Things to do in Tawau

More about Tawau

Tawau is located in Sabah, Malaysia. The natural beauty of Tawau is very interesting to explore, especially since this city is the gateway to 3 tourist islands: Mabul Island, Sipadan Island and Pakalai Island. Tawau will be a perfect choice for your next trip destination. You can experience island-hopping, sea walking, and snorkeling in this peaceful city.

Don’t miss out on exploring Semporna’s marine life with a sea walking experience, hiking Bohey Dulang, and enjoying an island-hopping tour to Timba-Timba, Mataking, and Pom-Pom islands. The breathtaking panorama of these islands and crystal-clear sea will amaze you entirely. It’s the best place to run away from the city's hectic life.

Besides, you can have a taste from the local dishes in Tawau. Since Tawau is popular for its marine life, expect fresh seafood and rich flavor to your liking. To know more about Tawau’s destinations and other interesting parts, let’s check it below.

Best Things to Do in Tawau

Tawau offers numerous natural beauty and outdoor activities that will refresh your mind. Here are some best things to do in Tawau for your perfect vacation.

1. Try Hiking Bohey Dulang with Mantabuan and Sibuan Island-Hopping

Start by hiking to Bohey Dulang, which offers extraordinary landscapes to make you awestruck. After that, visit Mantabuan Island for an exciting snorkeling adventure and discover the diverse underwater life. Enjoy a small picnic lunch on the boat to experience the tastes of the local food accompanied by breathtaking scenery. Lastly, you will get to Sibuan Island, a wonderful heaven with crystal-clear waters and white sand. Chill on the beach, bathe in the sun, or snorkel in the quiet lagoon while capturing gorgeous pictures. This tour takes a 7-hour journey.

2. Enjoy Timba-Timba, Mataking, and Pom-Pom Island Adventure

Experience an incredible island trip to the stunning natural beauty of Mataking, Timba-Timba, and Pom-Pom Islands. It’s situated in the midst of Tun Sakaran Marine Park. You can swim into turquoise waters filled with lively marine life and create experiences that will last forever. The day tour offers an island-hopping adventure where you'll discover beautiful paradises and gorgeous beaches around every corner. Whether you're snorkeling over coral reefs or relaxing on the sun-kissed beaches, this tour is the perfect break.

3. Follow Mabul and Kapalai Island-Hopping Tour

Take a superb adventure along the lovely waters of Mabul Island and Kapalai Island. Go into crystal-clear waters for a healing snorkeling session among beautiful coral reefs and rare species of fish in Mabul Island. Then, visit Kapalai Island and look at the stunning views while relaxing in the peaceful place. As a further attraction, dive in one of the world's best diving sites and discover a rainbow of marine life under the water. This trip will be an ultimate vacation to rejuvenate.

4. Explore Tun Sakaran Marine Park

Tun Sakaran Marine Park is Sabah's biggest marine park, with eight wonderful islands that offer magnificent views and diverse marine life. The journey starts in the morning, when you meet your guide. Following that, the guide will give a brief overview and safety instruction. Before departing for your first trip, you will be provided with some snorkeling equipment. Then, you will be escorted to the beautiful islands surrounding Tun Sakaran Marine Park. Dive in the plentiful and varied marine life while you snorkel in 3 locations. You can also enjoy a satisfying and tasty packed lunch while admiring the surrounding scenery. 

5. Experience Sea Walking at Semporna Island

Come to Semporna’s beaches and get a boat out into the wide waters, where dozens of marine creatures await exploration. Follow the directions of the expert instructors before diving down for a sea adventure. You can walk down to the bottom while getting very close with a variety of marine animals, including the beloved clownfish, multiple kinds of angelfish, and colorful coral. Next, feed the fish personally and let them rush around as you wear a sea walking helmet that provides a 360-degree view of everything around you. Take pictures of these memorable events along the journey with the assistance of crew members.

6. Visit Bohey Dulang, Mantabuan, and Sibuan Islands

Another island-hopping tour in Tun Sakaran Marine Park will be a perfect choice for your trip. Take a walk on the lovely Bohey Dulang Island, which has breathtaking vistas of neighboring volcanic lagoons and rocky mountains. After that, travel to Mantabuan Island for some snorkeling in the clear blue sea waters, accompanied by tropical fish groups. You can also see the complex structures and colors of coral reefs. A trip along Sibuan Island's beach is the ideal activity to complete the day. 

7. Book a 3D2N Island Hopping Tour

If you want an easy and simple way to enjoy island-hopping to the fullest, you can consider a 3D2N island-hopping tour with accommodation offered too. Mataking Island offers an exclusive experience of the Lobster Lair, Eel Garden, Coral Garden, and many more. Mataking Island is a popular destination for romantic holidays, particularly honeymoons while Timba Timba Island is ideal for a relaxing trip. Every corner provides a chance to take cherished images. Besides, Pom Pom Island is a wonderful place to sunbathe. Watch the stunning sight of newborn sea turtles come out from their nests around the nesting season in May and August.

Tawau Transportations

Because Tawau is surrounded by islands, you can expect to get around by minivan, taxi, or bus. These transportations are commonly used there since Tawau is less well-developed than other big cities in malaysia. Here are some transportations to travel in Tawau.

1. Bus.

Buses operate from the Jalan Stephen Tan Bus Terminal for destinations around Tawau, such as Tawau Hill Park and the airport. Prices are determined according to distance which start from RM 3. But, buses in Tawau are non air-conditioned buses so prepare your mini fan to face the hot weather there.

2. Taxi.

Taxi stops are accessible in more popular places, but costs are not determined by a meter. So, it’s best to reach an agreement on the price with the taxi driver before leaving. The standard fare from the airport to the city center is approximately RM 45. When traveling to the suburbs, it’s great to make arrangements ahead of time with a taxi driver to pick you up from the area since taxis are few there.

3. Minivan.

Minivans are occasionally seen outside Tawau Airport. It offers a more varied schedule, typically operating from 6 AM until 5.30 PM. Keep in mind that most minivans leave once all seats are full. The price is diverse based on distance, but it usually starts from RM 10 when you transport from the airport. You can also rent a minivan with 6 passenger seats for around RM 66 per day.

Recommended Tawau Food

Tawau also has local cuisines that you should eat when traveling there. Some recommendations for Tawau’s tasty meals, including:

1. Kam Ling Seafood Restaurant

Address: Jalan Kubota, Jalan Kubota Square, 91000 Tawau, Malaysia

Operational Hours: 12.00 PM - 10.00 PM Daily

Kam Ling Seafood Restaurant provides a pleasant ambiance and lots of space. The food quality has significantly improved since the pandemic. Sea cucumber and seafood meals are recommended in this restaurant. The rates are higher than typical, but the superb service and flavor make it worthwhile to visit. You can expect a spacious room and delicious food to try.

2. Cottage Garden

Address: Unipark, 17976, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

Operational Hours: 11.30 AM - 10.00 PM Daily

Cottage Garden has an enjoyable vibe and excellent service. It includes both outdoor and indoor seating. The food is delicious with fresh seafood selections as the recommendations. Parking is large, and reservations are required for inside sitting. The restaurant’s design is great for taking photographs.

3. New Millennium Restaurant

Address: 546, Jln Bantu, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

Operational Hours: 12.00 PM - 09.00 PM Daily

New Millenium Restaurant offers affordable, fresh, and savory food to your liking. This restaurant is famous among Muslim families and serves a range of delicacies including Butter Prawn, Black Pepper Beef, Millenium Chicken, and Salted Egg Squid. The service is outstanding, and the restaurant is simple to find. The food is prepared personally by the owner so you may wait a bit to get it.

4. Restoran Haji Tamrin

Address: 4188, Jalan Sim Hua Seng, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

Operational Hours: 09.00 AM - 05.00 PM Daily

Nasi Kuning, or Sabah Yellow Rice, is popular in Tawau. This dish is prepared using coconut milk and turmeric. One of the best locations to eat Nasi Kuning is Restoran Haji Tamrin. You can choose some side dishes for your Nasi Kuning. Don’t forget to add spicy sambal to make your Nasi Kuning tastier and spicier.

5. Indo Cafe

Address: 542, Jln Bantu, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

Operational Hours: 10.00 AM - 06.00 PM Daily

If you crave something sweet, you can come to Indo Cafe for dessert. It serves Pisang Goreng Cheese that is very tasty and enjoyable. The banana fritter is crunchy and topped with cheese and brown sugar, so you can taste the new and unique flavor of Pisang Goreng. It’s such an easy and tasty dessert when you travel in Tawau. Indo Cafe’s mango sago is also a must-try.

Shopping Places in Tawau

As you complete your island-hopping tour and get back to your guest house, you can spend your leisure time by shopping in some recommended areas in Tawau. Here are several suggestions for you.

1. Tawau Tanjung Market

Address: Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

The Tawau Tanjung Market is the biggest indoor market in Malaysia where you can shop for local products and learn about the culture. Food products available on the ground floor include keropok amplang (amplang crackers), Indonesian-made dried crackers, and other food products. On the first level, you can get Tawau's popular dried preserved meals like dried anchovies, dried salted fish, and dried prawns. The top floor of Tanjung Market, also known as 'Pasar Gantung' or Hang Market, has a wide selection of wooden crafts and ornamental products.

2. Kubota Sentral

Address: 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

Kubota Sentral can be an ultimate place to do shopping. You can find some popular brands from items to meals here. This shopping center is perfect for coming with family since it’s not quite big. So, children can play and get around safely. Enjoy buying souvenirs and try local eateries in Kubota Sentral after that.

3. 1Arena Commercial Center

Address: 1 Arena (Pusat Komersial BDC), KM 5, Jalan Datuk, Jalan Chong Thien Vun, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

1Arena Commercial Center offers an easy alternative for your shopping itineraries. You can find toy shops, restaurants, and souvenir stores while walking around the building. Besides, there are big supermarkets, famous restaurants like Kam Ling Seafood Restaurant, and some banks that will fulfill your needs. So, your shopping activity can be perfect and enjoyable.

Best Time to Visit Tawau

The best period for going to Tawau is during the winter, between December to February. The amount of rainfall tends to be fair, so it's great for tourists who enjoy warm weather. However, it’s also the most crowded period, which results in high accommodation and hotel costs. The second ideal time to go to Tawau occurs between June to August. The weather is rather warm with a little rain. If you want to save money, go to Tawau during the spring season, which runs from March to May.