The name ‘Tawai’ is believed to be derived from the tawai tree, which once grew wild in the area and served as a natural marker of early human settlement. Kampung Tawai is generally located in the District of Gerik, Hulu Perak, in the state of Perak Darul Ridzuan. It is situated near the East–West Highway (Gerik–Jeli), which connects the states of Perak and Kelantan.