Tawau Airport (TWU) – Complete Guide for Travelers
Tawau Airport (IATA: TWU) is the second busiest airport in Sabah after Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Located just 15 nautical miles northeast of Tawau town, this modern facility is the gateway to the southeast coast of Sabah and nearby islands, making it especially important for travelers heading to Semporna for diving adventures at Sipadan Island and surrounding marine parks.
Tawau airport also serves as a gateway to Maliau Basin and Danum Valley, both significant conservation areas in the region.
Quick Facts about Tawau Airport
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia |
| Distance from Town | 15 NM (approx. 28 km) from Tawau town |
| Elevation | 17 meters above sea level |
| Airport Code | TWU |
| Phone Contact | +60 89-950 777 |
| Hub Airlines | MASwings, Sabah Air |
| Serves | Tawau, Kunak, Semporna districts |
| Special Feature | One of only two airports in Sabah with immigration counters for international flights (the other is Kota Kinabalu International Airport) |
Airlines and Destinations
Tawau Airport offers both domestic and limited international connectivity.
| Airline | Destinations |
|---|---|
| AirAsia | Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) Charter: Macau (until 30 May 2026) |
| Batik Air Malaysia | Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) Charter: Guangzhou |
| Firefly | Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) Charter: Nanjing, Macau |
| Malaysia Airlines | Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) |
| MASwings | Sandakan (domestic) |
This makes Tawau Airport the primary air hub for travelers heading to Semporna, Sipadan, and Mabul Island.
Facilities and Services
Travelers can find essential facilities at Tawau Airport, including:
- Immigration & Customs for international passengers
- Check-in counters for all major airlines
- Shops & Cafés for snacks, drinks, and light meals
- Car rental services for convenient onward travel
- Taxi and Grab e-hailing available at the exit area
- Parking area for private vehicles
Getting to and from Tawau Airport
- Taxi: The most common mode of transport. The ride to Tawau town takes around 30–40 minutes.
- Grab (e-hailing): Widely used in Tawau and cheaper than regular taxis.
- Car Rental: Available at the airport for travelers heading to Semporna or exploring Sabah at their own pace.
- To Semporna: About 80 km away; usually a 90-minute drive from Tawau Airport.
Why Fly to Tawau?
- Gateway to Diving Paradise: Most travelers fly into Tawau Airport en route to Semporna, Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, and Mataking Islands.
- Access to Eastern Sabah: Besides tourism, the airport serves locals and businesses in Tawau, Kunak, and Lahad Datu.
- Convenient Connectivity: With multiple airlines operating, there are frequent flights to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu.
Travel Tips for Tawau Airport
- Arrive early: Domestic travelers should arrive at least 1.5 hours before flight departure; 2.5 hours for international flights.
- Cash on hand: Some smaller shops may not accept cards.
- Transport booking: If heading to Semporna, pre-book your car transfer or arrange with your resort.
- Weather check: Sabah weather can change quickly—always check flight status during rainy seasons.
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