Welcome to Tawau
Sabah's third city, Tawau, may not be the most picturesque of places, despite its position beside the Celebes Sea and proximity to the Semporna Archipelago, but its dining scene features Sabah's best seafood and if you're flying to and from Tawau to dive Sipadan, it's a more pleasant place to overnight than Semporna. Poor Tawau was bombed by the British in 1944 to force out the invading Japanese army, which is why it's not an architect's delight today, but on the upside, it's the gateway to the awesome Tawau Hills Park, the launch pad for spotting pygmy elephants on a private plantation and is the starting point for one of the most scenic long-distance drives in Sabah.
Top experiences in Tawau
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Tawau activities
POM POM ISLAND
ItineraryDay 1: Pom Pom IslandStop At: Centre Point Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu District, West Coast Division, Sabahboad transfer from Tawau airport to Semporna Jetty - Pom Pom Island.Duration: 8 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: overnight Pom Pom Island ResortDay 2: Pom Pom IslandStop At: Sabah, Semporna, Semporna District, SabahsnorkelingDuration: 4 minutesMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: overnight Pom Pom Island Resort
Maliau Basin Adventure - 3 Days
ItineraryDay 1: KOTA KINABALU – MALIAU BASIN CENTERStop At: Maliau Basin Conservation Area, Tawau, Tawau Division, SabahMeet at your hotel in Kota Kinabalu City or Tawau, and journey for Maliau Basin traverse the scenery of Crocker Range as we drive up to Keningau. The ride takes about 4 hours, upon arriving at the Maliau Basin Study Centre (MBSC) a good chance to have a stretch, soon after registering enjoy you lunch at the pristine forest of Borneo. After checking in, join on an introductory walk surrounding the centre. Discover and learn about the biodiversity of this amazing place known as ‘Sabah’s Lost World’. Following dinner, embark on a night drive to spot for nocturnal wildlife.Duration: 1 dayMeals included: • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Overnight at Maliau Basin Centre, Resthouse (Twin Sharing)Day 2: MALIAU BASIN CENTERStop At: Maliau Basin Conservation Area, Tawau, Tawau Division, SabahAfter breakfast, go on a guided nature trail walk and enjoy the aerial view of the forest from the ‘Sky-Bridge’. Return back to the centre for lunch, have an easy afternoon before your next trail walk to ‘Agathis Trail’. A chance to look for potential wildlife in the pristine forest of Maliau. Back to your room to freshen up before dinner.Duration: 12 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Overnight at Maliau Basin Center, Resthouse (Twin Sharing)Day 3: MALIAU BASIN – KOTA KINABALUPass By: Maliau Basin Conservation Area, Tawau, Tawau Division, SabahAfter breakfast have a free and easy morning before checking out and depart back to Kota Kinabalu City, expected to arrive by 2 pm.Meals included: • BreakfastNo accommodation included on this day.