Malaysia - the Ideal Destination for Overseas International Education

Malaysia is a friendly nation with visa-free arrangements for travellers from China and India. It is also one of the education hubs for international education in South East Asia.

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)

The Malaysia My Second Home programme, introduced by the Malaysian government, offers qualified foreigners a freely enterable visa for up to five years, with the option to renew upon expiration.

Unique Geographical Beauty

Sabah, located in the East Malaysia region of Malaysia, is renowned for its diverse geographical features, including magnificent mountains, dense rainforests, mysterious caves and enchanting beaches. Mount Kinabalu is one of Southeast Asia's highest peaks, attracting adventurers and climbers.

Natural Scenery

Tawau, situated on the east coast of Sabah, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Semporna is a district within the Tawau division, and it takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours by car from Tawau Airport to Semporna. It has many Island resorts with golden sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and blue skies form a picturesque coastal scene. At sunset, coconut trees along the coastline sway in the breeze, adding tranquillity and romance to the land.

Diving, Snorkelling and Island Hopping

Semporna boasts various islands of different sizes, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful coral reefs and marine life. It's also possible to obtain your PADI diving license here.

For a tranquil retreat in a beautiful seaside resort, visitors can book accommodations to enjoy the sun, beaches and sea.

Semporna is also one of the world's famous diving destinations, attracting diving enthusiasts with its rich marine ecosystem. The Sipadan Strait is a much sought-after location for divers, featuring diverse coral formations and tropical fish, injecting vitality into the diving experience.

Mountain Climbing and Nature Activities

Apart from water activities, Semporna offers opportunities to get close to nature. Put on your hiking shoes and trek to the picturesque summit of Bohey Dulang Island. Additionally, experience close encounters with nature on a river cruise, searching for the long-nosed monkeys unique to Borneo!

After an initial incident involving kidnappings, the government established military bases and patrols in the region, with a strong focus on popular tourist spots and islands. Special forces are deployed to ensure the security of Semporna's coastline. Increased patrols allow visitors to enjoy their time without worries.

As a coastal city, Tawau is famous for its fresh and delicious seafood. Visitors can savour a variety of seafood dishes, from spicy seafood hot pot to refreshing seafood salad, satisfying the taste buds of food connoisseurs. In addition to local fruits, durian lovers are in for a treat, as Tawau produces its own durians, sparing enthusiasts from travel hassles.

There are many restaurants offering an international arrays of cuisines in town. All the famous fast-food restaurants such as McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut and many others are available in town.

Dining costs range from MYR10-30 for a budget meal, MYR30-50 for a mid-range meal, and seafood dishes may cost more, between MYR50-100, if a large quantity is purchased.

Traditional Cultural Festivals

Tawau preserves rich traditional cultures and celebrates various festivals annually, such as Hari Raya Puasa, Chinese New Year, Wesak Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival and Harvest Festival. Malaysia's diverse ethnicities ensure a year-round array of celebrations, exemplifying a harmonious multicultural society.

On the first day of Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims go to mosques to pray and seek forgiveness from family and friends. Many Muslims host "open houses," welcoming neighbours and friends to join the celebration and enjoy festive food.

In East Malaysia, during the months of May and June, which is the harvest season for rice, indigenous people celebrate the Harvest Festival. It is a time to thank the heavens for the past year's blessings and anticipate a more abundant year ahead.

Christmas is also celebrated in Sabah in a harmonious way by the people of all religions and cultures.

Cultural Diversity

Malaysia is a culturally diverse country with multiple ethnicities, religions and cultures. On this land, various ethnic groups have come together to create a rich tapestry of traditions. The coexistence of different cultures has formed the unique and distinctive Malaysian culture.

In the 2018 Global Peace Index, determined by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), Malaysia was ranked as the world's third most peaceful country. Today, Malaysia's relations with neighbouring countries are increasingly stable. These factors lay a solid foundation for Malaysia to become an innovative society.

Sabah, known as the "Land Below The Wind", is shielded from typhoons that frequently hit the Philippines, located to the north of Sabah. It is also relatively free from other forms of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and volcanos.

The population in Sabah is diverse, including Chinese, Malays and indigenous communities like the Dusun. The term "Sabahan" is used to refer to people from Sabah, representing all ethnicities without distinction of race and religion, symbolising a harmonious coexistence.

Transportation and Convenience

In terms of public transportation, Tawau has electronic ride-hailing services provided by three different companies: GRAB, AIRASIA, and MAXIM. As an app-based service, prices are transparent, users can rate drivers, and GPS tracking provides a relatively safe experience. The small size of Tawau area ensures that prices remain reasonable.

Leisure and Entertainment

Apart from its natural beauty, Tawau offers various leisure and entertainment activities. Visitors can enjoy the sun on the beaches, participate in water sports, or savour local cuisine and handicrafts at the local markets.

The weather in Sabah remains relatively consistent throughout the year, typically hot and sunny. The hottest months are April, May and June.