Top Things to Do in the Tawau | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Tawau

Places To Visit In Tawau

Bukit Gemok

Bukit Gemok is a popular trekking spot about 10 km from the Tawau centre. The Bukit Hill canopy walk situated inside the forest reserve is to look out for. Sprawling across an area of about 231 m, this canopy walk is regarded as one of the longest canopies walks in Sabah and provides a panoramic view of the Tawau town. One can find wild plants such as forest orchids in addition to commercial timber. Further, endangered species such as the Chinese Egret and hornbills can also be found here. Bukit Gemok shares its boundary with cocoa plantations and palm oil. Basic facilities such as rest tents and washrooms have been installed inside the forest reserve. Read More

The Confrontation Memorial is situated in Tawau and was built after the Indonesian-Malaysian Confrontation. This was an undeclared war that took place between 1963-1966. The memorial was built to pay respect to those who lost their lives to protect the country.

The Maliau Basin, reaching 1675 metres above sea level at its highest point, is one of Malaysia's richest and most diverse wildlife areas. A 4-hour drive from Tawau, this isolated region seems like a completely different world, with its own unique ecosystem. Along with over 1800 species of trees, the Rafflesia flower, and the carnivorous Pitcher Plant, you can come across rare species of animal life such as orangutans, Sumatran rhinos and pygmy elephants. For the hikers, operators often organise four or five day long hikes thoroughly exploring the Maliau Basin. Read More

Open from early morning till 6 PM, the Pasar Tanjung Tawau is located at the centre of Tawau and hosts 6000 stalls. The market prides itself on selling products at much lower prices than in peninsular Malaysia. Dried seafood is a speciality, and visitors can buy dried and salted anchovies and shrimp here. Vendors are willing to pack and seal these foodstuffs for air travel. Visitors can also sample delicacies indigenous to the Sabah region.

At Semporna Mangrove, you can take a boat ride to explore the forests. There are long-nosed Probosci Monkeys and egrets in the forest and crocodiles in the waters. The forest's fresh air makes for a pleasant change from the bustle of Tawau, and fireflies provide a soft glow to the area as night falls. Boat rides into the mangroves often conclude with dinner buffets, while accommodation is available near the forest, such as the Sipadan Mangrove Resort. Read More

The Tawau Bell Tower is the oldest standing structure in the town, whose history dates back to 1921. This tower was built by the Japanese to commemorate the armistice agreement which took place after the First World War. Prison labour was used to construct the tower, and funds were contributed by the Japanese Businessman in Tawau. A benchmark in this tower suggests that the elevation of the town is above sea level. The East of this tower leads to Dunlop Street, Kuhara Road, Sin On-Road and Apas Road. On the other hand, the Southern direction faces the Celebes Sea, while the West faces Tg Batu Road. The North leads to North Road and Merotai Road. Read More

The Tawau Central Bazar is home to three individual markets. There’s a handicrafts market to the north, a vegetable and fruit market in the middle, and a seafood market to the south. Besides buying fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and handicrafts, visitors can sample a wide variety of street food, especially at the handicrafts market. The market is a great place to experience the bustle of life in Tawau and experience a slice of local culture. Read More

Tawau Hills Park is a nature reserve located in Tawau town in the Southern-East part of Sabah, Malaysia. Nature lovers, hikers and adventure seekers would definitely love a visit to this park which offers several activities like wildlife watching, bird watching, hiking and trekking to the hills. Grey leaf monkeys, Gibbons and Langurs can be spotted here. The night drives and night walks of Tawau are a big drawing feature to spot the nocturnal animals. The newly opened 9 km long trail to the World’s Second Longest Rainforest Tree with the height of 96.7m is also located here. Several exciting natural trails to waterfalls, hot springs and mountains await the adventurous travellers to Tawau! All this makes Tawau Hills Park an ideal place for social gatherings like picnics, campings and night stays. The River Lodges at the park are a popular accommodation option which give a serene view of the river and the park. Read More

The Tawau Hot Springs are a set of 8 sulphur hot springs occurring along a 50-metre stretch of a mountain stream. The water of this stream is hot and strongly acidic, with a distinct smell of hydrogen sulphide. Locals bring food offerings to the springs, and they believe the water of the springs is capable of curing skin diseases and illnesses.

The Tawau International Cultural Festival is an annual cultural event that showcases the talent and art of ethnic Malaysian groups. This festival features artist presentations, cultural performances, and several other forms of art. Celebrations in the form of parades and fireworks also form a part of this colourful and vibrant festival. The Tawau International Cultural Festival is generally celebrated in the first half of the year i.e. January to April. Read More