Tawau is located at the Southeast coast of Sabah, a Malaysian state located on the island of Borneo. It is the third largest town in Sabah after Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. The Tawau residency comprises of Merotai, Kalabakan, Kunak, Semporna and Lahad Datu. It is a relatively new town in Malaysia, boomed in early 1980s for its lumber and cocoa farming industry.

Tawau is a coastal town and the airport has daily scheduled flights to and from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. There’s a big sea port near the town centre. Tawau is connected by major roads like the Tawau-Lahad Datu highway and the Tawau-Kunak highway.

The Tawau residency has a population of over 400,000 people. There are Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazan (indigenous people of Sabah), Indonesians and Filipinos. Just like any other Malaysians, the people here are warm and friendly and the possibility of meeting someone who speaks English is high.

Tawau is hot and humid throughout the year. Average daily temparature ranges from 26 to 32 degrees Celcius. Cotton clothings are highly recommended as they are light, comfortable and absorb perspiration easily. It is advisable to bring a bottle of water when you travel around.

Today Tawau is a bustling town where it is a transit point to all neighbouring islands such Sebatik, Nunukan, Tarakan, Jolo and Semporna islands.