Tawau, Port city in eastern Sabah, Malaysia
Tawau is a port city located on the Semporna Peninsula, stretching between the Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea near the border with North Kalimantan. The city serves as an important hub for regional trade and maritime traffic due to its strategic coastal position.
British merchants established this settlement in 1893 as a trading post, enabling its growth as an important port for timber and agricultural exports. This early trade history shaped its development into today's regional economic center.
The people here come from different backgrounds, including Bumiputras and Chinese communities, who shape daily life through their traditions and businesses. You notice this diversity in the markets, food stalls, and neighborhoods throughout the city.
You can reach the city through Tawau Airport with flights to major Malaysian destinations or via the seaport with ferries to Indonesia. The basic infrastructure is set up to handle visitors and trade, though checking connections ahead of time is wise.
The city is Malaysia's leading center for cocoa production, with processing facilities and a museum dedicated to this industry. This role in cocoa farming sets it apart from other regional ports.
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