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Tawau Airport (TWU/WBKW) is a medium-sized airport in Sabah, Malaysia, located about 15 km east of Tawau town. It serves as the main gateway to Semporna and the world-famous dive sites of Sipadan, Mabul, and Kapalai, handling domestic flights plus limited regional services. The modern terminal opened in 2001 and offers a compact, easy-to-navigate experience.
💡 Local Tip
If you're flying out in the morning, note that Tawau's departure hall has limited food options after security; eat a proper meal in town or before clearing security. Frequent visitors also keep small change for luggage carts or snacks, as not all kiosks accept cards.
🚖 Getting There
Taxis and Grab are the most practical ways to reach Tawau town (about 20–30 minutes) or Semporna (about 1.5–2 hours). Buy a taxi coupon at the airport counter if available, or pre-book a private transfer through your hotel or dive operator. Allow extra time during peak holiday periods and after late flights, when e-hailing cars may be scarce.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What airlines operate at Tawau Airport?
A: Domestic carriers such as AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and MASwings operate scheduled flights, mainly to Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur, with some seasonal or charter regional services. Check current schedules as routes change.
Q: How far is Tawau Airport from Semporna?
A: It is roughly 100 km and takes about 1.5 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions. Many dive operators arrange airport transfers for Semporna and Sipadan-bound travelers.
Q: Is there public transport from Tawau Airport?
A: Public buses are not reliable for airport transfers. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are the main options; taxis use a coupon or fixed-fare system at the airport counter.
Q: What facilities are available at Tawau Airport?
A: The terminal has check-in counters, security screening, a small departure lounge, basic shops, food kiosks, ATMs, and car rental desks. It is compact, so walking distances are short.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 29, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash