Things to do in Tawau
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Top 10 attractions in Tawau
Kapalai
Kapalai Island, located in Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia, is a sandbar nestled between Sipadan Island and Mabul Island, about a 45-minute speedboat ride from Semporna. It's a world-renowned diving paradise, home to a rich marine life, including cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, and sea turtles. It's also a common habitat for manta rays. The resort offers 51 overwater bungalows connected by wooden boardwalks, allowing visitors to stroll along and watch the marine life swimming beneath them, earning it the nickname "Water Paradise." The island's restaurants offer Malaysian specialties, and guests can enjoy the unique island atmosphere from their balconies, listening to the sound of sea turtles breathing. To reach Kapalai Island, you first need to fly to Tawau, then drive to Semporna, and finally arrive by speedboat. The island offers both diving and non-diving packages, providing comprehensive services including meals, accommodation, and more.Semporna · 88.4km from Tawau
Sipadan Island
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 · 83km from downtown
Sipadan Mangrove Resort
Swim in the mangroves, enjoy the scenery of nature and the sounds of wild animals. Occasionally, you can find other apes and crocodiles. You can see flocks of egrets flying up and eagles swooping for food. I believe this trip The journey is sure to leave you with indelible memories.Tawau · 49.1km from downtown
Transparent Boat Adventures in Semporna
Plunge into the mysteries of the underwater world without getting wet. Through the crystal-clear glass bottom of the boat, a vibrant coral kingdom glides beneath you. Schools of colorful fish dart among the coral formations, and sunlight filters through the water, creating shifting patterns of light—a truly dreamlike scene. This serene voyage allows you to become a silent observer of this marvelous marine universe in the most relaxed way. Classic lsland Hopping: Cruise between diverse islands like Bohey Dulang and Mantabuan, each offering unique experiences. Hike limestone hills for panoramic views, stroll along vanishing sandbars, and snorkel with tropical fish - discovering Semporna's island treasures in a single day. Exclusive Water House View: Visit iconic water resorts like Kapalai, gliding past stilt houses above coral reefs in glass boats. Watch marine life swimming beneath the dwellings through crystal-clear panels, witnessing the perfect blend of traditional "sea gypsy" culture and modern resort living. Explore Dive Sites:Cruise over legendary dive sites, previewing spectacular seabed formations through transparent hulls. From Sipadan's Turtle Tomb and Barracuda Point to Mabul's coral walls, even non-divers can witness the awe-inspiring beauty of these world-class underwater realms.Malaysia · Tawau
Tawau Hills Park
Tawau Mountain National Park is located 24 kilometers north of Tawau. It is a popular place for locals and tourists to gather with family and friends. Take a half-day small hike, or bring camping equipment and stay in the park overnight, watching the stars at night. Also a very good experience. Almost every plant in Tawau Park is tagged with a wide variety. There are also many mountain forest trekking plank roads in the park, some of which can lead you to a hot spring and a waterfall.Tawau · 29.2km from downtown
Eastern Cineplex
Tawau · 1.3km from downtown
Tawau Sports Complex
Tawau · 5.3km from downtown
Masjid al-Kauthar Tawau
Construction of the mosque began in 1997, was completed in 2002, and was inaugurated on August 13, 2004, by the then-King, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin. The mosque cost RM 38,000,000. The building is square, with white exterior walls, a green dome, and a four-story minaret.Tawau · 358m from downtown
Masjid Bandar Tawau (Lama), Tawau, Sabah.
Tawau · 394m from downtown
Night Market Takada
Tawau · 1.1km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Tawau
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What travellers say about Tawau
BrightEyedBaby29 September 2026
5.0
In my opinion, this is a great place to do diving. I enjoyed the house reef diving because I get to dive around freely with my friends without much restrictions. The sea is clear and beautiful with a lot of wild sea aquatic creatives. It was a truly memorable experience with my friends. I had a great time at our five star resort and it was a chill getaway. However, do note that it can be quite a hassle trying to access the place. The staff are friendly and professional, and the place is well maintained as a whole. It is a recommended attraction to visit with your friends.
Kapalai
_TI***vf24 February 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
素素7730 October 2019
5.0
Southeast Asia has a large number of tropical rainforests and mangroves that protect water and soil. There is no shortage of such mangroves in West Malaysia and East Malaysia. The Semporna mangroves have beautiful scenery and fresh air. It is very suitable for a one-day family trip for all ages.
Sipadan Mangrove Resort
Yen Amy3 January 2024
4.0
very nice waterfall and have beautiful river and very crystal clear water
Tawau Hills Park
Mr. Bagpackers Jr7 March 2024
5.0
MASJID AL-KAUTHAR TAWAU.The Al-Kauthar Mosque is a mosque in Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia. Built in 1997 and completed in 2002, it is the largest mosque in the state of Sabah, with a capacity that can accommodate from 16,000 to 17,000.
Masjid al-Kauthar Tawau
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Frequently asked questions
What are the must-do things in Tawau?
Don't miss these attractions in Tawau: Kapalai, Sipadan Island, and Sipadan Mangrove Resort. If you like Day tours, try Half-day tour to Sipadan mangrove resort - proboscis monkeys, fireflies and ATV off-road experience. If you enjoy Outdoor experiences, try Semporna ATV mangrove eco-tour (mountain off-road + rainforest mystery + firefly exploration).
What are the recommended tours and excursions in Tawau?
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 Half-day tour to Sipadan mangrove resort - proboscis monkeys, fireflies and ATV off-road experience, SEMPORNA Sipadan Snorkeling or Diving, and Sipadan Mangrove Resort + ATV 1-day tour / Proboscis Monkey & Firefly Watching + City Transfer. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.
What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Tawau?
As of 24 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Tawau is around EUR 28.3 – EUR 157.93. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, 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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SEMPORNA Sipadan Snorkeling or DivingSipadan Mangrove Resort + ATV 1-day tour / Proboscis Monkey & Firefly Watching + City TransferHalf-day tour to Sipadan mangrove resort - proboscis monkeys, fireflies and ATV off-road experience
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