Tawau Division, located in the southeastern tip of Sabah, is a dynamic region that blends tropical agriculture, maritime trade, and marine biodiversity. Known for Sipadan Island’s coral reefs, Semporna’s Bajau Laut communities, and vast palm oil estates, this division is both economically significant and ecologically extraordinary.
Formation & Historical Background
Grew under British North Borneo Company as a port and plantation zone
Strategically located near Indonesia (Kalimantan) and the Sulu Sea
Developed rapidly through palm oil, cocoa, and cross-border trade
Modern identity shaped by diverse ethnic groups, including Bajau, Bugis, Chinese, and Murut
Basic Information
Category
Details
Division Name
Tawau Division
State
Sabah
Division Center
Tawau Town
Area
Approx. 14,900 sq. km
Population (2025 est.)
Over 1 million
Main Ethnic Groups
Bajau, Bugis, Chinese, Malay, Cocos Malays, Murut
Districts in Tawau Division (4 total)
District Name
Administrative Center
Known For
Tawau
Tawau Town
Trade, palm oil, cocoa, multicultural city
Semporna
Semporna Town
Sipadan Island, Bajau Laut (sea gypsies), tourism
Kunak
Kunak Town
Agriculture, coastal villages, plantation areas
Lahad Datu
Lahad Datu Town
Palm oil hub, Danum Valley Conservation Area
Local Governance & Representation
Position / Role
Name (2025 est.)
Remarks
Division Commissioner
Tuan Haji Ahmad Nazri bin Jamil
Oversees strategic regional integration
District Officers
Present in each district
Administer local development and security
MPs & ADUNs
Represent all 4 districts
Focus on infrastructure, tourism, trade
Key Features & Attractions
Sipadan Island (Semporna) – Top 5 dive sites in the world
Tun Sakaran Marine Park – Coral reefs, snorkeling, Bajau stilt villages
Danum Valley (Lahad Datu) – Rainforest conservation and research hub
Tawau Hills Park – Hot springs, waterfalls, hiking trails
Cultural Tourism – Bajau Laut heritage, sea village homestays
Economy & Livelihood
Agriculture:
Palm oil, cocoa, rubber, tropical fruits
Fisheries:
Semporna and Kunak – Tuna, squid, sea cucumber, anchovies
Tourism:
Diving, eco-lodges, cultural excursions
Trade & Industry:
Tawau Port – Major hub for export-import to Indonesia and West Malaysia
Transport & Connectivity
Tawau Airport (TWU) – Flights to Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak
Semporna Jetty – Boat access to Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai Islands
Pan Borneo Highway (under construction) – Connects Lahad Datu, Tawau
Buses, vans, and marine transport widely used
Education & Healthcare
Vocational colleges, agricultural institutes, government schools
Hospitals:
Tawau Hospital (major), Lahad Datu & Semporna Hospitals
Private clinics and marine medical outposts
Culture & Local Cuisine
Rich mix of Bajau, Bugis, Chinese, Cocos, and indigenous cultures
Regatta Lepa (Semporna) – Annual boat parade & cultural celebration
Cocos Cultural Festival – Tawau-based ethnic pride
Summary
Tawau Division is where land meets sea, and commerce meets coral. From the deepest jungles of Danum to the crystal reefs of Sipadan, this division offers a unique blend of biodiversity, culture, and opportunity—perfect for explorers, entrepreneurs, and environmentalists alike.
