Promenade Tawau

The upcoming 4-star Business Class Hotel Promenade shall be the tallest hotel in Sabah with 16 floors that's affixed to the biggest shopping centre in Tawau (known as Eastern Plaza Shopping Centre) with retail areas exceeding 200,000 square feet, have the biggest ballroom in Tawau that could accommodate up to 1100 banquet guests and boasts in having the biggest and only comprehensive gymnasium in Tawau. Besides all these tallest and biggest, this hotel - which is less than 1 km to the town centre - shall also have a coffee house, a lounge, a fun pub, a business centre, 3 meeting rooms, a club floor with a business centre and a Health Centre.

Hence, this 180 rooms and suites property, which is expected to open its doors in January 2009, is set to increase Promenade Hotel's growing presence in Sabah by offering an ideal combination of 4-star quality services and facilities that are competitively priced for both corporate and leisure travelers to feel at home with expectations quietly met.

E-mail: enquiry_tawau@promenade.com.my Tel: 60 - 89 - 982 888

Sipadan Water Village

Intro and Review

One of the resort situated in waters of Semporna is Sipadan Water Village. Actually the resort is not in Sipadan but on the nearby island of Mabul, on the east coast of Sabah. Recently in the year of 2004, resorts are not allowed operate on Sipadan Island and those who wish to dive there have to find alternative accommodation in the neighboring islands. It is called a "water village" simply because of the fact that the entire resort is built in pilings and connects to the shore by a long pier.

Sipadan Water Village (SWV) is located on the north eastern side of Mabul Island, a mere 20 minute boat ride from the famed Sipadan Island. Built on stilts SWV prides itself on its level of service, dive sites and dedication to the environment. At present, SWV has 45 "Bajau" styled water cottages, built 1m above the sea. These cottages are laid out in a manner which minimizes damage to the existing coral reefs i.e. if there is coral there, they don't build on top of it.

Accomodation:

Sipadan Water Village Resort 45 water cottages are beautifully constructed with Bajau architectural designed built to pamper both divers and non-divers alike in all the trappings of luxury on a tropical island. The cottages are generously spacious with wide sliding doors that open to the room's private deck. All room amenities include twin / double or triple beds, private balcony offering sea or island view, tea / coffee maker, private bathroom and toiletries, hair dryer, hot / cold showers, ceiling fan, mini bar, settees, dressing table / chair, wooden wardrobe, electrical light and power point (220-240v). Deluxe Cottages come with one king size bed and private bathtub while the Grand Deluxe Cottages are built complete with private Wilton Residential Spa pool and two queen size beds.

Grace Inn

Grace Inn is situated in Fajar area which is nearby with hotels such as Kingston Hotel and also King Park Hotel. The rates are more budget below RM100*. They also have family suite with single and queen size bed available.

The good thing about this hotel is that it is at the center of Fajar area with easy access to food stalls, karaoke, pubs and also shopping places.

There is a travel agency and salon beside the lobby in case you want to change your air ticket or want to wash your hair. There are also plenty of carparks in front of the hotel

Walaitokou Boutique Hotel

Walaitokou is a new boutique hotel concept in Tawau. This hotel is situated along Jalan Masjid just opposite few block away from De Choice Hotel. The building used to be a shop lot and motel but bought by Borneo Discovery Adventure and renovated to this new hotel. There are plenty parking space at the side of the hotel and next to it is the Basel Church. There are 2 types of room, Superior (King, Twin and Family) and Deluxe (Twin, King, Triple and Family). Extra single bed will be charge at RM40 per bed. Buffet breakfast also available daily. There are also a conference room available for rent. Room price range from RM 88 during promotional period to RM 218 nett. Normal rate for superior from RM98-208 nett. Deluxe from RM128-228 nett.

De Choice Hotel

De Choice Hotel is a newly renovated hotel from previously Monaco 2000 Hotel. It was an old building given a new look. The lobby have a nice restaurant. It is situated just beside the MB Hotel. The rate of the room range from RM90 to RM400 per night. Rooms are ok since it just renovated. It is situated near the Fajar area as well.

Kingston Hotel

Kingston Hotel is located in Fajar area and just at the back of Kingston Executive Hotel. The hotel is simple using renovated shop lot. Rooms are nice awith good pricing from RM 66 - 120 depend on types of room. Looking for food is not a problem if your staying here because there is a Sabah Chicken Rice Shop beside it. If you like Malay food, there is a Malay restaurant on the other side at the same block. Beside the hotel is Perdana Club where you can have a drink or western food at the cafe or try the Chinese food at the 2nd Floor of the Perdana Club. On Saturday, u can try the dim sum at the Chinese Restaurant at the Perdana Club.

How to pick a hotel to stay in Tawau?

If you are wondering what hotel suits you during your stay in Tawau, well depending on few things

1. What's your budget? Basically there are budget hotel ranging below RM100 and better ones between RM100 and RM200.
2. Location - do you want to stay at the town area where you can just walk around.
3. Breakfast. You like hotel which provide breakfast or you like to find your own breakfast. I had tried most of the breakfast at local hotel and not much special.
   
4. Ur here for vacation? or business stay? There are hotels which cater for businessman and travelers which provide different facilities.
   

New hotels in Tawau?

Lately there are many new hotels coming up in Tawau, Sabah.
I will post the pictures and more info soon....

MB Hotel

MB Hotel or known as May Blossom hotel is the new hotel in town. This 3 star hotel is situated at Jalan Haji Karim in the center of the town. It has 123 rooms and the room price range from RM80-RM150. Now opening to guest !!!

Kingston Executive Hotel

Kingston Executive Hotel is a newly opened hotel in Tawau. The Hotel is situated just next to King Park Hotel. The Hotel is situated right in front of a small roundabout. mmm.... what a feng shui.

You probably find it difficult to stop right in front of the main door entrance because you cannot stop in the middle of the roundabout. Anywhere there is a door at the back for easier drop off and pick up of guest. Again it is situated in the middle of town at Fajar area. There are few shops besides the hotel (actually just beside the main entrance of the hotel). There are KKDC (KK Diamond Center) selling jeweleries, a boutique selling clothes, a barber shop (Ken's Hair Salon) and also a sundry shop.

Monaco Hotel

Monaco Hotel is another shoplot hotel situated at the center of Tawau town in Fajar area Jalan Haji Karim. The hotel is actually just across King Park Hotel. For info on the nearby area you can check my King Park Hotel review. This hotel has been here for quite some time compared to the newer hotels at the same block.

Monaco Hotel rooms rate are Standard RM80, Superior (King Sized Bed) RM90, Superior (Twin Bed) RM 100 and Deluxe (Twin Bed) Rm 120. All Room for two persons only. Additional RM10 for extra bed/person.

The color of the hotel is yellow which makes it easy to be spotted as you pass by Fajar Complex area (Jalan Haji Karim). Because of the area is at the center of the town area with many offices and shoplots, parking space are kinda hard to find here. If you're looking for a budget hotel then this is a good one with the good location. The room might not be as good as Hotel Emas or Marco Polo Hotel. The good thing is you don't have to worry about getting food to eat at night or supper. Everywhere restaurant and food shop are just within walking distance.

King Park Hotel

King Park Hotel is another hotel situated right in the midde of the town area (Fajar) Haji Karim Road. This hotel has 100 rooms comprise of 5 types of room (standard RM98 nett, superior RM128/138 nett, deluxe RM148/155 nett, king/queen suite RM288 nett and duke suite RM388).

Good things about this hotel is that there are many nearby supermarkets (Milimewah), convenient stores (24 hour shop), pharmacies (Wah Choi, Hope Pharmacy) , bakeries (Multibake, Southern Cake House), entertainment centres (karaoke and pubs), Malaysian Airlines offices, Airasia office, travel agents, government & corporate offices, banks (Affin Bank, CIMB, Maybank, EON Bank) and food outlets are all within convenient walking distance. There are restaurants selling chinese food, western food (Olive) and specialties restaurant such as Japanese Restaurant (Eido Ichi), Sabah Chicken Rice, Jade Ocean Restaurant and Pizza Hut as well.

The hotel provides guests with the convinence of free and unlimited wireless boradband internet on all floors of the hotel. King Park also have function rooms avaliable to cater for various kinds of meetings, workshops, seminars and events. Other facilities include 24 Hour Reception, 24 Hour Security, IDD Telephone, Satellite Television, Coffee & Tea Making Facilities, Complimentary Local Newspaper, Room Service, Laundry Service, Luggage Storage Service, Airport Transfer, Meeting Room, FacilitiesBusiness Centre Service, Free Internet Wi-Fi Access, Safe Deposite Boxes and LockerWake-up Calls, Inter-Connecting Room, Priority Parking Slot, In-Room Fridge and Hot & Cold Shower. If your tired you can also try the Health Center providing massage and sauna inside the hotel

For more info pls visit the official website here

Hotel Emas

Hotel Emas is an established 3-star hotel for quite sometime in Tawau. It is considered one of the best local hotel here.Hotel Emas is a subsidiary company of local listed company Teck Guan Holdings. Eventhough the hotel is quite old but recently all the room are renovated back to provide better service for their guest. It has 126 hotel rooms and suites include a premier floor. The hotel also has a Health center providing massage and sauna. It is situated at Jalan Utara and about 30 minutes from airport and 5 minutes to the main town area. The hotel also provide shuttle service to airport for their guest at RM15 per trip.

Nearest food stall or restaurant would be a Malay stall situated in front of the hotel selling smoked fish and rice. Also beside the hotel is a Malay restaurant and if you prefer KFC, it is walking distance about a block away. Beside the KFC also you can find many food stalls selling vaious local foods such as nasi goreng, mee goreng, soto, satay, sayap (BBQ Chicken wings) and also fresh juices. If you need to online, KFC and also Sedap corner (another restaurant beside KFC) are providing free Wifi for their customers. If your bored or want to catch the latest movie, u can watch movies at STAR cineplex situated above KFC. The movie ticket cost about RM8 per entry.

The room facilities include air conditioning, fully carpeted with unsuited bathroom & hair dryer, ASTRO Channels for all suites,
IDD telephone systems, remote control colour TV with in-house movies, built-in mini bar with refrigerator, rooms are affixed with security latches, complimentary newspaper, beverage making facilities, complimentary shoe shine for all suites and 24-hours room service

For more info pls invite the website here

Room rates info :

Belmont Marco Polo

Belmont Marco Polo is another old established hotel situated in Tawau, Sabah. This 3 star hotel has 150 guest rooms. The hotel is situated in town area at the junction of Abaca Road and Clinic Road. One good thing I like about this hotel is the big parking space in front of the hotel for guest to park cars.

There are one supermarket nearby (Servay/Parkwell Departmental Store) which u can do your shopping. Another place u should go nearby is a market called Pasar Gantung (Hanging Market). You can buy some souvenirs at this market such as crystals jeweleries, batik mainly from Indonesia and handicrafts. At night you can eat supper at the stalls beside the market selling cucur pisang (fried banana), sayap (BBQ Chicken wing and it's inner parts-eg buttock) :P ,terang bulan and murtabak.

Room Facilities provided include Coffee/Tea making facilities, Colour TV, IDD telephone, In-house Movies, Mini Bar, Air Conditioning and Hairdryer

Hotel Services provided include Ball Room, Conference Room, Business Centre, Health Centre, Laundry, Hairdresser and Sauna

In house dining include Venice Coffe House, Marco Polo Lounge (live band) & Kublai Chinese Restaurant. Major credit card accepted.

The Kublai Chinese restaurant provide steam-boat buffet and BBQ buffet are served at the Hotel carpark area every Friday night. The steamboat is quite nice with various types of seafood selection, desserts, local dishes and fruits as well.

Kingston Hotel

Update soon

Herritage Hotel

Herritage Hotel is another hotel situated beside Monaco Hotel. The hotel is quite new which start operating since 2006 and the rooms are more comfortable compared to those budget hotel in the same block (First Hotel and Monaco Hotel). U can refer to the map i attached in my King Park review.

The hotel has 88 rooms consist of 26 Standard rooms, 51 Superior rooms, 9 Deluxe rooms and 2 Suite rooms. The rate are Standard Room (King/ Twin) RM128.00, Superior Room (King/ Twin) RM158.00, Deluxe Twin Room RM188.00, Deluxe King Room RM208.00 and Suite Room RM478.00. I would recommend you get the superior room if you not in budget as the normal standard rooms are without windows. If you don't mind facing the 4 walls then shouldn't be a problem. :P All the rooms are also provided with split unit air conditioning, hot and cold shower, coffee making facilities, ASTRO (Satellite TV) channels, IDD, writing desk and hair dryer on request. Inter-connecting rooms are also available. There are also function room available for conference (big and small). If you're looking for big function then you might want to consider the limited parking space around the area. There are many restaurant (Pizza Hut, local food) and travel agents (Airasia, MAS) nearby.

There is a travel agent office situated at the lobby of the hotel providing tour and packages to Mataking Island situated outside Semporna area. The advantage of staying in this hotel is the location is right at the center of the town (Fajar). The lobby of the hotel provide free wifi service.

For more info pls visit the hotel official website here

First Hotel

First Hotel is budget hotel situated at the same block as Heritage Hotel and Monaco Hotel. The building was painted in purple lately and easy to identify when you pass by Fajar area.

The room rate for standard is RM70, single deluxe RM80, suite RM95 and connecting room RM120.

Hotel facilities included air-conditional rooms with attached bathroom, hot shower, IDD telephone, colour TV, in-house movies, laundry services & health centre.

The location of the hotel is good and easy access to nearby shops.If your hungry there is a Malaysian Chicken Rice shop just beside the hotel lobby.

Eastern Hotel

Coming soon in year 2009...
Now under construction

Upcoming soon in Tawau is Eastern plaza and Eastern hotel which is part of the Kuhara Point Project which includes the 182-unit Kuhara Court condominiums beside it. The Eastern Hotel will be above the Eastern Plaza complex. The Eastern Hotel will be an 18-storey business hotel with 171 standard rooms, seven superior rooms and two executive suites. Once completed it will also provide a big banquet hall covering an area of 23,138 square feet that could easily accommodate 100 tables. Think would be the boiggest in Tawau.

The new Eastern Plaza shopping complex will offer 146,520 square feet of net retail area.The lower ground floor, ground floor and the first floor will have anchor tenants such as departmental stores and supermarkets. It will provide covered car parking facilities for 650 passenger cars in addition to 49 surface bays. The shop lots are selling for quite a high price.

Eastern Plaza is situated at Mile 1, Kuhara Road which is not at the town area. This will avoid the heavy traffic in town during peak hours.

Grace Hotel

Grace Hotel Tawau is situated at the Tawau lama street or known as old Tawau town. The previous owner of the hotel was take over by Grace Hotel Management. It is now renovated and looks nice. Room rate between RM60-Rm120. Good budget hotel.

Loong Hotel

Loong Hotel is a budget hotel situated in Tawau Lama old street (Jalan Abaca). The rooms are are from RM45-RM80. The hotel is kinda old but still operating. If you want to visit around the old street in Tawau this can be a good location to stay (that is if you don't mind the room quite 'old'). There are few hotels nearby which is better such as Millenium Hotel or Hotel Emas.

There is a coffee shop at the hotel below selling noodle, fast food and also some delicacy. Most of the food here are Chinese food. Nearby the hotel is a old bus station still operating. The Tawau Main Hall is also situated just beside the hotel.

Millenium Hotel

Millenium Hotel is situated in Tawau old street area (Jalan Bakau). There are about 30 rooms available. The rates are quite good between RM50-RM80. The suite room are bigger with a small living room and a astro personal remote (local satellite TV). The rooms might not be as good as Hotel Emas but definitely better than Loong Hotel :P