Things to Do in Tawau — Sabah's Southern Base for Diving & Borneo

Tawau is a port city on Sabah’s southeastern coast, close to the Indonesian border and used primarily as a transit point for travellers heading to Semporna’s dive sites or crossing into Kalimantan. On its own merits, Tawau is a functional commercial city — not a destination in the conventional sense — but it sits at the gateway to some genuinely excellent marine and jungle attractions, and its local food scene is worth a stop.

Tun Sakaran Marine Park

The most compelling reason to come to Tawau is access to Tun Sakaran Marine Park (also called Semporna Islands Marine Park), though this is typically accessed from Semporna — about 1.5 to 2 hours north of Tawau by road. If you are already in Tawau for a border crossing and have a day to spare, the park is a feasible side trip. The marine park covers approximately 350 square kilometres of the Celebes Sea and includes eight islands with reefs in excellent condition.

Snorkelling and diving day trips from Semporna to islands like Bohey Dulang, Mantabuan, and Sibuan cost approximately RM 150–250 per person as of 2026, including boat transfers, equipment, and lunch. Bohey Dulang requires a climbing permit (approximately RM 50) for the steep trail to the viewpoint overlooking the twin lagoons — one of the most photographed spots in Sabah. Operators such as Uncle Chang’s and Sipadan Scuba run daily departures from Semporna jetty.

For those continuing to Sipadan, a dive permit costs RM 40 per day and is limited to 120 divers daily. Permits are allocated through licensed operators, and booking at least two months ahead is standard during peak season (April to September).

Tawau Hills Park

A 24-kilometre drive northwest of the city centre, Tawau Hills Park is a compact but worthwhile nature reserve managed by Sabah Parks. Entry costs RM 10 for non-Malaysian adults as of 2026. The park contains some of the world’s tallest tropical trees — several Shorea species exceeding 80 metres — along with a volcanic hot spring where you can soak after a hike.

The main trail loop takes roughly two hours at a moderate pace, passing through lowland dipterocarp forest with decent birdwatching (hornbills and broadbills are commonly spotted in the early morning). A longer trail leads to a waterfall, adding another hour. Facilities are basic: a small canteen at the entrance, changing rooms near the hot spring, and pit toilets along the trails. Bring water and insect repellent.

A Grab from central Tawau to the park entrance costs approximately RM 25–35 one way. Alternatively, local minivans run from Tawau’s main market area, though departures are irregular.

Cowie Harbour and the Seafood Scene

Tawau’s port heritage shows in its seafood. The waterfront area around Sabindo Square and the fish market has a cluster of Chinese and Malay seafood restaurants where fresh fish, mud crab, tiger prawns, and mantis shrimp are cooked to order. Prices are noticeably lower than in Kota Kinabalu — expect to pay approximately RM 60–100 for two people with drinks at a place like Kam Ling Seafood or Restoran Ocean.

For a more local experience, the Tawau night market (Pasar Malam) sets up along Jalan Dunlop several evenings a week. Stalls sell grilled fish, satay, mee goreng, and Sabah-specific snacks like hinava (raw fish salad) and ambuyat. Most dishes cost RM 5–15. The market is busiest on weekends.

During the day, Tawau Central Market (Tanjung Market) is worth a walk-through for its produce section — tropical fruit from the surrounding plantations is exceptional here, especially durian in season (June to August). A whole durian costs approximately RM 15–40 depending on variety and quality.

Tawau as a Transit Point

Tawau has a regular ferry service to Nunukan in Indonesian Kalimantan (North Borneo), departing from the customs jetty. The crossing takes roughly one hour and costs approximately RM 60–80 one way as of 2026. This is a common route for travellers doing an overland Borneo loop through Indonesian Kalimantan. Confirm the ferry schedule locally, as departures vary seasonally and can be cancelled in rough weather.

Tawau is also on the Sabah road network. Long-distance buses depart from Tawau Bus Terminal to Kota Kinabalu (approximately 8–9 hours, RM 55–75) and Semporna (approximately 1.5 hours, RM 15–20). For Kota Kinabalu, take the earliest morning departure — the road passes through the Crocker Range and delays are common. Sida Express and Tung Ma Express are the main operators.

Tawau Airport (TWU) has multiple daily flights to Kota Kinabalu with AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines (from approximately RM 80 one way if booked in advance), plus occasional services to Sandakan and Kuala Lumpur.

Where to Stay

Most travellers spend one night in Tawau before continuing to Semporna or catching a morning flight. Budget options include Hotel Soon Yee (from approximately RM 70 per night) and Promenade Hotel Tawau (from approximately RM 130 per night), both centrally located near Sabindo Square with easy access to restaurants and the bus terminal. For something slightly more comfortable, Halo Hotel Tawau offers modern rooms from approximately RM 150 per night with breakfast included.

If you are heading to Semporna for diving, most dive operators offer accommodation packages that include airport transfers from Tawau — booking a package deal is often simpler and cheaper than arranging transport and lodging separately.

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Practical Notes

The city centre is compact and walkable. Grab operates here, though wait times can be longer than in larger Sabah cities — allow extra time for pickups. ATMs and money changers are available around Sabindo Square and along Jalan Haji Karim. The main post office and several pharmacies are on Jalan Chester.

Mobile coverage is good in town but drops off quickly once you head into Tawau Hills Park or along rural roads toward the interior. Download offline maps before venturing outside the city.

For context on Tawau’s role as the Sipadan gateway, transport from KL and KK, and the Indonesian border crossing, see the Tawau travel guide.