Overview
Tawau is the third largest town in Sabah, Borneo, a relatively new city that boomed in the early 1980s for its lumber and cocoa farming industry. It serves as a major transit point to neighboring Indonesian islands including Sebatik, Nunukan, Tarakan, and Semporna islands.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · Transit Hub
Before you go
Connectivity
Hotel internet is often sporadic or limited to lobbies. Command internet cafe near hotels stays open until midnight.
Health
Klinik Famili has 5 branches around Tawau, with Kompleks Tanjung branch open until 22:00 daily. General Hospital Tawau has 24/7 ER. Emergency: 089-767878 (office hours) or 089-760817 (after hours).
Language
Bahasa Malaysia is the main language; English is widely understood. Hakka, Mandarin, and Cantonese are spoken in the Chinese community.
Money
ATMs and currency exchange at airport may be closed on late arrivals—ensure you have Malaysian ringgit before arriving for taxi or bus transport.
Transport
Tawau International Airport is 33 km from town with daily flights from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, and Sandakan. Ferries to Indonesian islands depart from Tawau port.