Tawau, Sabah Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Tawau, Sabah? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $3,546 per year — at a $62 nightly rate, 22.6% occupancy, and a $14 RevPAR that reflects a wider gap between nightly rates and realized revenue that rewards occupancy-focused strategies.
At 77 active listings, Tawau is a boutique market where selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy. Supply grew 185.2% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
Table of Contents [hide] [show]
What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Tawau?
In Tawau, the headline Airbnb metrics are $3,546 in average annual revenue,22.6% occupancy, $62 ADR, and $14 in RevPAR, and guests book about 34 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Tawau?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Tawau is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Tawau is typically October, while July often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Tawau across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $975+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $603 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $353 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $176, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Tawau
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Tawau?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Tawau STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Octobersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while July experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Tawau:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 46%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 33% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 21%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 12% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Tawau
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Tawau?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Tawau involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Tawau typically peaks in March and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $100+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $80 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $58 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $45 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Tawau
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Tawau?
RevPAR in Tawau is currently $14. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $9 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $12 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $18 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $23 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Tawau
RevPAR Insights for Tawau
- The average RevPAR in Tawau is $14. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($23) and bottom 25% ($9) is $13, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
- RevPAR peaks in Oct and bottoms out in Jul, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Tawau benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $12, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $18+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
Get Live Tawau Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Tawau?
Tawau's peak Airbnb season falls in October, April, December, while the softest stretch is January, July, September. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (October, April, December)
- Revenue averages $549 per month
- Occupancy rates average 28.7%
- Daily rates average $65
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $463 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 23.9%
- Daily rates hold near $65
Low Season (January, July, September)
- Revenue drops to average $391 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 19.9%
- Daily rates adjust to average $65
Seasonality Insights for Tawau
- The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Tawau shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it is also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Tawau's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $613, occupancy reaching 32.0%, and ADRs peaking at $69.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $348, occupancy could drop to 16.6%, and ADRs may adjust to $61.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Tawau need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Tawau seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Tawau?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Tawau to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 1% licensed listings)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Tawau?
Tawau is a smaller vacation rental market where a handful of neighborhoods drive most of the booking activity. Choosing the right area is especially important in boutique markets — there is less room for a mediocre location to succeed on volume alone. The areas below highlight where short-term rental demand is strongest and why.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Tawau Town | The central business district of Tawau, offering easy access to local markets, shops, and cultural experiences. It is popular with travelers seeking convenience and local flavor. | Tawau Market, Tawau Hills Park, Sabah Tea Garden, Batu Putih Beach, Teck Guan Cocoa Museum |
| Semporna | Known for its stunning islands and diving spots, Semporna attracts tourists who are interested in marine life and adventure sports. It is a key area for those seeking unique underwater experiences. | Sipadan Island, Mabul Island, Kapalai Resort, Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Semporna Jetty |
| Kota Kinabalu | While not in Tawau directly, Kota Kinabalu is a major tourist destination in Sabah, known for its beautiful beaches and Mount Kinabalu. It serves as a gateway for many travelers heading to Tawau. | Mount Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, Filipino Market, Klias River |
| Batu Putih | A coastal area near Tawau known for its beautiful beaches and local seafood. It is ideal for travelers looking for a quiet retreat by the sea. | Batu Putih Beach, Tawau Golf Club, Beachfront seafood restaurants, Mangrove forests, Water sports activities |
| Kundasang | Known for its cool climate and scenic views of Mount Kinabalu, Kundasang is a popular escape for those looking to experience the natural beauty of Sabah. | Desa Dairy Farm, Kinabalu Park, Kundasang War Memorial, Ladang 88, Mountain climbing |
| Maliau Basin | This remote area is known as the 'Lost World of Sabah' and is a prime spot for eco-tourism and adventure seekers, making it suitable for unique Airbnb experiences. | Maliau Basin Conservation Area, Rainforest trekking, Wildlife spotting, Eco-lodges, Canopy walks |
| Tawau Hills Park | A natural park located near Tawau, appealing to nature lovers and hikers. It offers serene environments for those seeking to explore the rainforest. | Tawau Hills Park trails, Waterfalls, Biodiversity, Picnic areas, Camping sites |
| Island Hopping from Semporna | An adventure activity popular among tourists who want to explore the various islands around Semporna, making it a hotspot for short stays and activities. | Snorkeling trips, Day tours to nearby islands, Cultural experiences on the islands, Beach picnics, Water sports |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Tawau offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Tawau?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Tawau
- The Tawau Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 77.9% of the 77 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Tawau, House properties are the most common (75.3%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 75.3% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 13% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
Tawau Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Tawau
- The dominant room capacity in Tawau is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 41.6% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 4 bedrooms properties represent 63.7% of the active Airbnb listings in Tawau, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 67.6% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Tawau.
Tawau Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Tawau
- The most common guest capacity trend in Tawau vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (45.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Tawau STR market, accounting for 57.2% of listings.
- 67.6% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Tawau.
- On average, properties in Tawau are equipped to host 5.7 guests.
How Do Listings in Tawau Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Tawau can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Tawau
- At 20 photos per listing on average, Tawau hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 27.3% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Tawau averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Tawau?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Tawau
- Essential amenities in Tawau that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like TV, Kitchen, Wifi are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
- Warning: Wifi is not universally provided but is considered essential globally. Ensure reliable Wifi is offered.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Tawau: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like TV or Kitchen to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Tawau to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Tawau?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Tawau, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mosquito netHigh opportunity | 6.5% | $8,263 | $3,219 | 156.7% |
Cleaning before checkoutHigh opportunity | 9.1% | $6,872 | $3,214 | 113.8% |
Sound systemHigh opportunity | 9.1% | $6,771 | $3,224 | 110.0% |
Exterior security cameras on property | 29.9% | $5,585 | $2,678 | 108.6% |
Wifi | 79.2% | $3,943 | $2,034 | 93.8% |
Luggage dropoff allowed | 18.2% | $5,630 | $3,083 | 82.6% |
BBQ grill | 18.2% | $5,578 | $3,095 | 80.3% |
Microwave | 23.4% | $5,274 | $3,019 | 74.7% |
Toaster | 11.7% | $5,516 | $3,286 | 67.9% |
Drying rack for clothing | 33.8% | $4,784 | $2,915 | 64.1% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Tawau
- Mosquito net tops the revenue impact list with a 156.7% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $8,263 vs. $3,219 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Mosquito net, Cleaning before checkout, Sound system — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Mosquito net — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Tawau.
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Tawau STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Tawau. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsTawau Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Tawau
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Tawau consists of primarily domestic travelers (76%), often arriving from nearby Kuala Lumpur, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Malay.
- Domestic travelers account for 75.9% of guests.
- Key international markets include Malaysia (75.9%) and China (8.4%).
- Top languages spoken are English (41.5%) followed by Malay (25.5%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Tawau?
Listings in Tawau average 4.76 out of 5 overall, with about 16.8 reviews per active listing and 18.2% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Tawau
- An average rating of 4.76 places Tawau in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.85), while Value (4.72) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 18.2% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Location — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
- With only 18.2% of listings earning Guest Favorite status, hosts who consistently exceed expectations have a clear competitive advantage.
Tawau Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Tawau
- The most common availability pattern in Tawau falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 81.8% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 98.7% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Tawau (49.4%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 1.3% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Tawau?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Tawau
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Tawau is 34 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during February (average 47 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in March (average 25 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (42 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (27 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (34 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Tawau.
- For February stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 47 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 42 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Tawau averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Tawau?
Guests in Tawau stay about 3.3 nights on average, generating roughly 1,019 reservations and 13.2 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 12:00 PM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Tawau
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Tawau
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- 13.2 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
- Stay lengths peak in Mar (4.7 nights) and shorten in Aug (1.8 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Tawau Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
69 listings
89.6% of total
2 Nights
5 listings
6.5% of total
30+ Nights
3 listings
3.9% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Tawau is 1 Night, adopted by 89.6% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (96.1%) of the Tawau Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 89.6% of Tawau hosts use this setting.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Tawau.
Tawau Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Limited
7 listings
9.2% of total
Flexible
30 listings
39.5% of total
Moderate
24 listings
31.6% of total
Firm
9 listings
11.8% of total
Strict
6 listings
7.9% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Tawau
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Tawau is Flexible, used by 39.5% of listings.
- The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 71.1% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Tawau may expect booking flexibility.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (7.9%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 39.5% market standard in Tawau.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 7.9% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Tawau.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Tawau?
Cleaning fees in Tawau are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Tawau
- About 49.4% of Tawau listings charge a cleaning fee — a mixed market where some hosts absorb the cost into nightly rates while others break it out.
- The average cleaning fee of $9 is close to the median ($8), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 4.2% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Tawau median of $8. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Tawau Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Tawaubased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Cosy 4R4B by Havenn Tonight @ Sin On, Tawau
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Grace Homestay Tawau Level 1 (Whole Unit)
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Cozy Zone (Homestay)
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Welcome To Kim_Homestay.
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
MY Homestay
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
WW Journey HomeStay
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Tawau?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Tawau based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yi Weun | 5 | $41,313 | 168 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Wendy | 8 | $22,196 | 31 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Grace Homestay | 2 | $17,186 | 95 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Tet Yang | 3 | $12,102 | 23 | 4.77/5.0 |
| Fadzil | 2 | $11,147 | 33 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Haur | 1 | $10,956 | 21 | 4.57/5.0 |
| Terrie | 4 | $10,747 | 138 | 4.62/5.0 |
| 镛 | 3 | $9,286 | 10 | 4.75/5.0 |
| Kimberly | 1 | $9,276 | 5 | 4.80/5.0 |
| Liew | 2 | $7,958 | 46 | 4.76/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Tawau.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Tawau?
Tawau has a relatively balanced host base.
Host Profile Insights for Tawau
- Only 18.2% of hosts hold Superhost status, suggesting a relatively young or casual market where quality improvements can pay outsized dividends.
- 6.5% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 49.4% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. Lower adoption suggests a market with more independent hosts managing listings directly through Airbnb.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 31.2% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Tawau averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
How Does Tawau's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Tawau Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with Tanjung Aru, Tawau has 9 percentage points lower occupancy and about $1 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kundasang | 27 | $1,276 | $133.56 | 31% |
| Dumpiring Atas | 10 | $785 | $89.48 | 22% |
| Kota Kinabalu | 1,547 | $604 | $83.04 | 31% |
| Tanjung Aru | 179 | $570 | $63.21 | 32% |
| Api-Api Center | 42 | $509 | $70.69 | 28% |
| Putatan | 17 | $458 | $82.96 | 19% |
| Semporna | 215 | $449 | $79.79 | 24% |
| Kampung Sembulan Lama | 147 | $426 | $92.51 | 26% |
| Sandakan | 152 | $311 | $58.39 | 24% |
| Lahad Datu | 21 | $227 | $58.33 | 20% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Tawau
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Tawau.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Tawau?
Tawau hosts earn about $3,546 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $62 and RevPAR of $14. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Tawau, Sabah, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Tawau market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Tawau?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Tawau is 22.6%. October is the strongest month and July is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Tawau?
Listings in Tawau average $62 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Tawau?
Tawau currently has about 77 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Tawau?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Tawau as Low. The dataset also shows about 1.3% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Tawau?
RevPAR in Tawau is about $14. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Tawau?
Occupancy of 22.6% means Tawau is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $3,546, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Tawau?
The average booking lead time in Tawau is about 34 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Tawau?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Tawau include Tawau Town, Semporna, Kota Kinabalu. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Tawau?
entire_home listings make up 77.9% of the active supply in Tawau. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Tawau compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Kundasang posts $15,313 in average annual revenue with 31.4% occupancy, compared to Tawau's $3,546 and 22.6%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Tawau?
The average Airbnb stay length in Tawau is about 3.3 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Tawau?
Airbnb listings in Tawau average 4.76 out of 5 overall. About 18.2% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Tawau?
Mosquito net and Cleaning before checkout are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Tawau. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Tawau?
Yes. About 49.4% of active Airbnb listings in Tawau charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $9. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Tawau?
Only 18.2% of hosts hold Superhost status, suggesting the market has a large share of newer or less active operators — an opportunity for committed hosts to stand out.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.