Tawau sits on the southeast coast of Sabah, on the Semporna Peninsula, with the Sulu Sea to the east and the Celebes Sea to the south at Cowie Bay. It is the capital of the Tawau District and the third-largest town in the state, and its economy has long run on timber, cocoa, oil palm and prawn farming. For a visitor, that means a working coastal town rather than a resort strip, with its sights spread between the town itself and the country around it.
Among the things to see are the Tawau International Cultural Festival, the Tawau Bell Tower, the Japanese War Cemetery, the Confrontation Memorial, the Teck Guan Cocoa Museum, Tawau Hills National Park, Bukit Gemok and the Tawau Tanjung Markets. The town is compact, and the accommodation is concentrated in the commercial centre and the Fajar Complex, with a handful of options named in the Fajar Commercial Center and along Jalan Haji Karim and Jalan Clinic. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, and what to expect at each price level.
Best areas to stay in Tawau
1. Central Tawau
The commercial heart of town, where a number of the listed hotels sit, including properties on Jalan Clinic and Jalan Haji Karim. Staying here puts you within reach of the town's markets and central sights, and it is the most practical base if you want to walk out for food and errands rather than rely on transport for every trip.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone without their own vehicle. Expect mid-range and upper mid-range hotels rather than hostels. Note that internet connections in Tawau's hotels can be sporadic, limited to the lobby, or unavailable altogether, so do not count on in-room Wi-Fi.
2. Fajar Complex and Fajar Commercial Center
A commercial area where several hotels are located, including ones on Jalan Bunga and Jalan Haji Karim. This is a cluster of shops and businesses with accommodation above and alongside, so you are close to everyday amenities and central to town.
It suits travellers who want a central location with a choice of nearby places to eat and shop. As in the rest of town, check the internet situation before you commit, since coverage varies between properties.
3. The hotel area around Command
The source notes a gaming internet location called Command in the hotel area, open until midnight, which indicates a concentration of hotels in one part of town. This is a convenient pocket if you want several accommodation options within a short distance of each other.
It suits budget-conscious travellers and those who want to compare a few places on foot before deciding. Walking up to ask about promotions is common in Tawau, and often cheaper than booking ahead.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Small, simple hotels with basic double rooms, some at very low rates. There are apparently no hostels in Tawau, so budget travel here means a cheap hotel room rather than a dorm bed.
- Mid-range: The bulk of the town's accommodation, including multi-storey hotels with renovated rooms, buffet breakfast, free internet and airport shuttle in some cases. Rooms run from modest doubles upward, and Wi-Fi quality varies.
- Splurge: The larger, more established hotels in central locations, with bigger rooms and more facilities. Even at this level, confirm what is actually provided, since internet access is inconsistent across Tawau's hotels.
Best area for a first visit
Central Tawau is the best base for a first visit. It puts you close to the town's markets and central sights, and the majority of the accommodation options named in the sources are here or in the adjoining Fajar Complex. You can walk to what you need and use the town as your starting point for Tawau Hills National Park, Bukit Gemok and the coastal sights.
Frequently asked questions
Are there hostels in Tawau?
Apparently not. The sources state there are no hostels in Tawau, so budget travellers should look at cheap hotel rooms instead.
Should I book online or walk up?
A few hotels can be booked online, but promotions are often available when you walk up. It is worth checking both before you decide.
Will I have internet in my hotel?
Do not assume so. In many Tawau hotels the connection is sporadic, available only in the lobby, or not available at all.
Where can I find a list of hotels and prices?
The source points to etawau.com's hotel section as a comprehensive listing that also includes prices.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you commit.