, starting point for wildlife reserves and plantations.
- Pulau Bum-Bum (off Semporna) - Low-key island near Semporna offering quiet beaches and simple local accommodations.
Plan Your Visit to Tawau #
Best Time to Visit Tawau #
Tawau is hot and humid year-round with significant rainfall, especially during the northeast monsoon. Visit between April and September for the driest conditions, better sea visibility, and easier trekking.
Best Time to Visit Tawau #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2136 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (138 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (127 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (150 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (208 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (180 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (215 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (202 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (175 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (202 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (201 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (202 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Tawau
Tawau is reached mainly by air through Tawau Airport (TWU) or by intercity coach at the town bus terminal. There is no passenger rail service in Sabah, so air and road are the practical arrival options.
Tawau Airport (TWU): Tawau Airport is the town’s main gateway, about 12-15 km northwest of the centre. From the airport you can take an airport taxi or metered taxi to town (approx. RM25-40, 20-30 minutes depending on traffic). There are also shared minivan/shuttle services that run between the terminal and key hotels/terminals for roughly RM8-15 and take 25-40 minutes; public bus service is very limited so taxis/minivans are the usual choice.
Train: There is no passenger rail service in Tawau or elsewhere in much of Sabah - Sabah does not have an intercity passenger train network, so trains are not an option for getting to or from Tawau.
Bus: Tawau Bus Terminal (Terminal Bas Tawau) is the hub for intercity coaches and local buses. Regular express and minibus services connect Tawau with Semporna (approx. RM8-15, 1-1.5 hours), Lahad Datu and Kunak (roughly RM10-20, 1-2 hours), Sandakan (around RM30-45, 3-4 hours) and Kota Kinabalu (overnight coaches, typically RM60-90, 6-9 hours). Local bus coverage inside town is limited; most visitors use taxis, shared vans or private vehicles for short trips.
How to Get Around Tawau
Tawau is best navigated by taxi, hired car or intercity coach - those are the practical options because local public buses are limited and there is no rail. For short trips in town walk where possible and use taxis or shared vans for anything farther afield; if you plan island or rural excursions, rent a car or book guided transfers.
- Taxis & airport transfers (RM25-40) - Taxis are the most reliable way to get around town and between the airport and central Tawau. Airport-to-town fares are typically around RM25-40 and take about 20-30 minutes; fixed-rate airport taxis and meter taxis are available outside arrivals. For island transfers or longer journeys negotiate a price in advance or book a hotel transfer to avoid surprises.
- Buses & long-distance coach (RM8-90) - Intercity and express coaches link Tawau with Semporna, Lahad Datu, Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu; services range from minibuses to full-size coaches. Prices and travel times vary by route (Semporna ~RM8-15, 1-1.5 hrs; Sandakan ~RM30-45, 3-4 hrs; Kota Kinabalu overnight coaches ~RM60-90, 6-9 hrs). Book tickets at the Tawau Bus Terminal or through local agents for popular routes and overnight runs.
- Car rental / Self-drive (RM120-220/day) - Hiring a car is the most flexible way to explore Tawau and surrounding destinations - roads between towns are generally paved but can be narrow and winding. Expect daily rental rates roughly RM120-220 for a compact/MPV depending on season; ensure you have local insurance and check conditions for driving into more remote areas. A 4WD is advisable if you plan to reach off‑road beaches or forest tracks.
- Motorbike / scooter rental (RM50-100/day) - Scooter or motorbike rentals are common for short-distance exploration and errands within town. Typical rates are around RM50-100 per day; helmets should be provided but check condition and paperwork before riding. Keep in mind tropical weather and occasional heavy rain - ride cautiously and avoid long highway stretches on small bikes.
- Walking - Tawau town centre is compact enough to explore on foot for short trips to markets, eateries and the waterfront. Walking is pleasant in the early morning or evening, but midday heat and sun can be intense so carry water and sunscreen. Use taxis for longer distances or when public transport is sparse.
Where to Stay in Tawau #
Where to Eat in Tawau #
Tawau is a seafood lover’s town - its markets brim with prawns, fish and shellfish straight from the Sulawesi Sea, and simple market stalls turn those into satisfying meals. Kopitiams serve classic Malaysian breakfasts like nasi lemak and kaya toast, while Chinese seafood restaurants prepare family-style dishes.
The town’s multicultural mix shows in street food: try grilled fish at the night market or pick up fresh fruit and vegetables at Pasar Tanjung for a do-it-yourself picnic.
- Tawau Tanjung Market (Pasar Tanjung) - Seafood, fresh produce and local hawkers.
- Tawau Night Market - Grilled fish, sambal and street snacks.
- Local kopitiams - Nasi lemak, kopi and simple Malay breakfasts.
- Chinese seafood restaurants along the coast - Seafood cooked Cantonese-style, family-friendly.
- Filipino and Indonesian stalls - Regional Southeast Asian dishes and snacks.
- Seaside cafés - Casual meals with ocean views, mixed menus.
- Kopitiam vegetarian options - Nasi lemak with vegetarian sambal, tofu dishes.
- Market vegetable stalls - Fresh local greens and tropical fruits.
- Simple noodle shops - Vegetable noodle soups and stir-fry options.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Tawau's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Tawau #
Shopping in Tawau #
Tawau’s markets are a highlight: seaside trading, fresh seafood and Bornean produce dominate. The Pasar Tamu (local market) and the central wet market are where locals shop for fish, tropical fruit and spices; small stalls around the waterfront sell snacks and regional snacks. Bargaining is common at the Tamu for crafts and produce but less so for packaged goods - come early for the best catch and freshest produce.
Best Bets
- Pasar Tamu Tawau - Fresh produce, seafood and local snacks - best early morning.
- Tawau Central Market (Wet Market) - Main fish and vegetable market for local shoppers.
- Handicraft & Souvenir Stalls - Small vendors selling woven goods and regional souvenirs.
- Tawau Town Shopping Streets - Shops for clothing, groceries and everyday essentials.
- Local Malls & Plazas - Air‑conditioned option for chains and electronics.
- Tawau Harbour Seafood Vendors - Fresh catches sold near the harbour; buy and cook locally.
