TAWAU
Sipadan Island
Blessed with rare marine life and coral reefs, it is one of the best diving spots in the world.
When
All Day
Admission
Diving permit–RM40 per day How
Bus/Minivan–1 hr from town to Semporna JettySpeedboat–1 hr from Semporna Jetty to Pulau Sipadan
Contact
Sabah Tourism Board
+6088212121
www.sabahtourism.com
Smart Tip
There are no accommodations on the island so it is advisable to stay at the nearby Mabul or Kapalai islands.
Mabul Island
One of Malaysia’s popular destinations for a relaxing island holiday.
When
All Day
Admision
Free
How
Bus/Minivan–1 hr from town to Semporna Jetty Speedboat–1 hr from Semporna Jetty to Pulau Mabul
Contact
Sabah Tourism Board
+6088212121
www.sabahtourism.com
Smart Tip
Visit the fishing village to see how the Bajau people live their simple yet interesting lives.
Pom Pom Island
Amazing sun-kissed island with white pearly sands and gorgeous azure water.
When
All Day
Admision
Free
How Bus/Minivan–1hr from town to Semporna Jetty Speedboat–40 mins from Semporna Jetty to Pulau Pom Pom
Contact
Sabah Tourism Board
+6088212121
www.sabahtourism.com
Fun Fact !
Derived its name from the abundance of pom pom trees around the island.
Sipadan Island
Mataking Island
Serene and secluded, this blissful island is perfect for a honeymoon.
When
All Day
Admission
Free
How
Bus/Minivan–1 hr from town to Semporna Jetty Speedboat–1 hr from Semporna Jetty to Pulau Mataking
Contact
Sabah Tourism Board
+6088212121
www.sabahtourism.com
Fun Fact !
There’s an underwater post office here,the only one in Malaysia and one of five in the world. A great dive spot too!
Tun Sakaran Marine Park
This largest marine park in Malaysia consists of eight heavenly islands, housing diverse species of marine life.
When
All Day
Admission
Free
How
Bus/Minivan–1 hr from town to Semporna Jetty
Speedboat–1 hr from Semporna Jetty to Tun Sakaran Marine Park
Contact
Sabah Parks
+6088486432
www.sabahparks.org
Smart Tip
Spend your nights at Sibuan Island, the most beautiful island of the archipelago.
Tawau Hills Park
With lush greenery and refreshing river, this is a great place to host a picnic or a camp with family and friends.
When
7.00am – 6.00pm
Admission
Malaysians: RM3-Adult, RM1-Child
Foreigners : RM10-Adult, RM6-Child How
Taxi–30 mins from town
Contact
+6089925719
Fun Fact !
Shorea Faguetiana Heim, the tallest tropical tree in the world which towers at 88.32m is found here.
Bukit Gemok
Unspoilt, this is a popular place for nature lovers, trekkers and joggers.
When
Daily, 8.00am – 5.00pm
Admission
RM1
How
Taxi–20 mins from town
Contact
Tawau District Forestry Office
+60897618333
Fun Fact !
Panoramic view of Tawau town centre and coastline can be viewed from the canopy walkway.
Teck Guan Cocoa Museum
Everything you need to know about the sweet and divine cocoa is here at the country’s only cocoa museum.
When
Mon-Fri, 8.00am – 5.00pm
Saturday, 8.00am – 1.00pm
Admission
RM100 per 10 persons
How
Taxi–20 mins from town
Contact
Teck Guan Group
+6089772277
Bell Tower
Erected by the Japanese in 1921.
When
All Day
Admission
Free
How
Taxi–10 mins from town
Contact
Sabah Tourism
+6088212121
www.sabahtourism.com
Fun Fact !
Tawau’s only historical structure that remained intact after the World War II.
Pasar Tanjung
Rows of stalls selling fresh produce and general goods like toys,accessories and beauty products.
When
Daily, 8.00am – 6.00pm
How
Taxi–5 mins from town
Contact
Tawau City Council
+6089701698
Fun Fact !
You can find the best selection of dry food goods such as ‘ ikan masin’ (salted fish), ‘udang kering’ (dried prawns), ‘belacan’ (prawn paste) and more at bargain prices here.
Eastern Plaza
You can shop for fashion, crafts and household items at Tawau’s biggest shopping centre.
When
Daily, 10.00am – 10.00pm
How
Taxi–10 mins from town
Contact
Eastern Plaza Tawau
+6088251144
Sabindo Plaza
A small mall offering all sorts of goodies.
When
Daily, 10.00am – 10.00pm
How
Taxi–10 mins from town
Smart tip
There’s a row of stalls selling fresh local fruits right outside the plaza.
Nasi Kuning
Steamed rice cooked with coconut milk and ginger, best eaten with chicken or beef rendang and boiled egg.
Chakoi Kahwin
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, this delicious snack is perfected by a generous slather of butter and ‘kaya’ (coconut jam).
Hinava
A Kadazandusun delicacy which consists of fresh mackerel, chillies, shredded ginger and sprinkled with lime juice.
Bak Kut Teh
A heavenly concoction of a soupy herbal broth with pork and spices, lettuce, mushrooms and bean curds.