Tawau is known for its cocoa production, and the one-of-its-kind Teck Guan Cocoa Museum showcases the development of this industry in the region. The museum has a cocoa processing plant and manufacturing factory within its compound, and you could take educational tours and learn about raw cocoa processing. In addition, there are cocoa products and chocolates available for sale, and you can also sample a few of them. The museum needs advance bookings for visits, however.
Read More
Situated in the Tawau Highlands, the mountainous Ulu Kalumpang Forest Reserve is 35 kilometres from Tawau. Covering over 500 square kilometres, the forest reserve is home to a number of endangered species, including the critically endangered orangutan. There are about 183 orangutans in this reserve, isolated from the rest of the world in an attempt to encourage survival. The forest reserve is home to 5 different forest types.