Tawau is the third largest town of the state of Sabah, on the island of Borneo. A relatively new town in Malaysia, boomed in early 1980s for its lumber and cocoa farming industry, has become a bustling place, and a transit point to all neighbouring islands such as Sebatik, Nunukan, Tarakan, Jolo and Semporna islands.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Taxi fares around town would cost around RM5, and to housing area at RM7 at most. Grab (the Southeast Asia equivalent to Uber) is easily available throughout the town area. RM 2 to travel within town areas. And about RM2 to the rural areas like Balung and Merotai.
Within the region of Tawau, tourists can also dive from the islands of Roach Reefs or take an hour drive to Semporna to dive at popular destinations like Mataking, Mabul, Pompong, Kapalai and the Great Sipadan - The only oceanic island in Malaysia, rising about 5000 feet above seabed. Popular dive shops and agents in Tawau includes: Aquatastic, ☏ +60 128187844, info@aquatastic.net. (Address: FL08, First Floor, Terminal Building, Tawau Airport) SWV Travel and Tours, ☏ +60 89950023, info@swvresort.com. (Address: First Floor, Terminal Building, Tawau Airport) Jungle trekking - Tawau Hill Park is about 30 minutes from Tawau center.
Sabindo Hawker Center offers a variety of seafood stalls at Sabindo centre. From Chinese, Malay and Thai tom yum seafood stall, it is just located along the waterfront in town. The stalls offer very competitive prices for the selective catch of the day. Makanan Laut 101 serves excellent crab and shellfishes with vegetables at incredibly low prices. At night, numerous stalls set up around the town.
Zenzi Dance Club, Sedap corner at Fajar. (behind Maxim seafood restaurant). RnB Club formerly known as Frequency.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Aug, Tawau typically sees ~29°C daytime highs and 26 rainy days.
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