More about hotels in Tawau
Hotels in Tawau — Your Complete Guide
Tawau, located on the southeastern coast of Sabah, is a bustling commercial hub and the third-largest town in the state. While often used as a transit point for divers heading to Semporna and the legendary Sipadan Island, Tawau is a destination in its own right with a rich agricultural heritage rooted in cocoa and palm oil, a fascinating multicultural population, and the impressive Tawau Hills Park. With over 100 hotels on Traveloka starting from approximately RM 35 per night, Tawau provides excellent value as a base for exploring Sabah's southeast coast.
The town has a diverse community of Malay, Chinese, Bugis, and Filipino residents, giving it a unique cultural character reflected in its markets, food stalls, and daily life. Tawau's airport is the closest major airport to Semporna, making it an essential stop for any diving or snorkelling trip to the Celebes Sea islands.
Best Areas to Stay in Tawau
Tawau Town Centre
The town centre around Jalan Dunlop and Jalan Chester is the most practical area for visitors, with easy access to banks, restaurants, the town market, and bus terminals. Budget hotels here start from RM 35–RM 70 per night. Hotel Soon Yee Tawau is a reliable budget choice in the centre of town.
Fajar Complex & Sabindo Area
The Fajar and Sabindo commercial areas are popular for their proximity to shopping centres and eateries. Mid-range hotels in this zone cost RM 80–RM 160 per night and tend to be newer with better facilities. M Hotel Tawau is a modern option favoured by business travellers.
Tawau Airport Area
For travellers with early morning flights or late arrivals, hotels near Tawau Airport offer convenience. Rates range from RM 50–RM 120 per night. This area is quieter and more spread out than the town centre.
Hotel Prices in Tawau by Star Rating
Budget (1–2 star): Basic guesthouses and budget hotels in Tawau cost RM 35–RM 70 per night. These offer simple air-conditioned rooms with Wi-Fi and are perfectly adequate for transit stays or budget-conscious travellers.
Mid-range (3 star): Three-star hotels range from RM 80–RM 160 per night and offer more comfortable rooms, on-site dining, and sometimes business facilities. Promenade Hotel Tawau is a well-regarded option in this category.
Upper mid-range (4 star): A few four-star properties are available from RM 180–RM 350 per night, offering full-service amenities including pools and conference rooms. Executive Hotel Tawau provides a comfortable upscale experience.
Premium: Tawau does not have traditional five-star hotels, but the best properties in town offer comparable comfort at RM 200–RM 400 per night, representing strong value compared to larger cities.
Top Hotels in Tawau
Promenade Hotel Tawau
Promenade Hotel Tawau is one of the town's most established hotels, located along the waterfront with clean rooms, an on-site restaurant, and helpful staff. Rates start from approximately RM 100 per night.
Executive Hotel Tawau
Executive Hotel Tawau offers modern rooms with good amenities including meeting rooms and a coffee house. It is suitable for both business and leisure travellers. Rates start from RM 130 per night.
M Hotel Tawau
M Hotel Tawau is a newer property with contemporary design and comfortable rooms at competitive prices from RM 90 per night. Its central location makes it convenient for exploring the town.
Hotel & Cafe De Arca
This boutique-style property offers a unique stay with its integrated cafe concept, appealing to younger travellers and those who appreciate design-forward accommodation. Rates start from approximately RM 70 per night.
Best Time to Visit Tawau
Tawau enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures averaging 27–33°C year-round. The drier period from March to October is the best time to visit, particularly for travellers planning to continue to Semporna and the islands. Sea conditions are calmest from April to August, which is peak diving season.
The wetter months from November to February see more frequent afternoon showers. Some dive operators reduce trips during this period, though Tawau town attractions remain accessible. Hotel rates are typically 15–20% lower during the wet season, offering good value for flexible travellers.
Getting to Tawau
Tawau Airport (TWU) is served by daily flights from Kota Kinabalu (approximately 50 minutes) and Kuala Lumpur (around 2 hours 45 minutes). Return flights from KL to Tawau cost RM 280–RM 650 depending on the booking period. AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines are the main carriers.
From Tawau Airport, a taxi to the town centre costs approximately RM 25–RM 35 and takes about 20 minutes. To reach Semporna from Tawau, take a minivan or bus from the Sabindo bus terminal — the journey takes around 1 to 1.5 hours and costs RM 15–RM 25.
Top Attractions Near Hotels in Tawau
Tawau Hills Park is a 280-square-kilometre nature reserve just 24 kilometres from town, featuring hot springs, waterfalls, and jungle trails. The park is home to one of the world's tallest tropical trees. Entry costs approximately RM 10 and it is an excellent half-day excursion.
Semporna and Sipadan Island are the primary reason many travellers pass through Tawau. Semporna, about 90 minutes from Tawau, is the jumping-off point for diving and snorkelling trips to Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, and other world-class sites. Day trips start from RM 150 per person.
Tawau Central Market is a vibrant daily market where locals sell fresh produce, seafood, and local snacks. The adjacent Filipino Market is particularly colourful, offering dried seafood, textiles, and handicrafts. It is worth visiting in the early morning for the freshest catches.
Cocoa Village in nearby Quoin Hill showcases Tawau's cocoa heritage. Sabah was once Malaysia's largest cocoa-producing state, and visitors can learn about the chocolate-making process and sample locally produced cocoa products.
Tips for Booking Hotels in Tawau
Book your Tawau hotel on Traveloka for instant confirmation and access to the best rates. If you are using Tawau as a transit stop before heading to Semporna, one or two nights in town is usually sufficient. Many travellers arrive in the evening and depart the next morning for the islands.
For divers heading to Semporna, consider booking your Tawau and Semporna hotels together on Traveloka to streamline your trip planning. Use Traveloka's free cancellation filter to maintain flexibility, especially during the monsoon season when sea conditions can affect travel schedules.
Traveloka's PayLater option can help spread the cost of your Sabah diving holiday across manageable instalments. Also explore hotels in Semporna for waterfront dive resorts, Sandakan for wildlife encounters, or Kota Kinabalu for the full Sabah experience — all on Traveloka.
