Tawau is one of Sabah's most rewarding destinations, sitting in the southeastern corner of Malaysian Borneo with a character all its own. The city blends natural beauty with a lively local food scene, making it a genuinely satisfying stop for travellers who want more than just postcard views. From dense tropical forests and thermal springs to waterfront evening strolls and a landmark mosque, Tawau offers a full range of experiences that suit both adventurous and leisurely visitors. Here are 15 of the best things to do when you visit.

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Tanjung Batu Tengah Hill is one of the most scenic spots in the Tawau area, especially rewarding as the sun begins its descent toward the horizon. The trail winds through lush tropical greenery before opening up to sweeping coastal views that stretch across the sea. Heading up in the late afternoon gives you the best chance to catch a spectacular sunset from the hillside. It is a fulfilling experience that combines light physical activity with some of the most memorable scenery in southeastern Sabah.

Located about 40 minutes from the city centre, Balung River Eco Resort sits along Mile 33, Apas Balung, and has earned recognition as a Best Nature Tourism destination since 2003. The resort is the ideal base for immersing yourself in Tawau's natural surroundings, with campfire parties, fishing sessions, farm visits, and photography opportunities all on offer. Staying overnight here lets you experience Borneo's natural soundscape well away from city noise, making it a deeply calming retreat. Whether you come as a couple, a family, or a small group, the resort offers a genuine taste of eco-tourism in Sabah.

For a proper Tawau seafood meal, Sri Titingan Seafood and Steamboat on Jalan Bantu, Bandar Tawau is a firm local favourite. The menu features beautifully fresh seafood at very reasonable prices, with highlights including grilled fish and a rich, warming crab soup that regulars return to again and again. The restaurant's relaxed atmosphere makes it a great choice for a long, unhurried dinner with friends or family. It is one of those places where the food does all the talking, and it is very hard to leave disappointed.

Ready to explore Tawau's food scene and beyond? Browse activities in the area to fill your itinerary with memorable experiences before your trip

Inderasabah Beach, located around 40 minutes east of the Tawau city centre, is a wonderful spot for a relaxed outdoor barbecue session by the sea. The beach is popular among locals who come to fish during the day and then grill their catches right on the shoreline as evening falls. There is something deeply satisfying about eating freshly caught seafood cooked over an open flame while listening to the sound of the waves. Bringing your own ingredients and a portable grill is common practice, making for a wonderfully casual and affordable evening out.

The Tawau Waterfront is the social heart of the city, and an evening stroll along its promenade is one of the simplest yet most enjoyable things you can do here. The area comes alive after sunset, with sea breezes cooling the air and a relaxed atmosphere drawing families, friends, and couples out for a walk. Street food vendors and small eateries line the area, giving you plenty of options to snack as you wander. It is a perfect way to ease into the evening before heading somewhere else on your list.

Tawau's night markets are a genuine highlight for food lovers, offering an array of local dishes that showcase the city's multicultural culinary heritage. Among the must-try options are Pan Mee, Beef Noodle, Egg Noodle, and Soto, each prepared fresh by vendors who have been perfecting their recipes for years. Walking through the stalls at night, with the buzz of conversation and the aromas of cooking filling the air, is a sensory experience that stays with you long after the trip. Night markets are also among the most budget-friendly ways to eat well in Tawau, making them a favourite stop for all types of visitors.

Tawau's relatively flat terrain and quieter roads in the evening make it a surprisingly enjoyable city for night cycling. Many locals take to two wheels after dark to explore the waterfront, residential areas, and the city's small parks at a leisurely pace. Cycling at night allows you to experience a different side of Tawau, one that feels calm and unhurried compared to the daytime bustle. It is a healthy, low-cost activity that works well whether you are travelling solo, as a pair, or as a family with older children.

Perched at an altitude of 1,200 feet, The Peaks Observation Deck offers one of the most dramatic vantage points in all of Tawau. From the top, you can take in panoramic views of reserve forests, oil palm fields, and the city lights spread across the landscape below. There is an on-site cafe serving coffee and light snacks, making it a comfortable place to linger as you enjoy the view. Arriving just before dusk gives you the best of both worlds: the golden hour scenery and the gradual emergence of the city's lights after dark.

For a more elevated dining experience, Cafe@Se7en at the highest level of the Hotel Promenade Tawau delivers outstanding views alongside its menu. Guests can choose between indoor and outdoor seating, both of which offer impressive sightlines across the surrounding hills and the seashore. The combination of a relaxed ambience and a scenic backdrop makes it one of the more memorable places to have dinner in Tawau. It works equally well for a romantic evening out or a celebratory meal with friends who appreciate good food with a great view.

Looking for a comfortable place to stay while you explore Tawau? Check out the best hotels in the area and secure your room at the best available rate.

The Al-Kauthar Mosque, officially known as Masjid Besar Tawau, stands as a defining landmark of the city and holds the distinction of being the largest mosque in Sabah. Built in 2002 and located along Jalan Persisiran near Sabindo Square, the mosque is an architectural statement as much as a place of worship. Its grand proportions and beautifully maintained surroundings make it worth visiting simply to appreciate from the outside, and visitors are welcomed respectfully during non-prayer hours. A visit here gives meaningful context to Tawau's cultural identity and its place within the broader tapestry of Sabah.

Tawau has developed a growing collection of street murals and public art pieces that add colour and character to its urban spaces. Wandering through the city with an eye out for these works is a rewarding way to explore neighbourhoods you might otherwise walk past without a second glance. The murals often draw on local themes, capturing aspects of Sabah's nature, culture, and community life in vivid detail. It is a self-guided experience that costs nothing and moves at your own pace, making it a great way to fill the gaps between other activities on your itinerary.

Maliau Basin, often referred to as the Lost World of Borneo, is one of the most ecologically pristine wilderness areas in Southeast Asia and an extraordinary location for stargazing. Located within a protected conservation area, the basin sits far enough from city light pollution to offer genuinely dark skies and an impressive view of the night sky. The surrounding biodiversity adds an immersive quality to the experience, with the sounds of the Borneo jungle forming a natural soundtrack to the evening. A trip to Maliau Basin is not a casual excursion, but for those willing to make the effort, the reward is an encounter with nature at its most undisturbed.

Batu Payung Beach is one of Tawau's most picturesque coastal spots, particularly renowned for its evening sunsets. The beach's calm atmosphere and natural setting make it a favourite among locals who come to unwind at the end of the day, watching the sky shift through shades of orange and pink as the sun drops below the horizon. It is a quieter alternative to more developed beach areas, which means you are likely to enjoy the view without large crowds around you. Arriving in the late afternoon and staying through to dusk gives you the full experience this beach has to offer.

Taman Bukit Tawau is a vast forest park covering 27,972 hectares and located just 20 minutes from the city centre, making it one of the most accessible natural escapes in the region. The park features hiking trails through tropical forests, hot springs, and waterfalls that reward those who venture deeper into its terrain. Camping within the park allows you to experience the full rhythm of the Bornean forest, from sunrise birdsong to the quiet of a jungle night. It is a brilliant option for nature enthusiasts who want an immersive outdoor stay without needing to travel far from Tawau's urban amenities.

Sankina Hot Spring Park on Jalan Hotspring is one of Tawau's most beloved leisure destinations, open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday through Tuesday. The park's naturally heated pools are perfect for soaking tired muscles after a day of hiking or sightseeing, and the setting within a green, park-like environment adds to the sense of calm. Families with young children will appreciate the dedicated children's pool and playground, ensuring that younger visitors have plenty to enjoy alongside the adults. It is a thoroughly relaxing way to round off a day of exploration in Tawau.

Traveloka is Southeast Asia's leading travel platform, trusted by over 100 million users across the region to handle every part of their journey. Whether you are booking flights into Tawau, searching for hotels that suit your budget, or looking for activities to fill your days, Traveloka puts everything in one place so planning is fast and straightforward.

Getting around Sabah is easy when you book an airport transfer ahead of arrival, or arrange a car rental for the flexibility to explore on your own terms. Traveloka also offers travel insurance and eSIM connectivity, meaning you can stay protected and connected throughout your trip. Keep an eye on Traveloka promotions for exclusive deals on flights and hotels that can make your trip to Tawau even more affordable. Download the Traveloka app today and start planning your Sabah adventure with confidence.