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Cheapest time to fly from Washington, D.C. to Tawau

One-way

Fri, Jan 16 - Fri, Jan 23£399
Sat, Jan 24 - Sat, Jan 31£376
Sun, Feb 1 - Sat, Feb 7£344
Sun, Feb 8 - Sun, Feb 15£400
Mon, Feb 16 - Mon, Feb 23£349
Tue, Feb 24 - Sat, Feb 28£324
Sun, Mar 1 - Sat, Mar 7£322
Sun, Mar 8 - Sun, Mar 15£333
Mon, Mar 16 - Mon, Mar 23£371
Tue, Mar 24 - Tue, Mar 31£388

Round-trip

Fri, Jan 16 - Fri, Jan 23£690
Sat, Jan 24 - Sat, Jan 31£647
Sun, Feb 1 - Sat, Feb 7£630
Sun, Feb 8 - Sun, Feb 15£646
Mon, Feb 16 - Mon, Feb 23£593
Tue, Feb 24 - Sat, Feb 28£594
Sun, Mar 1 - Sat, Mar 7£566
Sun, Mar 8 - Sun, Mar 15£591
Mon, Mar 16 - Mon, Mar 23£688
Tue, Mar 24 - Tue, Mar 31£708

Getting from Tawau airport to the city center

Tawau is served by Tawau Airport (TWU), located approximately 31 km northeast of the city center in Sabah, Malaysia. This regional airport provides airport transfers to city center destinations via several transport options including taxis, ride-hailing services, public buses, and private transfers. Journey times typically range from 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic conditions and the mode of transport chosen.

Notes:

  • Prices in MYR; table created in 2025 and subject to change.
  • Airport taxis operate on a fixed fare system from the taxi counter inside the terminal.
  • Grab availability may be limited during off-peak hours; pre-booking is recommended.
  • Public bus services are infrequent and may not operate on a fixed schedule.
  • We recommend checking official transport websites for your travel planning.

Updated: December 2025

When is the best time to visit Tawau

Tawau's tropical climate stays warm year-round, but flight prices swing dramatically. Save 30–40% flying February–April or September–October versus peak school holidays. Expect afternoon rain any season, but mornings stay clear for diving and island adventures.

High season
June - August, December - January
  • Prices: Peak rates during school breaks; book flights midweek for better deals than weekend departures.
  • Weather: Warm and humid 23–32 °C year-round with 12–18 rainy days per month; brief afternoon showers common.
  • Events: Sabah Harvest Festival (May-June) showcases indigenous culture, while year-end holidays bring festive markets and diving enthusiasts to nearby Semporna islands.
Low season
February - May, September - November
  • Prices: Cheapest flights outside school holidays; save 30-40% versus peak season by booking February - April or September - October departures.
  • Weather: Tropical 23-32 °C with heavier monsoon rains 15-22 days monthly; mornings often clear before afternoon downpours.
  • Events: Chinese New Year (January-February) brings vibrant street parades, while Maulidur Rasul and Mooncake Festival offer cultural immersion without tourist crowds.
Shoulder season
May, September - November
  • Prices: Moderate fares in May and September - November; save 15-25% versus peak season while avoiding heaviest monsoon months of February - April.
  • Weather: Tropical warmth 23-32 °C with 15-20 rainy days monthly; expect afternoon showers but clearer mornings ideal for island-hopping and diving.
  • Events: Harvest Festival (late May) celebrates Sabah's indigenous heritage, while Maulidur Rasul and Mooncake Festival offer authentic cultural experiences with fewer tourists.

Tawau travel tips

Discover Tawau: Borneo’s Hidden Charms Revealed

Nestled in the eastern corner of Malaysia's Sabah state on the island of Borneo, Tawau is an off-the-beaten-path treasure waiting for travelers who crave genuine adventure over well-trodden tourist paths. Known for its lush landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, Tawau beckons those who wish to delve deep into the soul of Borneo. From vibrant local markets to cocoa plantations, Tawau captures the heart with its unpretentious allure, making it a favored spot among savvy Kiwi travelers.

Whether you're a nature lover eager to explore tropical rainforests or a food enthusiast looking for authentic Malaysian cuisine, Tawau promises a blend of experiences that are both stirring and serene. With affordable flights made easy via Kiwi.com, your leisurely escape to Tawau is just a few clicks away.

First Steps in Tawau: Thrills Await

Upon landing in Tawau, your first steps can lead you to wonders both near and far. Begin your exploration at the Tawau Hills Park, where you can hike through dense forests and stumble upon serene waterfalls, offering a cool reprieve from the tropical warmth.

Dive into the local culture with a visit to the Tawau Tanjung Market, showcasing the region’s fresh seafood bounty and bustling traditional crafts. For those curious about collecting local stories, a trip to the nearby cocoa and coffee plantations provides insightful and aromatic experiences. With flights crafted to your itinerary and smart layovers through Kiwi.com, your journey from airplane seat to adventure start is seamless and swift.

Ideal Times to Embark: Timing is Everything

For those watching their wallets, the best months to book cheap flights to Tawau hover around the transitional seasons of March to May and September to November. During these times, you can avoid the peak tourist influx while still enjoying pleasant weather.

Optimal booking windows generally fall 4 to 6 weeks before departure, ensuring you snag those pocket-friendly prices. For a customizable travel plan, take advantage of Kiwi's flexible search and set up price alerts to catch that perfect shoulder-season deal. With flight durations from major Southeast Asian hubs being short and sweet, you’ll find that a spontaneous weekend escape to Tawau is far from a mere daydream.

Navigating Tawau Airports: A Seamless Arrival

Tawau Airport (TWU) is relatively small but well-situated around 30 km from the city center, making it a hassle-free entry point into the wonders of Borneo. It accommodates a mix of budget and full-service carriers, offering travelers a balance of affordability and comfort.

Upon arriving, you’ll find taxis and affordable ride-sharing apps ready to whisk you into town. Leveraging Kiwi.com’s transparency tools, you can discern the mix of carriers and plan your itinerary with ease and clarity, ensuring a smooth start to your Tawau adventure.

Smart Travel Tips for Tawau Enthusiasts

  • Use Kiwi’s Nomad search tool to plan multi-city journeys that include Tawau with ease.
  • Book flights to Tawau well in advance during big festivals like Hari Raya to enjoy better rates.
  • Set a Price Alert for potential discounts and fare drops.
  • Stay informed about potential flight disruptions with Kiwi’s Kiwi Guarantee.
  • Tap into local transport advice, as using the local mini-vans can offer both savings and a touch of local flavor.
  • Explore food markets early morning for the freshest produce and vibrant local interactions, creating memories to share long after your journey ends.

Weather in Tawau

Average Weather

MonthAverage monthly max temperatureAverage monthly min temperature
January29°C24°C
February29°C23°C
March29°C23°C
April29°C24°C
May29°C24°C
June29°C24°C
July29°C23°C
August29°C24°C
September29°C24°C
October29°C24°C
November29°C24°C
December29°C24°C
Hottest Month
29°C
May
Coldest month
23°C
February
Sunny days
137
days per year

14 day forecast

Sunday
18 Jan
86%
30°C24°C
25 Jan
87%
25°C23°C
Monday
19 Jan
79%
29°C24°C
26 Jan
71%
27°C23°C
Tuesday
20 Jan
87%
28°C24°C
27 Jan
89%
29°C24°C
Wednesday
21 Jan
29°C24°C
28 Jan
82%
29°C24°C
Thursday
22 Jan
31°C24°C
29 Jan
27°C23°C
Friday
23 Jan
87%
25°C23°C
30 Jan
30°C23°C
Saturday
24 Jan
87%
26°C23°C

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Frequently asked questions

Main airports in Tawau, Malaysia
Getting from the airport to Tawau, Malaysia
Best time to fly to Tawau, Malaysia
Things to do in Tawau, Malaysia
When to book your flight to Tawau, Malaysia
Ideal duration of stay in Tawau, Malaysia
Top tourist attractions in Tawau, Malaysia
Safety walking at night in Tawau, Malaysia
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