Tawau

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Top 10 attractions in Tawau

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Sipadan Island
No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Sabah

Sipadan Island

5.6
4.6/5
207 reviews
Sipadan Island is a small island off the coast of Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia. It is a rare oceanic island in Malaysia, covering an area of approx. 40,000 square meters. It was formed by coral reefs growing over a long period on the top of a dormant submarine volcano until they emerged above the sea surface. The entire island resembles a stone pillar rising straight out of the sea from the seabed approx. 600 m deep, with nearly vertical reef walls surrounding it. The shallows near the jetty are just a few steps from the beach, and at the edge of the reef shelf, the seabed drops off steeply into the ocean hundreds of meters deep. This "cliff at your feet" topography is the foundation of its status as a legendary dive site. After filming a documentary here, oceanographer Jacques Cousteau described it as "an untouched piece of art."Tawau · 83 km from downtown
Tanjung Aru Beach
No. 4 of Night Attractions in Malaysia

Tanjung Aru Beach

7.9
4.8/5
2.5k reviews
Located on the west side of Kota Kinabalu, Tanjung Aru Beach is undoubtedly one of the most popular landmarks in Kota Kinabalu for both locals and tourists. Daytime entertainment include a variety of water activities, while evenings are perfect for gatherings with family and friends, enjoying the sea breeze, tasting delicious local delicacies and taking in the unparalleled sunsets.Malaysia · Kota Kinabalu
Manukan Island
Selected for Best Things to Do in Sabah

Manukan Island

6.2
4.7/5
264 reviews
Manukan Island is one of the five islands of the Kota Kinabalu Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and is large in size. The north side of the island is a rocky coast, the beaches on the south and east are suitable for swimming. The island is popular with tourists because of its facilities. It has hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, diving centers and more. The island is rich in activities such as snorkeling, deep diving, parasailing, jet boating, underwater walks, sea bikes, etc., full of fun. The island is also covered with large rainforests. You can climb a mountain and look out on to the surrounding islands from the mountain top.Malaysia · Kota Kinabalu
Mount Kinabalu
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Sabah

Mount Kinabalu

5.7
5.0/5
5 reviews
Mount Kinabalu is located in Ranau, Malaysia, also known as the sacred mountain. It is a well-known high mountain in Malaysia. The Mount Kinabalu's Roche Peak is more than 4,000 meters above sea level and grows at a rate of 0.5 centimeters per year. The top of the mountain is relatively easy to climb, with magnificent scenery and extremely rich animal and plant species. It has always been a tourist attraction and an important animal and plant research area.Malaysia · Ranau
Pom Pom Island

Pom Pom Island

5.6
4.3/5
195 reviews
Pom Pom Island is adjacent to Sipadan Island, a diving resort, about 40 minutes by boat from Semporna Pier. It is a peaceful paradise island. The island is famous for its turtles, and guests can join night patrols where baby turtles are released back into the water. If you are lucky, you can also spot large turtles while snorkeling on the shore during the day. Resorts on the island provide a variety of options such as beach houses, water houses and flower houses, and tourists can book according to their preferences.Malaysia · Pom Pom Island
Gaya Street
No. 3 of Night Attractions in Sabah

Gaya Street

5.4
4.5/5
558 reviews
Gaya Street is the main street of the old town of Kota Kinabalu. It took shape as early as 1902 and was known as Bond Street by the British during the colonial period, while local Chinese residents were accustomed to calling it "Middle Street." A Chinese-style archway stands at the entrance of the street, and inside are rows of old Chinese shophouses, with teahouses, restaurants, and grocery stores side by side, which is why it is known as the "Chinatown" of Sabah. The street also retains an old post office building, which has now been converted into a tourist information center and is one of the few surviving pre-war buildings in Kota Kinabalu. The highlight of this street is the market that opens every Sunday morning. Stalls occupy almost the entire street, where you can find everything from local snacks, coffee powder, and fresh produce to handicrafts, clothing, footwear, and even pet stalls. It is full of local life, where you can hunt for affordable souvenirs and observe the daily life of locals shopping at the market.Malaysia · Kota Kinabalu
Kawa-kawa river cruise
No. 6 of Night Attractions in Sabah

Kawa-kawa river cruise

5.4
4.6/5
388 reviews
Kawa-kawa river cruise is a mangrove ecosystem stretching across the Kota Belud area along the banks of the Sungai Tempasuk, best explored by boat as you navigate the mangrove waterways. The area is home to the proboscis monkey, a species endemic to Borneo. As evening approaches, groups emerge from the depths of the jungle to roost on the mangrove branches along the riverbank, where boat tours offer a gentle, close-up view of their natural behavior. Beyond the proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, silvered langurs, monitor lizards, and various water birds are frequently spotted, painting a classic picture of the Kalimantan mangrove ecosystem. Nighttime reveals a different scene—fireflies gather in the mangrove canopy, their thousands of lights blinking in unison among the branches and illuminating the forest like a starry sky. For this reason, tours are typically split into day and night sessions: daytime for observing proboscis monkey activity and the sunset, and nighttime for a dedicated boat trip to seek out fireflies. These two experiences offer distinct styles, each with its own unique charm.Malaysia · Kota Belud
Manutik Island

Manutik Island

5.4
4.7/5
154 reviews
The Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, located on the sea on the west side of Kota Kinabalu, consists of 5 islands. Mamudi Island is the smaller one, but the essence is often concentrated. The west side of the island is a rocky coast, and the east side of the island is a rocky coast. The side is a beach, the water quality here is very good, very suitable for snorkeling. There are large pieces of coral underwater on this island, and various marine creatures such as clownfish and sea urchins live. Even standing on the trestle that stretches into the sea, you can take pictures of small fish swimming in the transparent seawater. If you go into the water, you can see them More, so Mamudi is a great island for snorkeling. In addition to snorkeling on the island, you can also pay to play motorboats, parachutes, etc. Tourists who can't swim may wish to take a walk on the bottom of the sea. Wear a helmet with a snorkel to breathe underwater, and you can also try submarine motorcycles. (aka the Little Sheep on the Sea), put on a helmet with oxygen delivery, ride a special motorbike slowly on the bottom of the sea, and watch schools of fish swim around you. There are fresh water showers and public toilets on the island, but there is no hotel, so you can camp. It is recommended to bring your own tent and prepare food and water.Malaysia · Kota Kinabalu
Pulau Sibuan

Pulau Sibuan

4.9
4.8/5
79 reviews
Warship Island is one of the islands in the Dunsakaran Marine Park. It looks like a warship, hence the name Warship Island. The island is about a 45-minute boat ride away from Semporna Town. It is a small uninhabited island. The scenery is very beautiful. The tall coconut trees are inserted into the sky. There are a large number of corals of various shapes and colors growing on the bottom of the sea, which are so beautiful that people are intoxicated. In order to protect the local environment, the government does not allow people to live on the island, tourists need to return on the same day, and everyone on the island must register their names.Semporna · 96 km from Tawau
Sepanggar Island
No. 4 of Family-friendly Attractions in Sabah

Sepanggar Island

4.8
4.6/5
10 reviews
Taomeng Island is a newly developed island in 2018. It is located in the northeast of the urban island, about a 15-minute boat ride away from Jeston Pier. The island has a very good ecological environment, rich vegetation resources, and fewer tourists, making it extraordinarily comfortable and peaceful; Private independent island resort, a large white sand beach, sunbathing on the beach, picking up shells, leisurely and comfortable. Adjacent to Tunku Abdul Rahman Island Park Marine Park, there are abundant marine resources and clear waters, suitable for snorkeling.Malaysia · Kota Kinabalu

Experiences you can't miss in Tawau

Featured Day tours in Tawau

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Sipadan Mangrove Resort + ATV 1-day tour / Proboscis Monkey & Firefly Watching + City Transfer
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From€52.98
SEMPORNA Sipadan Snorkeling or Diving
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From€157.68
Half-day tour to Sipadan mangrove resort - proboscis monkeys, fireflies and ATV off-road experience
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From€32.64
Semporna Mabul Island Kapalai Day Tour Snorkeling and Diving Tickets at Own Expense
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4.5/5
· 19 reviews· 414 booked
Duration: 7 hrs
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From€35.83
1-day tour to Semporna: Mabul Island + Kapalai snorkeling - visit two islands and see the water village
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52 booked
Duration: 6.1 hrs
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From€39.81
SEMPORNA Day Trip Tun Sakaran Marine Park - Bohey Dulang / Mantabuan / Sibuan
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4.3/5
· 6 reviews· 49 booked
Duration: 7.3 hrs
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SEMPORNA Day Trip Mabul + Kapalai
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4.0/5
· 2 reviews· 38 booked
Duration: 6.7 hrs
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From€28.26
Half-day tour to Mabul Island with snorkeling and sightseeing at Sabah Semporna MWB internet-famous water villas (admission ticket at own expense)
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From€30.51

Featured Outdoor experiences in Tawau

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Semporna ATV mangrove eco-tour (mountain off-road + rainforest mystery + firefly exploration)
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Duration: 4.5 hrs
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From€53.01
Semporna ATV off-road vehicle experience (tropical jungle + wild mountain racing + immersive off-road racing)
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From€30.64
Sipadan Mangrove Resort eco-park experience (original mangrove wetland + ATV off-road + rainforest exploration)
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From€35.97
Semporna classic tour: Mabul Island | snorkeling + sea fishing dual experience 1-day tour
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Duration: 7.1 hrs
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From€48.58

Free things to do in Tawau

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What travelers say about Tawau

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_TI***vfFebruary 24, 2025
5.0
Sipadan island is world famous and an amazing spot for scuba diving (sharks, turtles, huge colorful corals, etc) and also excellent for snorkeling.It is a really a must to order a guaranteed Sipadan permit in advance long before you get there are the number of permit per day is limited especially during peak seasons.Mabul island is the nearest and the best place to stay at as there are no resorts on Sipadan itself.

Sipadan Island

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_TI***rnOctober 1, 2026
5.0
We chose this hotel for a short family trip because of its tranquility, and after our stay, everyone raved about how great our choice was. It doesn't follow trends or try to be trendy; it exudes a quiet elegance without being ostentatious. From the moment we entered, even the elderly in our family couldn't help but say, "This place makes us feel so at ease." The entire hotel space is exceptionally bright and airy. There are no cramped corridors or overly complicated decorations. Several thriving green plants line the hallways, and even the air is free of pungent aromatherapy, only a subtle, natural fragrance. The staff were exceptionally patient with the elderly and children, proactively bringing small snacks for our kids and thoughtfully providing warm milk. The rooms were spacious enough that the elderly didn't feel cramped at all. Two wicker chairs were placed on the small balcony by the window, where the whole family could sit, drink tea, and enjoy the courtyard view—it was incredibly pleasant. In the morning, the courtyard is filled with the scent of plants, and the wind, filtering through the eaves, carries the distant chirping of birds. In these moments of peace and tranquility, the tension of our daily lives completely melts away. The most precious thing about traveling isn't how many sights you see, but that the whole family can have a peaceful rest. This hotel perfectly meets that need, and we'll definitely choose it again for future family trips.

Tanjung Aru Beach

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ㅤ  ㅤ朝花夕拾October 25, 2024
5.0
Pulau Manukan is the second largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and is also the headquarters and office of the park. The island has complete tourist facilities, including hotels, tennis courts, water skiing centers and wooden houses for accommodation. Pulau Manukan is famous for its wide range of water entertainment projects and is well located between Sapi Island and Mamudi Island, so it is often chosen as one of the destinations for a day trip.

Manukan Island

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Snoopy Go Go GoSeptember 18, 2023
5.0
Mount Kinabalu, highest mount in South East Asia. A good mountain for those who like challenges. Went there a few times with different group for friends.

Mount Kinabalu

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bagasikuningMay 15, 2023
5.0
Shortvacay for the short trip. nice water for diving and snorkeling here. love this place so calm and private.

Pom Pom Island

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Mario®May 30, 2026
4.0
We visited on Thursday morning. There were no vendors and not many people, so we could only admire the atmosphere. Our driver told us that Gaya Street was the old city center of KK and a hub for the Chinese community. Judging from the streetscape, I could imagine the bustling market, teeming with people. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to wait until Monday to visit. Now, there are many restaurants and shops selling Malaysian specialties.

Gaya Street

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_TI***k2November 16, 2023
5.0
amazing place to visit here, we are very lucky to see the proboscis monkey and firefly, thanks to the driver jack to show us around, if anyone need transport to here kawa kawa river cruise just directly Whatsapp him, (+60128435750) driver name jack, really recommended driver and kind.

Kawa-kawa river cruise

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ariel423December 4, 2024
4.0
Mamudi Island was the first island we chose for our island hopping trip. The weather was pretty good at the time. We were on the island for a short time, mainly to play activities on the island. We played parasailing, which was fun and a bit exciting. After the project, we went directly to Sapi Island. I heard that you can see clownfish when snorkeling in Mamudi Island, but we didn't see it, which was a pity. The scenery is OK, but the disadvantage is that the organization of the island hopping trip is really chaotic. You have to wait a long time to go to other islands and return.

Manutik Island

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iQam JSHMay 21, 2023
5.0
Satu pengalaman yang indah melawat pulau sibuan. Berjalan di atas pasir yang putih bersih, membuatkan saya seakan terpukau dengan keindahan pulau sibuan. Staff taman marin (Taman-Taman Sabah) juga sangat baik dan profesional dalam menjalankan tanggungjawab mereka. Lawatan ini merupakan lawatan kali yang ketujuh. Saya memang tidak akan pernah jemu untuk melawat pulau indah ini. you

Pulau Sibuan

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玩童无界行者无疆September 2, 2021
5.0
There are many beautiful islands near Sabah, Malaysia. Two years ago, I went to "Taomeng Island", which was developed in 2018. It was sparsely populated, quiet, and beautiful...

Sepanggar Island

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Tawau?

Don't miss these attractions in Tawau: Sipadan Island, Tanjung Aru Beach, and Manukan Island. If you like Day tours, try Sipadan Mangrove Resort + ATV 1-day tour / Proboscis Monkey & Firefly Watching + City Transfer. If you enjoy Outdoor experiences, try Semporna ATV mangrove eco-tour (mountain off-road + rainforest mystery + firefly exploration).

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Sipadan Mangrove Resort + ATV 1-day tour / Proboscis Monkey & Firefly Watching + City Transfer, SEMPORNA Sipadan Snorkeling or Diving, and Half-day tour to Sipadan mangrove resort - proboscis monkeys, fireflies and ATV off-road experience. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 17, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Tawau is around EUR 28.26 – EUR 157.68. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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