While there are promising signs that the global craft beer revolution is finally starting to infiltrate Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, the rest of Malaysia finds itself lagging behind.
However, this has not prevented cracks from appearing in the Carlsberg and Heineken-held duopoly that has dominated the Malaysian beer market for decades. Up and down the western shores of the peninsula, and along Borneo’s northern coastline, craft beers are becoming more accessible too. In order to celebrate this encouraging trend, we have compiled a series of guides to help you get your craft fix outside of the Klang Valley metropolitan area.
Unfortunately, for the time being, it is still a case of slim pickings. This is why we have decided to include a number of bars and restaurants that, at present, do not serve craft beer but are well worth a visit regardless.
In this third instalment of Beer Asia’s Malaysian Beer Guides, we will be taking you on a voyage east across the South China Sea to the third largest island on earth – Borneo. Roughly 75% of Borneo is governed by Indonesia; Malaysia and the tiny Sultanate of Brunei assert their sovereignty over the island’s northern section.
The Malaysian part of Borneo is divided into two states: Sarawak and Sabah. On our journey, we will weave our way through Sarawak, sidestep past Brunei, and follow the looping Sabahan coastline all the way down to the Indonesian border. En route, you will be introduced to some of the best places to grab a beer. Should this inspire you to visit these spots in person, all the better!
Sarawak
Roughly 700 km of seawater separate the southeastern tip of Johor and the westernmost point of Sarawak. From there, Malaysia’s largest state stretches north-eastward along Borneo’s northern shores for a further 800 km.
Although Sarawak’s total land area amounts to 90% of West Malaysia as a whole, its population is only about one-tenth the size of the peninsula’s. Outside of a handful of major population centres, dense rainforests, vast agricultural holdings, and peat swamps typify the abundance of space.
Nicknamed “The Land of the Hornbills”, Sarawak’s history and demographics are as colourful as the bony casques – also referred to as helmets – atop these gracious birds’ beaks. The state’s diverse population comprises in excess of 40 ethnicities, each with their own language, customs, and traditions.
Various indigenous groups have inhabited the territory for thousands of years, including the Iban (also known as Land Dayaks), Bidayuh (Sea Dayaks), Melanau, and numerous smaller tribes. Among some of these groups, the hornbill is considered to be an earthly representation of the Almighty. For example, it is believed that the sight of one gliding over a residence or settlement will bring good luck to their inhabitants.
A History of its Own
In the early 1500s, at the dawn of the age of maritime exploration, the first Europeans set foot on Sarawakian soil. However, this Portuguese contingency’s presence was purely exploratory, its primary objective being the establishment of control over the Spice Islands (modern-day Indonesia).
Back then, Sarawak was part of the once vast Bruneian Empire. This remained the case until a British adventurer and former military officer named James Brooke entered the fold in 1839.
At the time of Brooke’s arrival, Sarawak was in turmoil due to a rebellion against the Sultan of Brunei’s appointed governor. Seeing an opportunity to win the Sultan’s favour, the charismatic son of a British East India Company judge offered his assistance in quelling the rebellion.
Using his own resources, including a well-armed ship and small crew, Brooke succeeded in restoring order. As a token of gratitude, the Sultan granted him the title “Rajah” of Sarawak in 1842, thus making him the de facto ruler of the territory.
In this capacity, Brooke proved himself to be a benevolent autocrat, preferring a paternalistic approach over the coarse methods of subjection he had witnessed during his youth in colonial India.
In Sarawak, Brooke established a stable government, promoted trade, and worked hard to protect indigenous groups from piracy and exploitation. These efforts laid the foundations for a dynasty of “White Rajahs” that would last until 1946.
An Identity of its Own
In the immediate aftermath of World War II, during which Sarawak had been occupied by Japanese troops, the last “White Rajah” – Charles Vyner Brooke – ceded his personal kingdom to the British Crown. The territory’s status as a British colony would not last particularly long though; in 1963, independence was gained in order to become one of the founding states of Malaysia.
As part of the agreement that made it all possible, Sarawak retained certain autonomous rights. Matters related to immigration as well as land and forest management are dealt with at state level, with little to no interference from K.L. To this day, even Malaysian citizens require all sorts of permits to work or settle in the state while native customary laws are upheld when settling land disputes involving indigenous peoples.
Furthermore, and in contrast to the rest of the country, English is recognised as an official administrative language alongside Malay.
Sarawak and the peninsula also differ considerably in terms of religious composition. While Islam is closely tied with Malay identity on the mainland, Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia with a Christian majority. Buddhism and indigenous beliefs are also practiced, albeit by smaller segments of the population.
As you may have already surmised, such pluralistic settings are key in nurturing traditional drinking customs.
A Drinking Culture of its Own
The communal consumption of alcoholic beverages – most notably tuak (rice wine) – plays an integral role in many age-old celebrations and rituals. Moreover, on a day-to-day basis, pouring a drink for someone is considered an act of hospitality and camaraderie.
Made by adding water and sugar or honey to fermented glutinous rice, tuak is most popular amongst the wider Dayak community. And especially during Gawai, the annual harvest festival. Other alcoholic beverages such as langkau – a distilled, more potent version of tuak – and arak – an even stronger spirit made from rice- and other grains – are equally in demand.
Nevertheless, the drinking prowess of the natives is consistently underestimated by the outside world. There are plenty of stories that tell of visitors walking up the steps of a longhouse – an elongated wooden structure on stilts that commonly houses between 20 and 30 families – to partake in a celebration of some kind only to be carried back to the car at the end of the night.
A longhouse is divided in half down its length; one side is further partitioned into separate family quarters, each connected to a large, open gallery that functions as a shared space.
When entering for the first time, good manners dictate that visitors take a moment to introduce themselves to the head of every household. In all likelihood, this person will be thrilled to meet their guest(s) and offer them a drink. Now, it would be rude of the guest to refuse, wouldn’t it? Can you see where this is going?!
A Beer Scene of its Own?
While there are no longhouses listed among the venues below, the alternatives presented in this guide are equally conducive to memorable experiences.
Our journey through Sarawak kicks off in the state capital Kuching, makes a brief detour west into the district of Bau, then circles back onto the Pan-Borneo Highway – which, in reality, is principally a two lane road.
Proceeding in a northeasterly direction, we will stop in the river port city of Sibu before continuing on the long road to Miri, a regional petroleum hub located a stone’s throw west of the Bruneian border.
Does all this sound somewhat daunting? Try reminding yourself that the reward is in the adventure itself and that the beers will taste all the better for it! With that said, let us be on our way…
Kuching
1602 Life Bar
Not only is Kuching the administrative, economic, and cultural centre of the state, the city is also home to a trailblazing brewery – Malaysia’s very first licensed craft brewery, to be exact!
1602 Craft Beer is doing local beer lovers proud with a range of four brews – the Fountain Lager, Jungle Pale Ale, Hunter Extra Dark, and Wheat Beer – that are the product of traditional European brewing techniques being deftly applied to locally sourced ingredients.
All four brews are available on tap at 1602 Life Bar as well as JP Bistro 1602, both listed below. The former occupies the outer, roadside section of Lagenda Hills Seafood Restaurant; the latter also offers a wider selection of bottled beers, wines, and cocktails.
The name 1602 refers to the year in which two, until now seemingly unrelated, events took place. For starters, it was the year that modern lager yeast was first spawned from a mixture of wheat and dark beer yeasts. Known as Pasteur yeast, it remains the dominant strain of lager yeast to this day.
It was also in 1602 that the island of Borneo was first mapped by the Dutch. Over four centuries later, 1602 Craft Beer is putting Sarawak on the map in equally illuminative fashion.
1602 Craft Beer is served at close to 40 venues across Kuching, some of whom we will get round to in due time. The brewery also has a delivery service so you can just as easily order in a few 2 litre growlers if you don’t feel like going anywhere.
1602 Life Bar
- Address
109, Q5A, Kampung Kenyalang Park, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 16 292 1602
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Check-in on Untappd
- Operating hours
14:15PM – 1AM daily
JP Bistro 1602
- Address
75, RH Plaza, Jln Stutong Baru, Sedc Woodhouse, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 16 292 1602
Drunk Monkey Old Street Bar
A bar without a sign that is, nevertheless, easy to find. Located in Kuching’s historic Waterfront area, Drunk Monkey Old Street Bar blends in perfectly with the prevailing vintage aesthetic. While the inside section is a little bit cramped, the bar’s outside seating section is covered with natural foliage and thus ideal for an afternoon session.
Drunk Monkey pours 1602 Craft Beer, Tiger, and Guinness from the tap. A handful of mainstream beers, among them Kronenbourg, are available by the bottle. This also applies to Somersby and Apple Fox Cider.
If you’re in the mood for something stronger, you may consider ordering a glass of tuak. The venue does not have a kitchen of its own but food can be ordered from a host of nearby eateries.
- Address
68, Carpenter St, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 12 842 8188
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
Saturday – Thursday: 12PM – 2AM
Friday: 12PM – 12:30AM
Porkie’s By Flavours
A spacious restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating areas, Porkie’s serves a variety of imported bottled beers to compliment its extensive food menu.
Would you like a Schneider Weisse Bayrisch Hell with your Tower Burger? Or maybe a Kristallweizen with that tempting Po’ Boy Burger? You could have a Hitachino Nest ale with some burritos or tacos too. Feeling a Flensburger with your rack of lamb, maybe? Why, there’s five different brews to choose from – Pilsner, Dunkel; you name it.
Disclaimer: Be prepared to leave feeling slightly over-saturated!
- Address
42, Jalan Song, Tabuan Heights Commercial Centre, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 82 296 462
- Like on Facebook
- Operating hours
Saturday – Thursday: 12PM – 2AM
Friday: 12PM – 12:30AM
Monkee Bar Bistro
As the name suggests, the next venue on our list is very much adorned with monkey-related decor. Located within walking distance of the Kuching Waterfront, Monkee Bar serves 1602 Craft Beer on tap as well as a range of canned and bottled mainstream beers at affordable prices.
The canned selection, which includes the likes of Tiger, Chang, and Tsing Tao, can also be purchased by the crate.
- Address
Ground Floor Lot 149, Section 47 Jalan Song Thian Cheok, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 16 851 1250
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
4PM – 2AM daily
Mike’s Smokehouse
Primarily known for its signature pork ribs, pork chops the size of slabs, and juicy burgers, Mike’s Smokehouse offers a modest selection of imported brews as well.
Be aware, however, that limited availability and gaps in supply are persistent issues that could leave you feeling high and dry. Hence, a little bit of luck, or good timing – whatever you want to call it – is of the essence.
- Address
12, Green Heights Commercial Centre, Jalan Lapangan Terbang, Green Heights, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 12 368 5978
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
Tuesday – Sunday: 5:30PM – 10PM
Monday: Closed
ZOZO Beans & Booze
At ZOZO, there’s something for everybody. The wine list is long, the ala carte menu diverse and extensive; there are cocktails aplenty and cigars to go with your scotch. They even do a range of Irish coffee-inspired blends here, if that’s your thing.
Several mainstream beers are available on tap, including Connor’s, Asahi, and Kronenbourg. Somersby Apple Cider is served in bottles or by the bucket – of five bottles, that is!
- Address
Jalan Song, Tabuan Heights, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 12 205 6080
- Like on Facebook
- Operating hours
11AM – 12AM daily
Siniawan
The Bikalan
Some 20 km south west of Kuching city centre, along the main road to Bau, lies a small town called Siniawan. Once a bustling centre of trade, Siniawan’s origins can be traced back to the 1840s when the site was settled by a group of Hakka Chinese merchants looking to capitalise on the gold rush in nearby Bau.
Nowadays, the place is a ghost town during daylight hours but comes alive at night and during weekends. The famous Siniawan night market plays a pivotal role in this cycle, the presence of The Bikalan is another crucial factor.
The Bikalan is a bar situated in a renovated wooden shop house that was originally constructed in the 1920’s. The renovation was carried out by local labourers applying traditional construction techniques; recycled materials were utilised where possible. The end result is an authentic historical decor foreseen of modern comforts and entertainment.
A number of mainstream beers are available on tap, by the bottle or in cans. From time to time, the canned selection may include the likes of Estrella, San Miguel, Chang, and Bia Saigon. Tuak and langkau, on the other hand, are both constant staples. Food-wise, The Bikalan specialises in local Bidayuh cuisine and serves a few Western dishes as well.
- Address
33 Pekan Siniawan, Siniawan, 94000 Bau, Sarawak - Open location on Google Maps
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
Tuesday – Thursday: 4PM – 12AM
Friday – Sunday: 3PM – 12AM
Monday : Closed
Sibu
The Lambor
Inspired by the traditional British pub, The Lambor is a bar and bistro that serves 1602 Craft Beer and Connor’s Stout on tap alongside the usual variety of mainstream brews.
The venue regularly organises live music events involving DJs and karaoke nights so be prepared for decibel levels to skyrocket from one moment to the next.
- Address
Lot 804, No, 59, Jalan Lau King Howe, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 10 816 8228
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
3PM – 12AM daily
Miri
Beer O’Clock
A self-service bar that stocks over 100 imported beers in cans and bottles, including Chimay, Flensburger, Franziskaner, Dester, and Taiwan Beer.
The concept is simple: Patrons pick up a bucket on their way to the row of fridges on one side of the bar, fill said bucket with their brews of choice, pay at the counter, then add ice to the bucket before embarking on their session.
Whether you’re looking to rekindle with some old favourites or sample a few potential keepers, this is your place!
- Address
Lot 2287, Marina Square Phase 2, Marina Parkcity, 98000 Miri, Sarawak - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 19 888 6336
- Like on Facebook
- Operating hours
4PM – 12AM daily
The Blackbird Wine Bar
Situated across the intersection from Beer O’Clock, The Blackbird is a wine bar that also has a few tasty beers on draught. Among them, you will find 1602 Craft Beer, Connor’s, and – as of mid-August 2024 – Sapporo.
Praised for its excellent service, the venue has gained quite a bit of traction among Miri’s expat community. Nevertheless, prices remain affordable and the atmosphere inclusive (instead of bougie).
- Address
Lot 1962, Marina Square Phase 2, Marina Parkcity, 98000 Miri, Sarawak - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 11 1668 4257
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
3PM – 2AM daily
Black & Brick
A no frills bar and grill with 1602 Craft Beer, Connor’s, and Carlsberg on tap. Certain dishes, like the babi panggang (roast pork), can take up to 30 minutes to prepare so you’ll have ample time to drink up an appetite.
- Address
Lot 3032, Ground Floor Morsjaya Commercial Centre, Jalan Airport, 98000 Miri, Sarawak - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 16 873 8851
- Like on Facebook
- Operating hours
2PM – 12AM daily
Sabah
Much like its neighbour to the west, Sabah’s history and cultural landscape differ markedly from that of Peninsular Malaysia. Having said that, while Sabah does enjoy levels of autonomy similar to those granted to Sarawak, there are plenty of distinct contrasts between the two East Malaysian states that are worth highlighting.
North Borneo: A Brief History
A large chunk of modern-day Sabah also fell under the Brunei Sultinate in the 15th and 16th centuries. In those days, the northernmost part of Borneo was already an important trading hub, attracting merchants from China, India, and the Arab world.
In the 17th century, the territory was placed at the disposal of the Sultan of Sulu – who ruled over a chain of islands in what is now the southern Philippines – in return for military aid. As was the case in Sarawak, local uprisings were rife in these parts too.
In the late 1870s, the Sultans of Brunei and Sulu agreed to lease the territory to a group of European entrepreneurs. These rights were later transferred to the British North Borneo Company (BNBC), which saw to it that Sabah was effectively administered as a private company colony from 1881 onwards.
The Japanese occupation during World War II was marked by harsh rule and fervent, widespread local resistance. By the time the worst of the nightmare had come to an end, the BNBC no longer possessed the resources required to manage the territory and Sabah was unceremoniously passed on to the British Crown in 1946.
The territory’s inclusion in the Federation of Malaysia in 1963 was endorsed by a United Nations mission that ascertained the preferences of the Sabahan people regarding the legislative future of their home. Back then and to this day, the Philippines lay claim to Sabah based on the state’s historical ties to the Sulu Sultinate. This claim is not recognised by Malaysia.
Sabah has undergone significant development since joining Malaysia but still faces numerous steep challenges, such as rural poverty, illegal immigration, and disputes over land and other natural resources.
A Taste for Moonshine
While the number of ethnic groups inhabiting Sabah is comparable to Sarawak (around 40), almost two-thirds of the Sabahan population is Muslim. In spite of that, the state has adopted a fairly relaxed stance on the production and sale of booze.
Alcoholic beverages are an indispensable feature of a host of traditional celebrations and rituals, most notably Pesta Kaamatan. This annual harvest festival celebrating the end of the rice-planting season is observed with particular fervour by the Kadazan-Dusun, Murut, and Rungus communities but has been embraced by all Sabahans.
The drinking culture in Sabah also resembles Sarawakian practices in terms of etiquette. In many indigenous communities, it is customary to offer the elders a drink first as a sign of respect. As is the case across the western border, sharing a drink is a hallmark of Sabahan hospitality and refusing one that is offered to you can be considered impolite.
There are several alcoholic beverages that have consistently been brewed in Sabah over the ages. For starters, there is tapai, a mild inebriant made from fermented rice, cassava, or other grains. Tapai is typically consumed in a group setting, with friends and family using straws to take sips from a large jar or bamboo container. The drink is especially popular among the Kadazan-Dusun and Murut peoples.
Then we have lihing, a type of rice wine specific to the Kadazan-Dusun and an essential part of any Pesta Kaamatan or wedding celebration. Lihing has a light golden colour and is both stronger and sweeter than tapai.
The Kadazan-Dusun have also been known to be partial to montoku, a distilled version of lihing. Due to its high alcohol content, montoku is widely known as “Sabah moonshine”.
The North Borneo Beer Scene
In recent years, a trend of mixing traditional drinks in modern cocktails has been on the rise. This fusion appeals to locals and visitors alike. This burgeoning interest in artisanal spirits is drawing more attention to craft beers too.
Our excursion through the Sabah beer scene follows the Pan-Borneo Highway to Kota Kinabalu (KK), the state capital. From there, we will cut across the interior to Sandakan, a major port on Sabah’s eastern shoreline. After that, we will be heading southwards to the coastal town of Semporna and then on to Tawau, some 50 km removed from the Indonesian border.
Kota Kinabalu
UINAH Premium Craft Beverage
We may as well make it clear from the get go: UINAH is not a craft beer brewery. Founded on a fondness for ginger beer that climaxed in the launch of the Ginger Land and Roselle Paradise (non-alcoholic) beverages in 2019, the company has since diversified its range of products to include ginger powder and honey.
For instance, UINAH’s Borneo Kelulut Honey comes from the Trigona bee, a stingless species endemic to the island. Famous for its anti-ageing benefits, this honey is considered a super food and is much sought after by health fanatics.
All of UINAH’s five botanical beverages – which also include the Honey Meadow, Lime Forest, and Pomelo Spring – are made with locally sourced ingredients and do not contain any artificial colouring or flavours.
These brews can be purchased at over 40 bars, restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets around KK and in Tawau. They are also available at several nature reserves outside of Sandakan and Lahad Datu. What’s more, UINAH products have started making their way to a couple of venues in Singapore too.
Remember the name.
- Address
No 18, Lot B9, Amenity Centre Jalan 1A, KKIP Selatan Industrial Zone 1, 88460 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 10 293 7900
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
Monday – Friday: 8:30AM – 5PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Tapai Speakeasy
Representing the speakeasy concept in its purest form, Tapai is rather difficult to find. Located in the old commercial district between Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal and Merdeka Square, in a shop lot that used to house a lifestyle cafe that doubled as a caterer, you would be excused for walking past the place without giving it so much as a second glance.
Those who do enter, however, can treat themselves to an assortment of locally-inspired cocktails (it’s all in the name…) and mainstream beers. Not to forget Uinah Ginger Land!
A variety of local and western dishes are served too. All in all, a nice, chilled out spot where one can wind down after a hectic day or week – and we strongly recommend that you take some time to wind down at least once a week!
- Address
117, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +601110713896
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
Monday-Saturday: 4PM – 12AM
Sunday: Closed
The Other Side
Located in the coastal neighbourhood of Tanjung Aru, adjacent to the runway of KK’s international airport, The Other Side is a cocktail bar famed for its interesting and tantalising combinations. Local liquors and condiments are utilised where possible. They also serve a butter beer, which is proving to be a hit!
- Address
Ground Floor, Lot-5, TNK Commercial Centre, Lrg TNK, Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 14 399 9732
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday : 3PM – 12AM
Friday & Saturday: 4PM – 1AM
Monday : Closed
Bottle Haus KK
A wine bar that advertises craft beers but no longer consistently stocks any. Nevertheless, if you’re willing to take the risk and luck is on your side, there may very well be some 1602 Craft Beer – or another welcome surprise – in it for you.
- Address
Lot 21, Ground Floor, Block D, Phase 3, Jalan Damai, Luyang Commercial Centre, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 88 215 810
- Like on Facebook
- Operating hours
Monday – Thursday & Saturday: 2PM – 11PM
Friday: 2PM – 12AM
Sunday: Closed
Sandakan
Beer Buddy
Our first stop on the shores of the Sulu Sea, Sandakan is sometimes called “Little Hong Kong” in reference to its large Chinese population.
The city acts as a gateway to Sabah’s ecotourism hotspots, such as the Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre and the Kinabatangan River wildlife sanctuary.
There is not a whole lot going on in Sandakan when it comes to R & R but Beer Buddy, located on the ground floor of Hotel Mutiara Emas, is definitely worth paying a visit. The venue’s staff members are welcoming and diligent, the vibe is easy-going, live music performances take place almost every weekend, and Tiger, Heineken, and Guinness are poured every evening.
- Address
Prima Square, Lot 171, Block 18A, Ground Floor, Lor Prima 6, Batu 4, Jalan Utara, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 17 231 8997
- Like on Facebook
- Operating hours
4PM – 12AM daily
Semporna
Borneo Empire Cafe & Bistro
Next, we will be stopping in Semporna, a town of approximately 80,000 inhabitants best known for its proximity to some of the world’s best diving spots. From here, tourists can board a boat to Sipadan Island and tend to do so as quickly as possible. When such an abundance of natural beauty awaits, who can blame them?!
If you do hang around long enough to grab a beer or two, be sure to check out Borneo Empire. Its open and breezy seating area overlooks a congregation of food stalls as well as a futsal court.
Taking that into consideration, you might as well stay in Semporna long enough for a little kick-about and a few mainstream beers to cool down afterwards.
- Address
Jalan Bubul KM, 1, Pekan Semporna, 91307 Semporna, Sabah - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 19 820 2855
- Like on Facebook
- Operating hours
11:30AM – 12AM daily
Tawau
The Beer Factory
In conclusion of our journey, we touch down in Tawau. Built on a vibrant, agriculture-driven economy, Sabah’s second most-populous city is surrounded by palm oil, cocoa, and rubber plantations. Its port also plays a crucial role in the trade with neighbouring Indonesia.
The Beer Factory Tawau is the first foray into East Malaysia by a nationwide brand that operates 13 venues across the peninsula.
Apart from a solid range of mainstream beers and a wide variety of local as well as western food, there is plenty of soju to go around. You can even order towers that contain multiple bottles of soju mixed with Tiger Crystal. Quite the way to round off an epic road trip, as far as we’re concerned!
- Address
Lot A1.12.0-A1.13.0, Ground Floor, Garden City, KM 5, 1/2, Jalan Apas, 91000 Tawau, Sabah - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 10 255 3680
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
4PM – 12AM daily
