To fully absorb Tawau’s vibrant culture, relish its unique Indonesian-infused cuisine and partake in island adventures, a recommended stay of at least three days is ideal. For those with just 24 hours, here are foolproof ways to savour Tawau.
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.
