Tawau / Sandakan Exhibition Spaces — Sabah

Overview

Located on the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia, Tawau and Sandakan exhibition spaces serve as key regional hubs for business, cultural, and tourism-related events in East Malaysia. These multipurpose venues—such as the Dewan Masyarakat Tawau, Dewan Masyarakat Sandakan, and Sandakan Community Hall—are managed by their respective municipal councils and have been instrumental in hosting trade fairs, government conferences, and cultural exhibitions.

While they may not match the scale of metropolitan convention centres in Kota Kinabalu, these facilities offer vital infrastructure for the growing business and tourism sector in Sabah’s east. Their strategic locations near commercial districts and airports make them ideal for regional conventions, trade shows, and community events that promote local industries such as palm oil, aquaculture, and eco-tourism.

Facilities and Event Spaces

Both Tawau and Sandakan feature modern multipurpose halls designed to cater to exhibitions, corporate meetings, weddings, and official gatherings.

In Tawau, the Dewan Masyarakat Tawau offers:

• A main hall that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests for banquets or 1,500 for theatre-style events.
• Flexible stage setups suitable for conferences and performances.
• Meeting and seminar rooms for smaller workshops and training sessions.
• Audio-visual systems, stage lighting, and catering support services.

In Sandakan, the Dewan Masyarakat Sandakan and Sandakan Community Hall provide:

• A large air-conditioned main hall with high ceilings and an adjoining exhibition foyer.
• Outdoor areas ideal for festivals and product showcases.
• Meeting rooms and VIP lounges for official functions.
• Technical amenities including PA systems, Wi-Fi, and projector facilities.

Accessibility

Tawau:
Tawau is well-connected via the Tawau Airport (TWU), located about 30 minutes from the town centre. Visitors can take taxis or ride-hailing services such as Grab for easy transfers. Parking is available onsite, and the town’s compact layout makes it convenient to navigate between hotels, restaurants, and the event venue.

Sandakan:
Sandakan Airport (SDK) is only a 20-minute drive from the main exhibition areas. Ride-hailing apps, taxis, and private transfers are readily available. Parking is ample, and public buses connect major city routes, offering affordable access to key landmarks.

Nearby Amenities and Attractions

Both Tawau and Sandakan offer visitors a mix of modern facilities and natural attractions:

In Tawau:

• Hotels: Prominent options include Promenade Hotel Tawau, Heritage Hotel Tawau, and City Garden Hotel.
• Shopping: Eastern Plaza Shopping Centre and Servay Hypermarket are nearby.
• Nature & Attractions: Tawau Hills Park, Teck Guan Cocoa Village, and the local markets.

In Sandakan:

• Hotels: Sabah Hotel Sandakan, The Elopura Hotel, and Livingston Hotel.
• Shopping: Harbour Mall Sandakan and Giant Hypermarket.
• Tourist Attractions: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Rainforest Discovery Centre, and Sandakan Memorial Park.

Dining Options

Each town offers diverse culinary experiences close to the event halls.

• In Tawau, visitors can try local seafood at Kam Ling Seafood Restaurant, Good View Seafood, or Restoran Basaga.
• In Sandakan, favourites include Sim Sim Water Village restaurants, English Tea House & Restaurant, and Balin Rooftop Bistro.
  Many event halls also provide in-house catering or collaborate with local caterers for banquets, weddings, and corporate luncheons.

Things to Explore Nearby

International delegates can extend their stay to enjoy Sabah’s natural wonders:

• Tawau Hills Park — home to giant tropical trees, hot springs, and trekking trails.
• Semporna Islands (accessible from Tawau) — gateway to Sipadan, one of the world’s best diving spots.
• Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre — must-visit eco-attractions near Sandakan.
• Agnes Keith House and St. Michael’s and All Angels Church — heritage landmarks in Sandakan.

How to Reach

• By Air: Direct flights connect Tawau and Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, and Kuching via Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air.
• By Road: Intercity buses and private cars offer scenic routes from Kota Kinabalu to both towns (6–8 hours).
• By Sea: Ferry services operate from Nunukan and Tarakan (Indonesia) to Tawau, making it a cross-border trade and travel hub.

Contact Information

Dewan Masyarakat Tawau

• Address: Jalan Dunlop, Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
• Managed by: Tawau Municipal Council
• Phone: +60 89-776 767
• Website: www.mpt.sabah.gov.my

Dewan Masyarakat Sandakan

• Address: Jalan Singapura, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
• Managed by: Sandakan Municipal Council
• Phone: +60 89-223 654
• Website: www.sandakan.sabah.gov.my

FAQ

Q1: Are these venues suitable for international exhibitions?
Yes, both Tawau and Sandakan venues host regional and international trade events, supported by local authorities and business councils.

Q2: Do they provide event planning services?
Event organizers can coordinate with the municipal councils, which assist in logistics, permits, and setup arrangements.

Q3: Are there hotels within walking distance?
Yes, several mid-range and business hotels are located within 5–10 minutes’ drive from each venue.

Q4: What languages are commonly spoken?
Malay and English are widely used, with many staff members fluent in English for business communication.

Conclusion

The Tawau and Sandakan exhibition spaces embody Sabah’s commitment to regional growth and international engagement. Ideal for trade expos, business conventions, and cultural showcases, these venues combine modern amenities with local charm. Their proximity to world-class eco-tourism attractions also makes them a unique destination for business events with a leisure twist, drawing visitors to experience the best of Sabah’s nature and hospitality.