Tawau is the third-largest city in Sabah, after Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. The population in Tawau today is a mixture of different races and ethnicities. The variety of cultures also influences the food choices in Tawau, therefore offering its visitors a wide range of delicious food choices.
If you feel like going on a vacation, why not choose the beautiful and peaceful city of Tawau for a getaway? Read on to learn more about the attractions of this exciting city, and check out the 10 best things to do in Tawau.
Why Is Tawau A Must-Visit Destination?
Tawau is a must-visit destination because there are many things to do and sights to see in Tawau. At Tawau, you can discover paradise at the Balung River Eco Resort and explore the Tawau Hills Park. While visiting, you can also observe the natural rock formations at the Columnar Basalt Balung Cocos.
Is Tawau Famous For Producing Cocoa?
Yes, it is. Malaysia is the seventh largest supplier of chocolate in the world. In Malaysia, the State of Sabah produces most of the cocoa beans. Cocoa production in Sabah is concentrated in the Tawau District. The bulk of the cocoa products in the State is exported as cocoa beans and processed cocoa butter and cocoa powder. Therefore, when you are in Tawau, take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Teck Guan Cocoa Village & Tawau Cocoa Cafe.
Is There Any Good Food In Tawau?
Yes, there is. Tawau is well known for its excellent array of fresh seafood, which you can enjoy at Kam Ling Seafood Restaurant. Another popular local dish in Tawau is the Nasi Kuning. You can try this dish at the Restoran Haji Tamrin. For dessert, you can hop over to the Indo Cafe Tawau for some Pisang Cheese, a favourite local dish in Tawau.
10 Best Things To Do In Tawau 2024
1. Discover Paradise At The Balung River Eco Resort
The Balung River Eco Resort is set amidst the Balung River Estate, with the pristine tropical rainforest of Tawau Hills Park as the backdrop. The chalets are built with river stones and local timber, giving them a rustic feel. It is a perfect getaway for holidaymakers and an increasingly popular venue for group meetings or corporate outings.
Operating Hours: 6am to 8pm daily
Address: Balung River Eco Resort, Mile 33, Apas Balung, Locked Bag No. 30, Balung, 91009, 91000 Tawau, Sabah
Phone No: 012-802 4771
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Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balungriverecoresort/?hl=en
Check Info On Website2. Explore The Tawau Hills Park
The Tawau Hills Park was established in 1979, primarily as a protection for the water catchment area of Tawau. The park comprises 279.72 km² of lowland dipterocarp rainforest, surrounded by oil palm and cacao plantations. The park is perfect for a family outing as it has many scenic picnic areas, camping sites, and comfortable chalets for its visitors.
Address: Tawau Hills Park, 91000 Tawau, Sabah
Phone No: 013-884 1321
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Google Reviews: Here
Refer Info On Website3. Observe The Natural Rock Formations At The Columnar Basalt Balung Cocos
The Columnar Basalt Balung Cocos is the only location in Malaysia where you can see Columnar basalt formed millions of years ago when straight lava flows upward from the sea bed to the water’s surface. This natural structure is formed when basalt lava begins to cool at the bottom of the ocean. The cooling process causes the rocks to form hexagonally extended columns. This destination was opened to the public in 2016 for domestic and foreign tourists.
Operating Hours: 8am to 5pm daily
Address: Columnar Basalt Balung Cocos (Sungai Balung), Kampung Balung Cocos, 91000 Tawau, Sabah
Phone No: 014-871 0411
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Google Reviews: Here
Website Info4. Visit The Teck Guan Cocoa Village & Tawau Cocoa Cafe
The Teck Guan Cocoa Village & Tawau Cocoa Cafe is a Cocoa production and distribution pioneer in Sabah. When you visit, you will be introduced to the process of Cocoa planting and even have the opportunity to taste raw cocoa. Following this, you will be brought to see the Cocoa Cultural Spring. In addition, you will also be served delicious food and fresh fruits.
Operating Hours: 10am to 5pm (Friday – Wednesday) Closed on Thursday
Address: Teck Guan Cocoa Village & Tawau Cocoa Cafe, Quion Hill Miles 15 Balung Apas, 91000 Tawau, Sabah
Phone No: 016-826 9579
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Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoBorneoTawau
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goborneo_tawau/
View website5. Admire The Architecture Of The Masjid Al-Kauthar
The Masjid Al-Kauthar was built in 1997 and completed in 2002. It is the largest mosque in the state of Sabah. The mosque is surrounded by lush greenery and flowering plants, giving it a touch of radiance. Sometimes in the evenings, several eagles can be seen circling high above the mosque before descending onto the dome. In addition, A tsunami warning tower was installed at the premises of the Al-Kauthar Mosque in 2005 by the Malaysian Meteorological Department.
Address: Masjid Al-Kauthar, Sabindo Square, 91000 Tawau, Sabah
Phone No: 089-767 878
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Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/al.kauthar.tawau/
View website6. Enjoy A Day Of Family Fun At The Sankina Hotspring Park
Sankina Hotspring Park is a recreational park that is suitable for all ages. There is a family water park, an Agarwood Tea Farm, a bakery shop and a private dining lounge. Here, you can have family fun and spend quality bonding time with your children. Furthermore, this park is far away from town and surrounded by trees and landscaped greenery, so the air here is clean and refreshing.
Operating Hours: 10am to 12am daily
Address: Sankina Hotspring Park, Jalan Hotspring, 91000 Tawau, Sabah
Phone No: 089-755 892
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Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sankinahotspringpark/
7. Have A Hearty Breakfast At The House of Nasi Kuning Tawau Restoran Haji Tamrin
The House of Nasi Kuning Tawau Restoran Haji Tamrin is a shop in Tawau famous for its Nasi Kuning, which is yellow glutinous rice. This restaurant’s recipes have been passed down through generations and are currently run by the 2nd generation. The restaurant has a simple setup with spacious seating and good ventilation. Furthermore, the food has maintained its quality throughout the years too.
Operating Hours:
6am to 3.30pm (Monday – Saturday)
6am to 2pm (Sunday)
Address: House of Nasi Kuning Tawau Restoran Haji Tamrin, 4188, Jalan Sim Hua Seng, 91000 Tawau, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RestoranHajiTamrin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resthajitamrin/?hl=en
8. Treat Yourself To Fresh Seafood At The Kam Ling Seafood Restaurant
Kam Ling Seafood Restaurant offers fresh local seafood. These dishes are very well cooked and taste delicious. Moreover, the shop has a great atmosphere and decor too. Prices are listed on the menu, and you can pick and choose your seafood from the restaurant’s fish tanks. The dishes served include steamed fish, salt and pepper mantis prawn, homemade tofu, salted egg squid, and crabs.
Operating Hours: 12pm to 9.30pm daily
Address: Kam Ling Seafood Restaurant, Jalan Kubota, Jalan Kubota Square, 91000 Tawau
Phone No: 019-883 2511
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Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KamLingSeafoodRestaurant/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamlingseafoodrestaurant/?hl=en
9. Indulge in Pisang Cheese in Indo Cafe Tawau
The Indo Cafe Tawau serves delicious mango sago, like mango lassi with blended ice, with some sago at the bottom of the bowl. The shop also offers the famous pisang goreng cheese, which tastes simply divine. The pisang goreng cheese and the mango sago is a must-try for dessert lovers visiting Tawau. While you are there, you can also order the bakso special, butter squid with rice, butter chicken with rice, and nasi Thai.
Operating Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Address: Indo Cafe Tawau, 542, Jln Bantu, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah
Phone No: 011-1622 8788
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Google Reviews: Here
10. Buy Fresh Fruits & Snacks At The Tawau Tanjung Market
The Tawau Tanjung Market has over 6,000 stalls and is said to be the largest indoor market in Malaysia. It is a community marketplace where you can explore local goods and learn about the local culture at the same time. The ground floor of this market is where you can find foodstuffs such as fresh fruits, keropok amplang, Indonesian-made dried crackers, and other fresh produce. On the first floor, you can find dried preserved food such as dried salted fish, dried anchovies and dried prawns which Tawau is famous for.
Operating Hours: 8am to 5pm daily
Address: Tawau Tanjung Market, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
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