Tawau

Tawau is the third-largest city in the state of Sabah, situated in the southeastern corner of the Malaysian portion of Borneo, near the border with Indonesia. The city's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly the production of cocoa, oil palm, and timber, earning it a reputation as one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country. Tawau Port is a significant hub for trade with neighboring Kalimantan and the southern Philippines, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the region. Historically, the area was part of the Sultanate of Sulu before coming under British influence in the late 19th century. One of the city's most prominent features is the Tawau Tanjung Market, which is among the largest indoor markets in Malaysia, offering a vast array of local products and dried seafood. Tawau also serves as the main entry point for travelers visiting the world-renowned diving sites of Sipadan and Mabul islands, as well as the pristine rainforests of the Maliau Basin. The city is characterized by its multicultural population, which has created a unique blend of cultural influences.

Nearby cities

Kota Kinabalu

The capital of Sabah state, near Mount Kinabalu.

Sandakan

A city in Sabah, known for its orangutan rehabilitation center.

Lahad Datu

A town in Sabah, a center for the palm oil industry.

Tanjung Aru

A famous beach in Kota Kinabalu, renowned for its spectacular sunsets and soft white sand.

Semporna

The gateway to world-renowned diving sites and home to the Sea Gypsies (Bajau Laut).

Kundasang

A picturesque highland town in Sabah at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, known for its cool climate.

Mabul Island

A paradise for macro divers and a picturesque fishing village off the coast of Sabah.

🗺️

Bangau

A picturesque village in northern Sabah, near the 'Tip of Borneo', featuring stunning beaches.

Menggatal

A suburb of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, combining tradition with modern education and coastal proximity.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

A group of five idyllic islands just off Kota Kinabalu, ideal for water sports and relaxation.

History & landmarks

Sipadan Island

Malaysia's only oceanic island, rising from an extinct volcanic cone.

Nature

Kinabatangan River

The second longest river in Malaysia, its banks showcasing one of the richest concentrations of wildlife in Southeast Asia.

Papar Coast

A coastal region in Sabah, known for its long sandy beaches and sunsets over the South China Sea.

More places

Danum Valley Conservation Area

A relatively undisturbed lowland dipterocarp forest area in Sabah, considered one of the best protected rainforest areas in the world.

Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre

A center in Sepilok, Sabah, dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of the sun bear, the world's smallest bear species.

Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok

An environmental education center in Sabah, famous for its impressive canopy walkway system and birdwatching opportunities.

Agnes Keith House

A historic house in Sandakan, Sabah.

Semporna Islands Park

A marine park off the coast of Sabah, renowned for its exceptional underwater life and as one of the world's top diving locations.

Sandakan Memorial Park

A memorial park dedicated to the prisoners of war who perished during the Sandakan Death Marches in World War II.

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

A privately-run sanctuary in Sabah that offers visitors a unique chance to observe proboscis monkeys in their natural mangrove habitat.

🗺️

Sahabat Resettlement Plateau

A large land development scheme managed by FELDA, focusing on oil palm cultivation.