10 Best Things To Do In Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

1. Learn about cocoa production at Teck Guan Cocoa Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Teck Guan Cocoa Museum is a unique museum that offers extensive knowledge about cocoa. It is suited for chocolate enthusiasts because it showcases the origins of cocoa. They will show a short video of how cocoa is processed and then the original cocoa-producing machinery. The museum features a virtual tour for travelers in an audiovisual room. The end of the museum tour is at the cocoa product rooms via the sampling kitchen.

Teck Guan Cocoa Museum

Address: TB6853, Batu 2, Jalan Tanjung Batu Laut, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 5pm; Sat: 7:30am - 12:30pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Adult RM 80.00 (19.78 USD); Senior citizen (60 years old & above) RM 60.00 (14.83 USD); Child (6 - 12 years old) RM 60.00 (14.83 USD); Child (5 years old & below) Free of charge

2. Explore Tawau Hills Park and its wonders

Are you the kind of person who always desires to get lost in a tropical paradise? Tawau Hills Park is suitable for you. Experience the wildlife in this place! The area has cool streams that will fascinate you, mind-blowing waterfalls that will capture your heart with its beauty, canopy walkways that will challenge your balance, and hot springs to calm your soul. There are also massive orchid gardens that can brighten up your day and distinct tall trees. Spend time to get to know and see species that can only be found in Tawau. You and your family can also have a picnic and camp here. Spend time with your family while in nature at Tawau Hills Park.

Tawau Hills Park

Address: Tawau 2103 Malaysia

Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)

Price: (18 years and above) RM10 (2.47 USD); (below 18 years) RM6 (1.48 USD)

3. Shop at Tawau Tanjung Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Tawau Tanjung has over 6,000 stalls and it is recognized as the largest indoor market in Malaysia. It sells dry goods and popular dried seafood. Travelers are also seen stopping to shop for Malaysia’s cheapest dried seafood. Who says you can’t learn while shopping? You can shop for fabrics and clothes that reflect the Malaysian cultures and savor delicious Chinese traditional foods. Encounter a unique shopping experience in Tanjung Market.

Tawau Tanjung Market

Address: Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

Opening hours: 5am - 5pm (daily)

4. Visit the mystical Tawau Hot Springs

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This is a relaxing place to dip your body full of stress and tension from the fuss in the city. The inviting ambiance that surrounds the spring makes the guests unwind and loosen up a bit. The hot spring was founded by tourists 50 years ago. The destination was initially for family-friendly activities such as picnics and served as a magical body of water. Legend has it that you have to throw a couple of pennies, then make a wish, and the enchanted lady who protects the spring will grant it. Enjoy a relaxing hot spring encounter to upgrade your visit to Tawau!

Tawau Hot Springs

Address: Tawau Hot Springs, Tawau Town, Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia, 91000

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Weekdays: RM 110 (27.15USD); Weekends: RM 130 (32.08USD)

5. Worship in Masjid Al-Kauthar Mosque

Al-Kauthar Mosque is hailed as the largest mosque in Sabah, Malaysia. This mosque is also known as Masjid Besar Tawau. It was built in 1997, but the worship house was finished in 2002. The mosque can accommodate 16,000 to 17,000 people. Feel the majesty of this place and be touched by the presence of the creator. The calming presence in the mosque is incredible and it will make you reflect on your life.

Masjid Al-Kauthar Mosque

Address: Sabindo Square, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

Website: Masjid Al-Kauthar Mosque

6. Admire the sunset at Tawau Waterfront

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The best place to witness the mesmerizing golden and red dusk in the country is in the Tawau Waterfront. Situated on the main road of Jalan, Persisiran, you can see locals and tourists in the place being stunned by the beauty of the sun as it sets. As you look to the western part of the waterfront, you can see a fishing port. That is why, as you observe, there are fishermen who will come and go in that part of the waterfront.

Tawau Waterfront

Address: Jalan Persisiran, 91000 Tawau

7. Stroll through Maliau Basin Conservation Area

Maliau Basin Conservation Area- the lost world, where a thrilling experience is guaranteed. This place has an astonishing seven-tier waterfall and abundant flora and fauna. Guests can see 80 species of orchids, a glimpse of the sun bear, deer, and other incredible wildlife. Maliau Basin features untouched wilderness areas in the world that can surely amaze you. The place is family-friendly because kids will enjoy their tour as their eyes wander the environment and learn new wildlife experiences.

Maliau Basin Conservation Area

Website: Maliau Basin Conservation Area

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat and Sun)

8. Hang out at Balung River Eco Resort

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This place is perfect for a squad hang-out vacation and it has aesthetically pleasing scenery that can boost your Instagram feed! There are various activities that this place has to offer, from the outside pool and refreshing river streams as the guests walk out of their rooms, and a jungle for curious and adventurous people. Visit Balung River Eco Resort and have a fun vacation with your friends!

Balung River Eco Resort

Address: Mile 33, Apas Balung, Locked Bag No. 30, Balung, 91009, Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

9. Sample some seafood at Sri Titingan Seafood Restaurant

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

There is no such thing as too much seafood! The restaurant has a reputation of being one of the cheapest seafood restaurants in the town. Dig and dine in the Sri Titingan Seafood Restaurant as they serve guests mouthwatering lobsters, prawns, scallops, squids, and fish. Delight in their savory meals; this place guarantees another level of seafood experience.

Sri Titingan Seafood Restaurant

Address: Tb 3638 Wisma Jin Ho, Jln. St Patrick, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

Opening hours: 11am - 11:30pm (daily)

10. Venture to Ulu Kalumpang Forest Reserve

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Situated in the Peninsula of Tawau, Ulu Kalumpang Forest Reserve is perfect for people seeking a new and relaxing journey in a reserved forest. The reserve symbolizes hope for humanity to reunite with nature and wildlife. You can spot the sea when you go through the woods, various flowers, and plants. You can bring your friends and family to an unforgettable escapade. This hidden paradise will surely give you a unique wildlife interaction.

Ulu Kalumpang Forest Reserve

Address: Lorong 37, 91308 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

Website: Ulu Kalumpang Forest Reserve

A dream destination

Plan a great escapade and discover what Tawau has to offer. Relish their savory foods, visit their unique museum, and come across their tropical paradise. It is a vacationer’s dream escapade. Gather your travel bags and visit Tawau.