This friendly town is the ideal place to set up camp if you’re looking to enjoy excursions out into the wilds of Sabah state. As well as all the activities for which Sabah is so well known - mountain climbing, paragliding, white-water rafting and jungle trekking - Tawau is conveniently located for divers looking to make the most of the Semporna Archipelago.
Areas & Neighborhoods in Tawau
Sabindo Hawker Centre — Asia is known worldwide for its street food culture, and if that’s something that gets your appetite going, then you’ll want to visit the Sabindo Hawker Centre. Located on the waterfront in Tawau, you’ll be able to sample all sorts of culinary delights, from very affordable soups and broths, to exquisite Chinese seafood dishes, all cooked fresh to order.
The Tawau Mosque — The largest mosque in Sabah, this staggering complex can welcome as many as 17,000 worshippers at any given time, and is a sight not to be missed by anyone with an interest in the religious architecture of this part of the world.
Bukit Gemok Forest Reserve — This wonderful jungle retreat is just a short journey out of Tawau’s city centre, and should be high on the to-do list of anyone that enjoys nature. A favourite with trekkers and tour groups alike, it’s possible to spend a whole day in the reserve and still feel that there’s more to do. Most spectacularly however, the park boasts the Titian Selara canopy walkway, where you can head into the treetops to look out over Tawau and beyond.
Semporna Archipelago — This diver’s paradise is just a short journey out of Tawau. Frequently voted one of the best dive sites in the world, the archipelago is also home to the fascinating Bajau people, who live almost entirely a sea-borne life on small wooden sailing vessels. A truly otherworldly part of this region.
Things to See in Tawau
Make sure you see the mosque here: it is Sabah’s largest. The Central Market, where you’ll see a bustling trade in freshly caught fish, and the Tawau Bazaar, where you’ll find a rich selection of local goods and crafts, also offer insights into the local culture.
Things to Do in Tawau
With diving in the waters not far from Tawau being amongst the very best in the world, it’s likely that you’ll want to make that a priority for your stay. However, the quick and easy access to the Bornean jungle, not to mention the efficient border-crossing into Kalamantan and Indonesia’s epic untouched rainforests, make Tawau the perfect staging post for anyone undertaking a grander adventure.
