Visiting Tawau Hills Park in 2024: A Definitive Guide
The best way we can describe Tawau Hills Park is that it’s a hiker’s paradise. If you’re like us and you have a fond appreciation for the great outdoors, then its lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls will instantly make you fall in love!
A trip to this paradise isn’t as easy as it seems though, as we’ve learned from our past expeditions (stay away from slippery rocks). Of course, we don’t want you to suffer the same fate, so to make sure that everything goes smoothly, we’ve curated this guide!
Whether you’re looking to learn more about this park, from its rates to its activities or you’re searching for someplace to stay, or eat, we’ll tackle everything here!
Best Time to Go
Since Tawau Hills Park is an outdoor destination, the best time to visit it is from December to March, which is when the weather is at its most pleasant state with minimal rain. During these months, the temperature isn’t too hot, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking.
However, be advised that these months are considered the peak season, so expect to encounter more people along the way during your hike. Furthermore, accommodation and flight rates tend to skyrocket during this season.
If you don’t want to encounter crowds and inflated rates during your trip, the next best thing you could do is visit during the shoulder season (March to May, June to August). The weather is still pleasant during these months, but there are higher chances of rainfall, so do keep that in mind.
Lastly, if you’re planning on going hornbill watching, the months when they’re most visible typically range from February to April.
Things to Know
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Malay, English
Calling Code: +60
Address: Tawau Hills Park, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
Phone: +60 13-884 1321
Website: https://www.sabahparks.org.my/tawau-hills-park
Conservation fee:
- Malaysian:
- 18 years old and above: RM6
- 17 years old and below: RM5
- 60 years old and above, 12 years and above: Free
- Non-Malaysian:
- 18 years old and above: RM20
- 17 years old and below: RM10
Climbing permit fee:
- Malaysian:
- 18 years old and above: RM25 per person per peak. RM60 per person per peak
- 17 years old and below: RM10 per person per peak. RM25 per person per peak
- Non-Malaysian:
- 18 years old and above: RM60 per person per peak. RM50 per person per peak
- 17 years old and below: RM20 per person per peak. RM25 per person per peak
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
How to Get There
Bus: Riding the bus is a great way to save money on transportation, but it’s not the most efficient. For instance, If you’re coming from Kota Kinabalu, a bus ride going to Tawau will take around 12 hours, give or take.
The best place to come from if you’re planning on riding a bus is Semporna, as the travel time will only be around one and a half hour.
Plane: If you’re coming from anywhere else but Tawau, the best thing you can do is ride a plane going to Tawau Airport in Sabah. From there you can either ride a taxi, book a Grab or rent a car to travel Northwest, which is where Tawau Hill Park is located.
Car: The best way to get to the state park, or around Tawau for that matter, is by driving. Luckily, several rental cars will greet you as soon as you land on the Tawau’s airport—talk about convenience!
If you’re landing at Kota Kinabalu’s airport, you can also rent a car and experience one of the most scenic road trips going to Tawau Hills!
Where to Stay near Tawau Hills Park
Borneo Royale Resort
Address: Mile 1, Jalan Kuhara, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
Phone: +60 89-982 888
Pricing: $$
If convenience is your number one priority, then Borneo Royale Resort should be at the top of your list. Its prime location will allow you to stay near essential establishments like stores, restaurants cafes while being a short ride/drive away from the airport.
The hotel will also let you stay in one of their splendid rooms, which are both spacious and modernly designed. Staying here will help you come back to the comfortable things that you’ve grown accustomed to after being in the middle of a forest for so long.
These rooms can act as your second home during your visit to Tawau, as they come with huge comfortable beds and a full set of premium amenities. If you’re lucky enough, you can even book a room that has front-row seats to beautiful views of the bayside!
LA Hotel
Address: 38, Jalan Haji Karim, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
Phone: +60 89-762 299
Pricing: $$
LA Hotel is a solid choice if you’re looking for a place to stay that features modern rooms, amenities and facilities. It’s a 3-star hotel, but it can easily pass as a 4-star calibre because of its elegant rooms that feature beautiful panoramic views.
Speaking of panoramic views, the hotel also features a roof garden lounge, where you can freely admire the surrounding sights as you enjoy a cold brisk. You can also take your relaxation to the next level by ordering a drink from their in-house cafe and bringing it to the lounge.
LA Hotel is also the perfect choice for those looking to explore the town of Tawau while they’re here, as it features a prime location. Not only is it near the airport, but it’s also quite close to some of Tawau’s best restaurants, but more on that later.
Tiku White House
— Media credit: sabaheats
Address: 2112, kg Sin On, Jalan Sin On Tiku, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
Phone: +60 19 458 6700
Pricing: $$$
If you’re looking for a place that’s nearer to the national park, then Tiku White House should be right up your alley! This place will make you feel like you’re in one of the best nature retreats in Malaysia by surrounding you with beautiful nature views and an overall peaceful atmosphere.
Tiku White House also features one of the best cafes in Tawau by a long shot. This cafe serves a variety of coffee and non-coffee drinks, and it’s the best spot to wind down with your loved ones while admiring stunning panoramic views.
The rooms aren’t too shabby as well, as they’re spacious and well-maintained! Most importantly, they’re fitted with plush beds and air-conditioning so do expect to enjoy a good night’s sleep here after spending an entire day in the great outdoors!
SVOK Hotel
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Address: 39-0 Block G Lorong Kubota sentral 4, Jalan Chong Thien Vun, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
Phone: +60 89-736 838
Pricing: $$
SVOK Hotel is one of the best bang-for-your-buck places to stay in Tawau. It lets you enjoy hip rooms, complete with all the necessary amenities you need for a comfortable stay without requiring you to break the bank—now that’s a steal!
Its location is worth highlighting as well, as it’s smack-dab in the heart of the small town of Tawau. This means that whenever you’re looking to treat yourself to delicious local delicacies or check out noteworthy attractions, you can easily do so right as you step outside your doorstep!
Aside from its location, another convenient aspect of this hotel is that it comes with its own general store! This way, guests can stock up on supplies before or after exploring the vast Tawau Hills Park.
Shervinton Executive Boutique Hotel
Address: TB 224-227, Lot 1-4, Jalan Bunga, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
Phone: +60 89-770 000
Pricing: $
Shervinton Executive Boutique Hotel is another nice mid-tier hotel that offers superb rooms that don’t require its guests to burn a hole in their pockets. These rooms feature modern designs and amenities and are more than enough to act as your crash pad after a day of hiking.
Fortunately, quality wasn’t compromised to achieve this price point too! Featuring air conditioning, TVs, free Wi-Fi, and all the bells and whistles of a modern boutique hotel, Shervinton is the epitome of value for money.
You can also expect an adventure every time you head outside this hotel, as you’ll be greeted by hidden gems such as cafes and restaurants. Also, if you’re up for it, you can also enjoy a peaceful stroll along the bay, as it’s only a couple of minutes away from the hotel!
Where to Eat near Tawau Hills Park
Leong Porridge House
— Media credit: xavier_riri
Address: 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
Phone: +60 16-336 9153
Pricing: $
After spending a day filled with conquering trails and bathing in waterfalls, you can refuel your energy by stopping by Leong Porridge House. It’s one of those no-frills eatery, where you’ll get to sit in one of their aged wooden chairs as you sip on some of their delicious porridge.
Speaking of porridge, we can easily see why they’re named after this local comfort food. As cliche as it may sound, their version of this dish is unlike any other, featuring a silky smooth texture and the right amount of richness.
What most people love about their porridge here is that it sort of acts like a blank canvas. The restaurant owners leave plenty of room for customisation by providing their customers with various spices and toppings like chillies to give their bowl an extra kick.
Indo Cafe II @ Unijaya
— Media credit: iamcynditravel
Address: 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
Phone: +60 16-290 6838
Pricing: $
If all the exploration in Tawau left you craving Indonesian food, then Indo Cafe II is the best place to stop by! This humble cafe serves some of the most iconic local favourites, from beef rendang to nasi goreng, mee goreng and anything in between.
Their bestseller is the rendang, and it’s not hard to see why once you put their slow-cooked braised beef in your mouth. The beef is so tender that you can easily break it with your fingers without using much force!
The best thing about eating here is that you won’t have to worry about your budget in order to get your tummies filled thanks to their substantial serving sizes. These portions, paired with their delicious and authentic Indo dishes, make for a great meal after a day filled with activities.
Thai Spoon Kitchen and Cafe
Address: Industrial, Jalan Hot Spring, Lot No.10, Jalan Kuhara, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
Phone: +60 16-576 6612
Pricing: $$
As you may have gleaned from its name, Thai Spoon Kitchen & Cafe specializes in serving authentic Thai cuisine, and it’s safe to say that they live up to the promise! For starters, they offer a wide variety of Thai food such as tom yum soup pad thai and more.
If you want our advice, order their tom yum soup, which features the right amount of zestiness and sourness. Newcomers may grimace at the sourness of this dish’s broth, but remember, if you’re not making a face after sipping, then it’s not good enough!
Thai Spoon Kitchen and Cafe also does a great job of elevating their customers’ dining experience by featuring a premium-feeling interior. They even have a VIP area for huge groups who are looking to celebrate something special!
Village Boy’s Cafe
— Media credit: kenny8382
Address: TB 3299, Taman Bintang, Batu, 3, Jalan Apas, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
Phone: +60 13-541 9191
Pricing: $$
Village Boy’s Cafe is the best place to dine in if you’re hungry as a horse but don’t want to spend a fortune on food at the same time. This restaurant serves some of the most amazing homemade Malay street foods like steamed dumplings and our personal favourite, satay!
Satays is a famous Malaysian street food that’s essentially skewered chunks of meat that are grilled over charcoal. What makes this dish special, however, is the secret sauce that they brush on the meat as it’s being grilled, leaving a distinct peanut taste—yum!
The interior of the restaurant doesn’t feature anything fancy, but it’s part of the charm! With its plastic stools, tables, and wall fans, it won’t be long until you feel like you’re a local chowing down on some delicious homemade meals during an ordinary day.
Cottage Garden
— Media credit: syazs_
Address: Unipark, 17976, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
Phone: +60 16-833 3489
Pricing: $$
Cottage Garden is hands down one of the most Instaworthy places to eat near Tawau Hills Park—and it’s not even a competition. Just picture this: while you’re enjoying a plate full of delicious homemade Malay dishes, you’ll get to look up and see towering trees.
Furthermore, you’ll also be serenaded by live music while you’re dining here, but instead of a song played by the band, it will be the gentle sound of the nearby waterfalls. This creates a whole other level of dining, and the crazy part is that you don’t have to spend thousands!
Its surreal ambience isn’t the only thing it has going on too, as the dishes themselves are worthy of a spotlight. You can’t go wrong with anything from their menu, but if you want our advice, we recommend ordering their seafood platter.
What to Do in Tawau Hills Park
Spot some amazing wildlife
If you love admiring different species of wildlife living their best lives in nature, then you’ll get a kick out of visiting Tawau Hills Park. This 280 square kilometre national park is home to various kinds of plants and animals, that will make you love nature even more.
For instance, one of the most common inhabitants of this park are hornbills, which you’ll often find flying majestically or landing in one of the towering trees found here. Speaking of towering trees, keep an eye on them, as you’ll usually find red-leaf monkeys chilling on their branches.
If you want to see some of the more exotic species, however, we recommend wildlife spotting at night. During this time, you’ll find unique species of spiders, lizards and frogs—spine-chilling and interesting!
Have a picnic underneath the trees
After walking for several hours, you and your group may start feeling hungry. Fortunately, you can freely dine underneath the majestic trees, as there are several designated picnic areas across the park!
It may not be the most comfortable dining experience, but hey, how many times can you eat with a breathtaking view like this? Plus, it’s not a complete adventure without preparing your own food in the middle of the wilderness!
Camp overnight amidst nature
One of the best things you can do to make the most out of your time in this national park is to stay overnight. This way, you can experience the rainforest from a different light—literally and figuratively!
You’ll be surprised just how drastic the change in scenery will be once the sun sets, but don’t worry! There are designated camping areas in the forest so you won’t veer too far away from the park’s headquarters..
If you find camping a bit of a hassle, you can also opt to stay in one of the chalets located inside the park! This is a more comfortable option that’s perfect for those travelling with kids and/or elders.
Swim in Table Waterfall’s natural pool
Throughout your trek in Tawau Hills Park, you’re bound to run into one of the waterfalls inside, the Table Waterfalls. This beautiful spot is known for its naturally-formed pool at its base, which is perfect for taking a refreshing dip after several hours of hiking.
This waterfall is also perfect for picture-taking! However, you have to be patient here, especially if you’re visiting during the peak season, as you’ll likely encounter other people bathing in the waterfall.
Bathe in the sulphur pool
Speaking of bathing, another attraction inside the park is the natural sulphur hot springs! Locals believe that the water in this natural spring provides various medicinal benefits.
Whether these claims have truth to them or not, there’s no denying that swimming here is one of the most refreshing things you can experience in your life!
Apps to Download for a Trip to Tawau Hills Park
Travel Malaysia: A pocket travel guide to Malaysia
Maps.me: Offline map of the world
XE Currency App: Real-time currency exchange rate app
Grab: Ride-hailing app of Southeast Asia
Google Translate: word translation with offline capabilities
CatchThatBus: Bus ticket booking app