Flights from Sandakan (SDK) to Tawau (TWU)

The southeastern coast is a land of giants. In Tawau, nature breaks all records, housing the world’s tallest tropical trees within the lush borders of Tawau Hills Park. It is the gateway to the "Lost World" of the Maliau Basin, a self-contained wilderness of hidden waterfalls and rare species. In the shadows of the Madai Caves, you can witness the death-defying tradition of the Idahan people, who scale limestone heights with nothing but ropes and courage to harvest the precious bird's nests that have defined their economy for centuries.

But for many, the ultimate siren song comes from Semporna. This vibrant town is the jumping-off point for a diving paradise that feels like another planet. Descend into the liquid light of Sipadan and Mabul, where you can swim through "tornadoes" of barracuda and rest among ancient sea turtles. This part of Sabah is arguably the richest destination on earth for exotic marine life, a kaleidoscopic world of micro and macro wonders that must be seen to be believed