Tawau Hills Park
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Tawau Hills Park

4.3
·84 reviews·Semporna, Malaysia

Discover breathtaking hilltop views, unique waterfalls, and lush rainforests at Tawau Hills Park, a less-touristed gem in Borneo.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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Tawau Hills Park

Tawau Hills Park

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover breathtaking hilltop views, unique waterfalls, and lush rainforests at Tawau Hills Park, a less-touristed gem in Borneo.

4.3
(84 reviews)

"The view is great here yet it takes more energy and efforts to get up as the pickup service using 4x4 is not always available."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 4x4 to Viewpoint

Inquire about 4x4 availability for reaching higher viewpoints; it's not always guaranteed.

💰 Entrance Fee

Expect an entrance fee, around RM15, for access to the park's attractions.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.3 · 84 reviews

Type

Resort hotel

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Hilltop Views

Panoramic Hilltop Views

Various viewpoints accessible by hike or 4x4

Ascend to the park's highest points for breathtaking vistas of Tawau town and the surrounding lush rainforest. A truly rewarding experience.

Table Waterfall

Table Waterfall

Within Tawau Hills Park

Discover the unique 'table' shaped waterfall, a natural wonder offering a refreshing escape and a picturesque spot for photos.

Tropical Rainforest Trails

Tropical Rainforest Trails

Throughout the park

Explore diverse hiking trails winding through ancient rainforests, home to incredible biodiversity and towering trees.

Hot Springs

Hot Springs

Designated area in the park

Unwind and rejuvenate in the natural hot springs, a perfect way to relax after a day of exploring the park's natural beauty.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Views

Plan your trip to Tawau Hills Park strategically. While the park is open year-round, visiting during the dry season (March to October) offers clearer skies for stunning panoramic views from the hilltops. Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.

Getting to the Viewpoint

Accessing the prime viewpoints at Tawau Hills Park can be an adventure. While some areas are accessible by foot, a 4x4 vehicle is often recommended, and sometimes necessary, to reach the highest points. Inquire about availability and costs upon arrival, as services can vary.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Dry season (March-Oct)
Why
Clearer skies for views
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for sunset
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ha guys, Abang Sanny ada pigi Tawau Hills Park pada 5 August lalu untuk support @Borneo Wildlife . Jom ikut Abang Sanny jalan jalan di Tawau Hills Park. #tawauhillspark #tawau #1stopborneowildlife #tawausabah #sabah #abangsanny #foryou #tiktok #tesla #bomba #battery #contentcreator #renovate #renovation
abang.sanny
3 likes • 114 views

🚗 4x4 to Viewpoint

Inquire about 4x4 availability for reaching higher viewpoints; it's not always guaranteed. Reddit

💰 Entrance Fee

Expect an entrance fee, around RM15, for access to the park's attractions. Reddit

First Time seeing Orang Utan in the wild in Tawau Hills Park. by Shavez Cheema 1Stopborneo Wildlife #tawau #tawauhillspark #sabah #foryoupage #foryou #fyp #borneonaturetravelguide #sabah #1stopborneo
1stopborneowildlife
158 likes • 3.3K views
TROPICAL RAINFORESF RUN 2025 📍TAWAU HILLS PARK, SABAH 28km | Category :- ~ OPEN MEN &WOMEN ~ VETEREN MEN & WOMEN #tropicalrainforestrun #tawauhillspark #runamongthetallesttropicaltreesintheworld #sabah #hanyadisabah
hanya_disabah
4 likes • 443 views

💧 Free Drinks Offered

Staff may offer complimentary drinks, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. Reddit+1

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Sturdy footwear is essential for navigating the park's trails and inclines. Instagram

Tawau Hills Park (Parque Nacional de Tawau) Joya escondida en Malasia super poco turística. Rutas disponibles: - Botanical Garden - Árbol tropical más alto del mundo - Galas Waterfall - Hot springs Se puede dormir en el parque por tan solo 16€. Se puede contratar a un guía para hacer una caminata nocturna de 2h por 20€. Recomendamos hacer dos días 😋 #tawau #parquenacional #viajar #malasia #malays...
losminiviajeros
0 likes • 691 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 4x4 to Viewpoint

Inquire about 4x4 availability for reaching higher viewpoints; it's not always guaranteed. Reddit

💰 Entrance Fee

Expect an entrance fee, around RM15, for access to the park's attractions. Reddit

💧 Free Drinks Offered

Staff may offer complimentary drinks, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. Reddit+1

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Sturdy footwear is essential for navigating the park's trails and inclines. Instagram

📸 Information Displays Needed

Some visitors suggest adding information displays to identify specific viewpoints. Reddit

🐒 Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including monkeys and various bird species. TikTokInstagram

🌃 Night Walk Option

Consider a guided night walk for a unique rainforest experience. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.3
(84 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Tawau Hills Park for its stunning hilltop views and the unique Table Waterfall, often highlighting the friendly and helpful staff who may offer complimentary drinks. While the natural beauty is a major draw, some find access to viewpoints challenging due to inconsistent 4x4 availability and occasional park closures.

"Very nice place to watch the sunset! We paid 5 RM to go up the hill and the views were amazing. On our way back we struggled to find a Grab, so the people working there offered us a cheap ride back to town. They were very kind🫶"

Elisa

"Went there for the view. Entrance fee RM15. The staff is very helpful. We were given drinks before our ride with 4x4 to climb the hill. Took lots of pictures. To the owner, it would be nice if there is information display to indicate the view's location name (refer image attached). Overall, good experience👍 Thank you"

Hazirah Halul

"Currently closed - no access at the gate to the view point / start of hill"

Andrea Briner

What People Like

Amazing hilltop views
Friendly and helpful staff
Unique Table Waterfall

What People Dislike

Inconsistent 4x4 access
Occasional closures
Difficulty finding return transport

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tawau Hills Park is located about 25 km from Tawau town. You can hire a taxi or arrange for a private car. Some visitors mention struggling to find Grab services for return trips, so pre-arranging transport or checking availability is wise. Reddit

Finding transportation back to town can sometimes be a challenge, especially for return trips. Some visitors have reported difficulty finding Grab services. It's advisable to coordinate your return transport in advance or check with park staff. Reddit

Yes, you can drive your own car to Tawau Hills Park. The park is accessible by road from Tawau town. However, for certain viewpoints or higher elevations, a 4x4 vehicle might be necessary or recommended. Instagram

While not always explicitly advertised, you can often hire local guides for hikes, including night walks, which offer a unique perspective of the rainforest. Instagram

For the best and most accessible viewpoints, a 4x4 vehicle is often recommended, and sometimes provided by the park or local operators. This service may not always be available, so it's good to inquire upon arrival. Reddit+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee for Tawau Hills Park is approximately RM15 per person. This fee grants you access to explore the park's natural attractions. Reddit

While the park is generally open, there might be temporary closures or restricted access to certain areas, as noted by one visitor who found the viewpoint closed. It's always a good idea to check for any advisories before your visit. Reddit

Advance ticket booking is typically not required for Tawau Hills Park. You can usually purchase your entrance tickets upon arrival at the park gate. Reddit

The park generally operates during daylight hours, but specific opening and closing times can vary. It's best to confirm the current operating hours with the park authorities or check local listings before your visit. Instagram

Information on specific discounts is not widely available. However, it's always worth inquiring at the entrance if any concessions are offered for students, seniors, or groups. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The park boasts several attractions including stunning hilltop viewpoints offering panoramic views of Tawau town, the unique Table Waterfall, refreshing hot springs, and extensive rainforest trails for hiking and nature exploration. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Tawau Hills Park offers various hiking trails through its lush tropical rainforest. From gentle walks to more challenging routes, there's something for every fitness level. Instagram+1

Yes, Tawau Hills Park is a haven for wildlife. Visitors have reported seeing various species of monkeys, hornbills, insects, frogs, and even wild cats. TikTokInstagram

The viewpoints at the top of the hills offer the most spectacular panoramic views of Tawau town and the surrounding landscape. The effort to reach them is often rewarded with amazing scenery. Reddit+1

Basic facilities are usually available within the park, including restrooms. It's advisable to carry your own water and snacks, though some areas might have small kiosks. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic viewpoints at the top of the hills are ideal for capturing sweeping landscapes. The Table Waterfall and the lush rainforest trails also offer excellent photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Yes, the hilltop viewpoints provide a fantastic setting for sunset photography, offering beautiful light and expansive views. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions, especially during sunrise or sunset. Instagram

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require special permits, so it's best to check with park management if you plan extensive filming. Instagram

The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and warm tones. Midday can be harsh, but still good for capturing the vibrant green of the rainforest. Reddit

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