Nova Renata
Tawau
INK 2024 final-24
Drone,Point,Of,View,Of,Tropical,Island,In,Semporna,Sabah
Tawau,Yacht,Club,View
Sri Titingan
the peaks
Tawau bell tower
Ais,Kacang,(abc),,A,Colorful,Malaysian,Dessert,Made,Of,Shaved
teck guan cocoa village
tawau hills park
Pasar Tanjung Tawau
Tawau,,Sabah,-,Nov,14,,2019,:,An,Aerial,View
Tawau,,Sabah,,Malaysia.,May,4,,2019.,Tourist,Landmark,Structure,At
What to do in Tawau for 24 hours
Tawau, the entry point to Sabah’s eastern coast, beckons with a myriad of experiences, spanning rainforest escapades, island-hopping and Bornean seaside immersion. Adjacent to North Kalimantan, Tawau shares cultural affinities, dialects and culinary preferences with its Indonesian neighbour. Much of Tawau’s population can trace its roots to Indonesia, specifically the Buginese, Banjarese and Javanese communities, providing visitors with a taste of “Little Indonesia”.
While Tawau’s town centre exudes tranquility, it serves as a hub connecting to Sabah’s thrilling tourism offerings. Two hours away, the town of Semporna opens doors to renowned diving destinations like Mabul, Sipadan and Mataking. Kunak, another town in the Tawau Division, acts as a gateway to hidden gems such as the Madai-Baturong Forest Reserve and Tabawan Island, an emerging scuba diving hotspot renowned for pearl farming.
Saturday
6am
Market temptations
Part of Tawau’s charm lies in its marketplace – it offers a glimpse into the lives of the Bugis, Banjar and Tidung people and their culture. Pasar Tanjung Tawau (Tanjung Market) is one of Malaysia’s biggest indoor markets, with more than 6,000 stalls offering wet and dry produce, accessories, clothes and a food court.
While you’re here, sample some of Tawau’s signature breakfast dishes such as nasi kuning(turmeric yellow rice usually served with fried tuna, or chicken drumstick and sambal) or mee tauhu (fried noodles served with stuffed tofu in gravy). Tawau Town
8am
Peak adventures
If you love being at one with nature, Tawau Hills Park is a must-go. Gazetted as a protected water-catchment area, this park is home to many deep-water pools, natural hot springs and waterfalls such as the Table Waterfall, a popular picnic site. Should you plan to stay longer, Tawau Hills Park has basic chalets and hostel-type accommodation. There are plenty of nature trails to explore here, as well as two of the highest peaks in Tawau located within its boundaries. Tawau Hills Park
10am
Choco-lot of history
Did you know that Tawau is one of the biggest cocoa producers in Malaysia and the world? Learn more about Tawau’s humble beginnings as a major cocoa producer and witness how your favourite chocolate treats are made at the Teck Guan Cocoa Village. This cocoa village also offers a package including a cocoa-infused lunch set. Quion Hill Miles 15 Balung Apas
Noon
Flavours and finds
Situated near the Tawau Tanjung Market, the Tawau Centre Bazar is another of Tawau’s best-known open markets. This shopping mecca consists of a handicraft market, a fruit and vegetable market and a fish market. You can get plenty of souvenir items here, as well as popular Tawau snacks like the highly addictive amplang crackers (a type of fish cracker ubiquitous in Tawau). Amid the bustling market, you will also find stalls selling Tawau satay and ABC desserts (ais kacang or shaved ice). Tawau Town
3pm
Echoes of history
The Tawau Bell Tower is the oldest historic structure in Tawau, constructed during the Japanese occupation to commemorate the signing of the armistice agreement. After that, visit the Confrontation Memorial, another Tawau monument from the country’s history. This structure, portraying a defiant-looking soldier, pays homage to local soldiers who lost their lives during the Indonesian-Malaysian Confrontation between 1963 and 1966. Old Post Road, Tawau Town
6pm
Elevate your evening
Established in 2019, The Peaks observation deck is a relatively new attraction in Tawau that showcases Tawau’s remarkable sunset view, which is relatively unknown except to locals. The Peak allows visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of Tawau at 1,200ft above sea level, surrounded by awe-inspiring nature. This place also offers a camping ground, should you decide to sleep underneath the stars! 605 Tawau TV Station Rd
7pm
Fin-tastic feast of fresh flavours
Like everywhere else in Sabah, Tawau is well known for its fresh seafood, thanks to its strategic location being surrounded by the Sulu Sea to the east and the Celebes Sea to the south. Popular restaurants in Tawau include Sri Titingan Seafood Restaurant and Kedai Kopi Yum Yum. Highly recommended dishes include charcoal-grilled squid, kamheong (sauce made from a mix of spices) clams and wet butter prawns. Sri Titingan Seafood Restaurant, Tb 3638 Wisma Jin Ho, St Patrick Rd, Tawau Town; Kedai Kopi Yum Yum, 234 Dunlop Rd, Tawau Town
9pm
Sip and socialise
Enjoy a relaxing drink surrounded by the breathtaking sea view and calming night sky at the Tawau Yacht Club. One of Tawau’s oldest social and recreation clubs (founded in 1962), this club doesn’t just offer a place for yachting, but also regularly organises themed social events, such as Harvest Festival night and ballroom dancing night. Tawau Yacht Club, Jalan Tanjung Batu
Sunday
8 am
Road trip to Semporna to go island-hopping
If you’re staying longer or are okay with a bit of a drive, take a road trip to Semporna and hop on a boat to one of its beautiful islands and resorts. Mabul island is situated 45 minutes away from Semporna mainland via speed boat and it offers many backpacker and water bungalow accommodations to suit your budget.
Another must-visit island when in Semporna is the Bohey Dulang island. A leisurely hike to the peak of Bohey Dulang rewards you with a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park and its gorgeous lagoon-like formation.
Noon
Opulent seafood lunch in Semporna
When in Semporna, you have to take advantage of its fresh seafood at shockingly affordable prices – worry about the calories and cholesterol later!
Ocean Treasure Live Seafood Restaurant serves up fresh Chinese-style seafood dishes such as spicy tiger prawn, steamed grouper and kamheong crab. As the name of the restaurant suggests, you can pick and choose the live seafood of your choice from the seafood tanks. The beautiful sea view is also a great plus to having lunch here. Ground Floor, Lot C1 Semporna Seafront Township 91308, Semporna
Photographs by Caritoh Ho and Shutterstock.
Six reasons to explore Teluk Bahang, the hidden nature gem of Penang
Nestled on the northwestern coast of Penang Island, Malaysia, Teluk Bahang is a serene seaside town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and exciting attractions. While many visitors flock to Penang’s capital city, George Town, Teluk Bahang remains a hidden gem worth exploring. From pristine beaches and lush rainforests to fishing villages and a luxury stay, this Teluk Bahang is ideal for a relaxing, nature-filled escape.
1 | Go trekking at Penang National Park
Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the tropical green-scape found at Penang National Park. Despite being Malaysia’s smallest national park, it has incredible diversity in the types of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Penang turtle and dusky leaf monkeys. Explore the well-marked trails that wind through the rainforest, leading to scenic beaches like Pantai Kerachut and Monkey Beach. Don’t forget to visit the park’s iconic Meromictic Lake, a rare phenomenon where layers of saltwater and freshwater do not mix.
2 | Visit the Tropical Spice Garden
A numbered trail for plant hunting, a lotus flower pond, a garden full of poisonous plants and even an outdoor fish spa. These are just some of the features in Tropical Spice Garden that will delight any antophile. Spanning 3.2ha, this award-winning botanical paradise features over 500 species of tropical plants, including fragrant spices and herbs. Take a guided tour to learn about the diverse flora and their culinary and medicinal uses. The garden also offers cooking classes where visitors can learn to create traditional Malaysian dishes using fresh spices and herbs.
3 | Explore the Teluk Bahang Fishing Village
Immerse yourself in the local culture and a quintessential experience that defines Teluk Bahang by visiting the fishing village. Watch as fishermen return from their trips, unloading their catch of the day. Explore the vibrant local market, where you can sample fresh seafood and traditional snacks. Don’t miss the opportunity to hop on a boat for a memorable sunset cruise along the coastline, offering panoramic views of the picturesque landscape.
4 | Get creative at Craft Batik Malaysia
Craft Batik Malaysia in Teluk Bahang offers visitors an immersive experience into the intricate craft of batik making. Although not a nature experience, taking a DIY batik-making workshop is a fun group-bonding activity that lets you hone your creativity and art skills. Enjoy spending half a day painting colourful hues on a piece of fabric pre-waxed with floral patterns. During your visit, expert artisans will also demonstrate the meticulous wax-resist dyeing technique, showcasing the rich heritage and creativity behind each vibrant piece. The centre also features a shopping gallery where visitors can admire and purchase exquisite batik artworks, garments and accessories.
5 | Relax at Angsana Teluk Bahang
Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a peaceful break from the city, or a corporate retreat that combines work and leisure, Angsana Teluk Bahang caters to all your relaxation needs. Designed by the renowned architect Omar Khan, Angsana Teluk Bahang’s Peranakan-inspired architecture blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of the surroundings. A few of the resort’s spacious sea-view suites even include private plunge pools for a luxurious dip. For a full unwind, head to the Angsana Spa, a peaceful sanctuary designed to help you find inner peace and rejuvenation. With a blend of traditional healing techniques and natural ingredients, the spa offers treatments such as aromatherapy massages, body wraps, and facials. The Angsana Spa Escape package includes a Malay massage treatment and a delicious deluxe set meal, offering you an invigorating retreat.
6 | Discover lesser-known beaches
Cat Beach Penang and Pantai Teluk Bahang in Teluk Bahang, Penang, offer contrasting yet equally captivating experiences. Cat Beach, a unique sanctuary for stray cats, provides a heartwarming environment where visitors can interact with rescued felines amidst a picturesque seaside setting. In contrast, Pantai Teluk Bahang, a serene beach nearby, invites visitors to unwind on its sandy shores and enjoy stunning views of the Andaman Sea. Both destinations offer a peaceful escape from the bustling city, making them ideal spots to relax and rejuvenate outdoors.