By Fidelis Francis Andam and Geena Roslyna, Sri Pelancongan Sabah
About Tawau
Situated along the East coast of Sabah, Tawau is the third largest town in the region, following Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. Once known as “Tawao,” it borders North Kalimantan and is home to the Bajau, Suluk, Ida’an, Tidong, Cocos, Murut, and Lun Bawang people.
When visiting Tawau, be sure to pack light, comfortable clothing as the tropical rainforest climate here brings high humidity, especially during the dry season.
Getting to Tawau is a delightful experience, whether you choose to fly or drive. Currently, domestic flights from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu can take you to Tawau Airport in just a few hours and minutes respectively. If you’re in no rush, opting for a scenic drive allows you to soak in the charming countryside of Sabah, where beautiful landscapes and lush greenery awaits at every turn.
For roadtrippers, here is a map that shows how to get from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau.
The distance from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau is 449 kilometers, which takes about 7.5 hours to drive without any pit stops or traffic delays.
Travel Options from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau:
1. Flight Kota Kinabalu To Tawau
The quickest way to reach Tawau is by air, taking about fifty-five minutes from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau Airport. Airfares usually start from RM100, depending on the season. Tawau Airport is about 30 kilometers from the city center, and a taxi or Grab ride costs around RM35, with rates varying during peak hours.
2. Kota Kinabalu to Tawau By Bus
For a budget-friendly option, consider traveling by bus. Tickets cost about RM68.50, and the journey takes just over 11 hours. Several bus lines offer direct routes, and you can buy tickets online to avoid queues. Popular operators include Optis Jaya Express and TransTedar Express, departing from Inanam Bus Terminal. For more info, visit Easybook.
3. Kota Kinabalu to Tawau By Car
Renting a car takes about 7.5 hours and offers the most flexibility. Plus, you can make stops
along the way and explore at your own pace. For rental options, check Rentalcars.com.
Explore Tawau Hills Parks
No trip to Tawau is complete without a visit to the iconic Tawau Hills Park. Managed by Sabah Parks, this sanctuary is home to Sabah’s untouched wilderness, just 24 kilometres from Tawau Town.
Unique Features about Tawau Hills Park
1. A Lush Rainforest with Towering Trees
Did you know, some of the tallest tropical trees in the world are found in Tawau Hills Park? The park boasts the Shorea faguetiana or "Pokok Seraya Siput Kuning," initially recorded at an impressive 88.32 meters, making it the tallest tropical tree globally at the time. However, an even taller Shorea faguetiana was discovered in 2018, standing at a remarkable 96.9 meters, just 9.5 kilometers from the park's entrance.
This discovery was later surpassed by a tree of the same species in Danum Valley in 2019, measuring an awe-inspiring 100.8 meters (331 ft), crowning it as the world's tallest known living tropical tree. Despite these incredible findings, Tawau Hills Park, alongside Danum Valley, remains a sanctuary for these towering giants, showcasing the richness of Sabah’s Borneo heart.
2. A Wonderland of Wildlife
Tawau Hills Park is a sanctuary bursting with life. Here, you might spot Bornean frogs blending into their vibrant surroundings, playful gibbons swinging through the treetops, and majestic hornbills soaring overhead. Once in a blue moon, the elusive Great Argus Pheasant and Orang utan tease us with their rare appearances.
As night falls, clouded leopards patrol the park, pangolins scuttle through the underbrush, and sounds of serenading frogs fill the air. The true treasure, however, is the helmeted hornbill, dazzling observers during fig season, alongside the friendly tiger leeches that accompany adventurous hikers along the trails.
3. A Botanical Paradise
Prepare to embark on a botanical adventure in Tawau Hills Park and Tenom, Sabah, where nature reveals its hidden gems! Among its treasures lies the enchanting 'Orkid Telinga Gajah' (Phalaenopsis gigantea), a rare orchid that flaunts up to six lush leaves, unlike its more common kin. It blossoms, which grace the world only twice every three years, can last for six months.
Here, you will also discover The Lowland Garden with 200 orchid species and 6,000 vibrant plants, alongside a stunning array of 60 fern species, wild yam, and captivating herbs like 'Tongkat Ali' and 'Kacip Fatimah.' And let’s not overlook the Begonia lamriana, an endemic species found in Tawau Hills Park, as noted by Sabah Parks.
4. The Dormant Volcanic Mountains: The Three Sisters Summit
Many might not know a volcano exists in Tawau! One of the wonders of Tawau Hills Park is the Three Sisters Summit—Mt. Magdalena (1,310m a.s.l.), Mt. Lucia (1,201m a.s.l.), and Mt. Maria (1,083m a.s.l.)—often referred to as “The Dormant Volcanic Mountains” in Malaysia. The trek to these summits takes you through lush lowland and montane forests, requiring about three days to complete. A hostel is available at KM10 for those who undertake the climb. It’s essential to obtain guides, porters, and a climbing permit from Sabah Parks before embarking on this adventure.
5. A Zen-Like Waterfall
The rivers in Tawau Hills Park cascade over several stunning waterfalls. The Table Waterfall has formed a natural swimming pool, while a two-hour trek leads to the spectacular Bukit Gelas Waterfall and Sulphur Spring.
6. Bombalai Hill
Bombalai Hill (530m) offers a relatively easy jungle walk, taking about half an hour. From the hilltop, you can enjoy panoramic views of cacao and palm oil plantations, Tawau town, and the Sulawesi Sea on the horizon.
7. Haven for Birding Enthusiasts
Another reason why you must visit Tawau Hills Park is the plethora of birds that can only be found here. To date, Sabah Parks have reported that 6 out of 8 hornbill species in Sabah such as the black, Bushy-crested, Helmeted, Rhinoceros, White-crowned and the Wreathed hornbills are found in Tawau Hills Park. For the ground-dwelling birds, the rare pheasants are also a magnificent sight including the Crested-fireback, the Great argus and the Malayan peacock pheasants, with their striking, coloured feathers.
Join the Adventure: Tropical Rainforest Run 2024
Be part of the 3rd Tropical Rainforest Run at Tawau Hills Park on November 24, 2024! Choose between the 28km Tropical Rainforest Trail Run for experienced runners and the 6km Sulphurous Springs Fun Run for a more laid-back experience. The 28km course features a race from the starting line to Mt. Lucia and back, with specific cut-off times for different categories.
Ten percent of all registration fees will support rainforest conservation and wildlife preservation. Cash prizes await the top 20 finishers in the open categories, with the top 10 also receiving awards.
Sign up now for an exciting wildlife run and help support wildlife conservation!
Must-Visit Attractions in Tawau
Thinking of extending your stay in Tawau? Maximise your experience by exploring these sites, especially if you want to take home some unique mementos and souvenirs.
- Teck Guan Cocoa Village
- Bukit Gemok
- Maliau Basin (Sabah’s Lost World)
- Tawau Tanjung Market
- Balung River Eco Resort
Where to Stay
For the best rates, you may explore online platforms to discover the wide range of accommodation options available in town, ensuring you find the one that best suits your preferences.
Getting Around Tawau
To navigate Tawau, the most convenient way is to rent a car or utilise e-hailing services like Grab or local taxis. It’s also recommended to purchase a SIM card at the airport for easy internet access and convenience.
Culinary Adventures in Tawau
When in Tawau, don’t forget to go food hunting and indulge in some local cuisine to satiate your taste buds! From irresistible snacks to satisfying meals, you’ll find a variety of halal and non-halal eateries catering to diverse palates. All you need is a car and Google Maps to explore the best of Tawau’s delectable offerings.
Some must-try local dishes include Nasi Lalap, Mee Tauhu, Pisang Goreng Cheese, Nasi Kuning, and Crispy Fried Mee Hoon with fresh seafood, among others.
For more recommendations, check out this guide.
Explore More in Tawau: Activities for Every Adventurer
If time allows, don’t miss the opportunity to go island hopping around Semporna, which is about a 1.5 to 2-hour ride from Tawau. You can enjoy snorkeling and diving tours at popular islands such as Timba-Timba, Pom Pom, and Mataking Island.
For travelers with families, take a dip at Tawau Sankina Hotspring Park, a delightful family-friendly water park which also houses an Agarwood Tea Farm.
If you enjoy admiring the view, we recommend you visit The PEAKS, where you can soak in breathtaking panoramic views of Tawau from 1,200 feet above sea level. Nestled amidst lush forest reserves and vibrant palm oil plantations, it’s the perfect spot for a picturesque escape.
For those who enjoy a round of golf, head over to Shan Shui, located just 15 km from Tawau Town. This exceptional 18-hole championship course, designed by the world-renowned architects Nelson & Haworth, is hailed as one of the finest in Asia.
Ready to dive into all that Tawau has to offer? Get ready to pack your bags for an unforgettable adventure!