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May 2025

A guide on how to spend 4 days in Tawau

By Wan Muhammad Hafiz Bin Zainuddin
Tawau might not be the first name that pops up when you think “holiday,” but trust us, it should be. Nestled on the east coast of Sabah, this charming town is the kind of place that surprises you in the best way. If you're planning a short local escape, here's how to make the most of 4 days and 3 nights in Tawau.

Day 1: Experience Tawau's best eats

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Once you land in Tawau, ease into your trip by getting acquainted with the town itself. Start your day with a light stroll through Tawau Town to get a sense of its laid-back rhythm. Things to do: Tawau Bell Tower – A historic landmark built in 1921 to commemorate World War I soldiers. It's a great starting point for walking around the town. Tawau Central Market – Browse local produce, dried seafood, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Tawau Tanjung Market – Another must-visit for souvenir hunting and observing local daily life. Where to eat: Kam Ling Seafood Restaurant for fresh seafood platters. Pak Din Satay for smoky, tender skewers with spicy peanut sauce. Yummy Yummy’s Cafe for a casual mix of Malaysian-Western fusion dishes. Pro tip: Grab some local snacks or dried seafood for the road — Tawau is known for its ikan bilis (anchovies) and dried squid.

Day 2: Experience green nature escapes

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If you love nature, you’re in for a treat. Tawau is surrounded by some of Sabah's most underrated natural attractions. Things to do: Tawau Hills Park – Just 24km from town, this park offers lush rainforest trails, refreshing waterfalls, and the world’s tallest tropical tree. Pack swimwear and walking shoes. Sulphur Springs – Located within Tawau Hills Park, it's a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the natural mineral waters. Bukit Gemok – Go for a light hike and climb the canopy walk for panoramic views of the forest. Where to eat: After a day of trekking, recharge at: Indah Keranamu Restaurant – A local favourite for home-style dishes like curry fish head and stir-fried vegetables.

Day 3: Discover cocoa, culture & more flavours

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Tawau is home to one of the largest cocoa plantations in Malaysia, so Day 3 is all about learning and indulging. Things to do: Teck Guan Cocoa Village – Take a guided tour through the plantation, learn how cocoa is processed, and sample local chocolate products. Masjid Al-Kauthar – Visit the largest mosque in Sabah, known for its impressive golden dome and waterfront views. Tawau Japanese War Memorial – Learn about the town's wartime history in a peaceful, well-maintained park. Where to eat: Good View Restaurant – Try their signature crab dishes or claypot stews. Restoran Haji Tamrin for authentic Malay cuisine. Bonus: If you have energy left, stop by the Tawau Hot Spring in the evening for a relaxing soak.

Day 4: Morning markets & souvenir stops

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Before heading home, use your last day for a final walk through the town’s markets and maybe even fit in one last bowl of noodles. Things to do: Morning market hop – Drop by the Central or Tanjung Market again to pick up coffee, dried seafood, and local spices. Try a local breakfast of nasi kuning, mee tauhu, or roti kahwin with a cup of strong Sabah coffee. Where to eat before leaving: 99 Cafe – Great for noodles and local kopi. Tawau’s KFC (yes, really!) is known for a unique regional flavour twist. Locals swear it tastes different!

A quick travel tip

Tawau is accessible via direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. Flying is the most convenient option, especially if you want to save time and enjoy a stress-free start to your trip. If you're planning to visit Tawau and other Malaysian destinations more frequently, consider getting MHflypass Malaysia! It lets you fly to other amazing local spots from just MYR 267, and has a 1-year validity and priority privileges.
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