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Vacation rentals in Tawau

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Vacation rentals for every style

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Hotels

Stylish accommodations and amenities

Unique stays

Spaces that are more than just a place to sleep

Homes

Comfortable places with all the essentials

Popular amenities for Tawau vacation rentals

Kitchen
Wifi
Pool
Free parking on premises
Air conditioning

Other great vacation rentals in Tawau

Home in Tawau

Bintang Haven, Tawau 斗湖

Home in Tawau

RENO Homestay

Home in Tawau

New place to stay

Whole house for yourself

Home in Tawau

Fatimah Ginang Homestay Kuhara

Home in Tawau

Welcome To Kim_Homestay.

Home in Tawau

4.33 out of 5 average rating, 18 reviews

OrchidVilla Homestay at Southville Apartment

Home in Tawau

Afeny Homestay

Guest favorite

Private room in Tawau

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 42 reviews

♪The Breeze Stay in Tawau★彡♪

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Quick stats about vacation rentals in Tawau

  • Total rentals

    180 properties

  • Nightly prices starting at

    $10 before taxes and fees

  • Total number of reviews

    1.1K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    100 properties are a good fit for families

  • Rentals with a pool

    40 properties have a pool

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    40 properties have a dedicated workspace

Your guide to Tawau

All About Tawau

Located on Borneo’s remote east coast, the Malaysian port town of Tawau has somehow eluded the limelight despite its abundance of natural beauty. Overlooking the Celebes Sea, Tawau is a gateway to the islands of Sipadun and Mabul, home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Southeast Asia. The town is a major agricultural center, and the largest producer of cocoa in Malaysia. (In fact, you can pay a visit to a cocoa museum to learn more about the crop and sample the local chocolate.)

Tawau is also known for reeling in some of the best seafood in Borneo. A busy port beside the waterfront esplanade buzzes with trawlers unloading their daily catch, and within hours the fish — squid, anchovies, abalone — appears in restaurants and markets like Pasar Tanjung Tawau, the largest indoor market in Malaysia with over 6,000 stalls. Inland, you’re treated to an unspoiled landscape of jungle, waterfalls, and hillside hikes, all of which you’ll encounter at the region’s crown jewel, Tawau Hills Park.

The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Tawau

The best time to visit Tawau is between November and April, when the days are usually sunny with little rainfall. The streets light up during December and early January with music and food festivals for the holiday season, when the city is adorned in holiday decorations. The temperature drops a little in February, and the city comes alive to celebrate Chinese New Year. In April, the Tawau Cultural Fest rolls out dance rituals and cultural programs from more than 30 ethnic groups native to the area. Groups from other areas in Thailand, Indonesia, and China join in on the fun.

Top things to do in Tawau

Tawau Hills Park

Spread over 110 square miles of rainforest, Tawau Hills Park is full of incredible waterfalls, rare plant species, and rocky hills. If you are looking for a strenuous hike, choose from three mountains — Mount Magdalena, Mount Lucia, and Mount Maria. The park’s four waterfalls are a major draw, especially the natural pool under Table Waterfall where you can dip your feet in the clear waters and snatch a great photo. Watch out for the freshwater shrimps swimming around as well: they are known to nibble away at the dead skin on your feet.

Pasar Tanjung Tawau

The largest indoor market in Malaysia is a shopper’s paradise with thousands of stalls to browse. You’ll enjoy a large variety of dried seafood, fresh fruits, and local delicacies such as amplang, or kerupuk kuku macan, a traditional fish cracker snack. Handicrafts are also huge here, including hand-woven baskets, placemats, and wood carvings.

Sipadan Island

Navigable by boat from Tawau, Sipadan Island is known to be one of the world’s best locations for scuba. This island is home to more than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species. You’ll likely spot green turtles, schools of the parrotfish, and barracuda. On shore, pull out your binoculars to view the many migratory bird species found at the bird sanctuary.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are some of the best things to do in Tawau?

    In Tawau, you can explore the bustling Tawau Fish Market, take a stroll through the charming Tawau Hills Park, or learn about local history at the Teck Guan Cocoa Museum. For nature enthusiasts, a trip to the Sipadan Island Park is often recommended.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Tawau?

    Tawau is often visited year-round due to its moderate tropical climate. However, many visitors flock between March and October for its dry period, providing favorable conditions to explore the outdoor attractions. During this time, Tawau hosts the Tawau International Cultural Festival, a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity with performances and traditional food.

  • What are the best places to stay in Tawau?

    The town centre is a popular area to stay for its close proximity to markets, restaurants and public transport. For those seeking quiet and a touch of nature, areas near Tawau Hills Park are often recommended.

  • What are the best places to visit in Tawau?

    Tawau Hills Park, famed for its hot springs and waterfalls, and the Teck Guan Cocoa Museum, home to an array of cocoa and chocolate exhibits, are frequently suggested sights. The Tawau Fish Market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and fresh seafood, is also a popular place to visit.

  • What are some hiking trails in Tawau?

    Tawau Hills Park has several hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. The Bukit Gelas Waterfall Trail and the Hot Springs Loop are among the most popular, providing stunning views of the park's natural beauty.

  • What are some family activities to do in Tawau?

    Families can visit the Tawau Fish Market for a lively experience, explore the Teck Guan Cocoa Museum to learn about chocolate making, or enjoy a day at Tawau Hills Park, which has picnic spots, swimming areas, and playgrounds.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Tawau?

    Sipadan Island Park, renowned for its unique marine life and excellent diving opportunities, is a frequently suggested day trip from Tawau. Another popular day trip is the Turtle Islands Park, where visitors can witness sea turtles nesting on the beach.

  • What are the most popular amenities for House Rentals in Tawau?

    Enhance your stay in our House Rentals with the most popular amenities: over 80 homes with air conditioning, over 50 homes with wireless internet, and more. Indulge in the ultimate retreat, tailored to your preferences.

  • Are there family-friendly vacation rentals in Tawau?

    Tawau has more than 100 family-friendly stays. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.

  • How is the weather in Tawau?

    Tawau has a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity and temperatures averaging around 86°F (30°C) year-round. The city experiences two monsoon seasons, the Southwest Monsoon from May to September, and the Northeast Monsoon from November to March, resulting in frequent rain showers.

Destinations to explore

  1. Airbnb
  2. Malaysia
  3. Sabah
  4. Tawau