Tawau

Introduction

Tawau, located in Sabah, Malaysia, is a captivating destination that blends natural beauty, rich culture, and adventure. Often overlooked by mainstream tourists, Tawau offers pristine rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, bustling markets, and unique local cuisine. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or adventure seeker, Tawau Malaysia travel promises an authentic Borneo experience.

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Location & Accessibility

Tawau lies in southeastern Sabah near the border with Indonesia. It is easily accessible by:

• Air: Tawau Airport (TWU) offers flights to Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, and Sandakan with airlines like Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia.
• Road: A scenic drive connects Tawau to Kota Kinabalu (approx. 6–7 hours) and Sandakan (approx. 4 hours).
• Sea: Tawau Port links to nearby islands and occasional ferry routes to Indonesia.

Distances from Major Cities:

• Kota Kinabalu: 335 km
• Sandakan: 211 km
• Kuala Lumpur: ~2,000 km

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Airport

Tawau Airport (TA) (ICAO Code: WBKW) is the second largest airport in the state of Sabah, Malaysia, following Kota Kinabalu International Airport. It connects the town to various domestic destinations, including Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur and Sandakan, with flights operated by AirAsia, Batik Air Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines and MASWings.

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History & Background

Tawau started as a small fishing village and grew under British North Borneo administration. Known for cocoa, palm oil, and timber industries, Tawau attracted migrants from China, Indonesia, and the Philippines, creating a multicultural community.

Cultural Significance: Tawau showcases a mix of Bajau, Suluk, Murut, and Chinese traditions, reflected in festivals, markets, and cuisine.

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Local Lifestyle & Culture

• Community & Vibe: Tawau is laid-back and welcoming, retaining a small-town charm despite being Sabah’s third-largest city.
• Languages Spoken: Malay, English, Chinese dialects (Hakka, Teochew), and indigenous languages.
• Festivals:
  • Tadau Kaamatan (Harvest Festival): Celebrated in May.
  • Chinese New Year & Ramadan: Reflect multicultural heritage.
• Markets: Tawau Tanjung Market is a cultural hub for local produce and crafts.

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Attractions & Things to Do

Tawau offers natural wonders and cultural experiences:

Top 5 Things to Do:

1. Tawau Hills National Park: Hiking trails, waterfalls, and hot springs. The national park has a rugged volcanic landscape, as well as hot springs and spectacular waterfalls.
2. Bukit Gemok Recreational Forest: Scenic trekking and city views.
3. Tawau Tanjung Market: Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local delicacies.
4. Teck Guan Cocoa Museum: History of cocoa farming and chocolate tasting.
5. Batik & Handicraft Centers: Local arts and souvenirs.
6. The Tawau Bell Tower is the oldest standing structure in Tawau, constructed by the Japanese to commemorate the signing of armistice agreement following World War I when Japan was an ally of Great Britain.

Hidden Gems:

• Merotai River Cruise for wildlife spotting.
• Sebatik Island for a cross-border cultural experience.

Outdoor Activities:

• Jungle trekking
• Birdwatching
• Hot spring relaxation

Religious Sites in Tawau

Name	Type
Al-Kauthar Mosque	Mosque
St. Patrick’s Church	Anglican Church
Holy Trinity Church	Catholic Church
Pu Zhao Temple	Buddhist Temple
Thirumurugan Temple	Hindu Temple
Gurdwara Sahib Tawau	Sikh Temple

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Food & Local Cuisine

Tawau’s food scene is a reflection of its multicultural community.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Fresh seafood (prawns, crabs, fish)
• Cucur Udang (prawn fritters)
• Tawau cocoa chocolates and desserts
• Sabah Laksa (spicy coconut noodle soup)

Recommended Restaurants:

• Restoran Singgah Selalu: Traditional Malaysian dishes.
• Seafood City Tawau: Fresh seafood cooked on demand.
• Local Bak Kut Teh shops

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Accommodation Options

• Budget: Hotel 72, Borneo Guest House
• Mid-Range: Seafest Hotel Tawau, Hotel Tawau
• Luxury: Four Points by Sheraton Tawau, eco-lodges near Tawau Hills Park

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Shopping & Souvenirs

• Tawau Tanjung Market: Fresh produce, seafood, and spices, Tawau Tanjung Market was established in 1999
• Cocoa products and chocolates from Teck Guan
• Batik and handmade crafts

First Shopping Mall

Sabindo Plaza is a shopping mall in Tawau, Malaysia, known for being the city’s first shopping center. It features a clean atmosphere and offers easy parking, with accepted payments including credit and debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. 

• Type: Shopping Centre
• Opened: January 1999
• Location: Jalan Kee Abdullah, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
• Coordinates: 4.2438° N, 117.8912° E
• Nearby Landmarks: Federal Building, Sabah State Library, Tanjung Market Etawau

Teck Guan Cocoa Village

Teck Guan Cocoa Village is about 45 minutes away from Tawau town. Located in Quion Hill, the fertile volcanic soil begets the robust cocoa trees. A visit to the Teck Guan Cocoa Museum in Tawau is a must for the true chocolate lover. Tawau is known for its booming cocoa industry.

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Nearby Places to Visit

• Semporna: Diving paradise at Sipadan Island (3-hour drive)
• Kunak: Coastal fishing villages
• Sebatik Island: Unique border island experience
• Maliau Basin Conservation Area: Sabah’s “Lost World”

Places to Visit in Sabah

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Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: March to October (dry season)
• Safety: Generally safe; standard precautions suffice
• Transport: Car rental recommended for exploring outskirts
• Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly in villages and ask before photographing locals

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Why Visit Tawau

Tawau, Malaysia, is a hidden gem that offers pristine rainforests, cultural richness, adventure, and delicious cuisine. Its natural beauty, vibrant markets, and unique local experiences make it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Sabah.