Tanjung Aru Beach: A Guide to One of the Best Sunset Spots in Malaysia

Oleh 🌍The Merdeka Migrant🌍

15 September 2023

Have you ever dreamed of watching the sun set over the horizon, painting the sky and sea with a myriad of colors? If so, you should definitely visit Tanjung Aru Beach, one of the best sunset spots in Malaysia. Tanjung Aru Beach is a popular beach located in Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah, a state in East Malaysia. The name Tanjung Aru means “casuarina cape” in Malay, as the beach is lined with casuarina trees that provide shade and beauty. The beach is also known for its soft white sand, clear blue water, and gentle breeze that make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.

In this article, we will guide you through what to do, see, and eat at Tanjung Aru Beach, and give you some tips for visiting this amazing destination. Whether you are looking for some fun activities, some stunning views, or some delicious food, Tanjung Aru Beach has something for everyone. So, let’s get started!

How to Go to Tanjung Aru Beach

Tanjung Aru Beach is located only 6 km south of Kota Kinabalu city center, and you can get there by taxi, bus, or car. Here are some details about each option:

Taxi

Taking a taxi is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Tanjung Aru Beach, as it will take you directly to your destination without any stops or transfers.
However, it is also the most expensive option, as it will cost you around RM 20 to RM 30 (USD 5 to USD 7) for a one-way trip. You can find taxis at the airport, hotels, or shopping malls. You can also use apps such as Grab or MyCar to book a taxi online.

Bus

Taking a bus is the cheapest and most eco-friendly way to get to Tanjung Aru Beach, as it will cost you only RM 2 (USD 0.5) for a one-way trip. However, it is also the slowest and least comfortable option, as it will take you about 20 minutes and you may have to wait for the bus or change buses along the way.
You can take bus number 16 from the city center or bus number 16A from the airport. The buses run from 6:30 am to 8 pm daily. You can find the bus stops near City Hall and Wawasan Plaza in the southern part of Kota Kinabalu.

Car

Taking a car is the most flexible and convenient option, as it will give you more control over your time and route. You can rent a car from various agencies in the city or at the airport, or you can use apps such as GoCar or SOCAR to book a car online. The drive to Tanjung Aru Beach will take about 15 minutes, and you can follow the signs along Jalan Mat Salleh or Jalan Kepayan.

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What to Do at Tanjung Aru Beach

One of the best things about Tanjung Aru Beach is that there are so many things to do there. You can choose to swim in the warm and calm sea, sunbathe on the soft and clean sand, or play some water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, banana boating, and more. You can also rent a bicycle or a scooter and explore the beach and its surroundings. There are also several jogging and walking paths along the beach that offer scenic views and fresh air.

If you are looking for some attractions near the beach, you can check out Tanjung Aru Perdana Park, a beautiful park that features a musical fountain, a children’s playground, a reflexology path, and a cultural village. You can also hop on the North Borneo Railway, a steam train that takes you on a nostalgic journey through the countryside of Sabah. Or, if you want to splurge on some luxury, you can visit Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, a five-star hotel that offers world-class amenities and services.

Shangri La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu

No. 20, Jalan Aru | 5.01km from downtown

Breakfast

Airport pickup service

Gym

Spa

Wi-Fi

Parking

Check Availability

For the best accomodations around Tanjung Aru Beach, here's a list of hotels that we personally recommend!

Best Hotels around Tanjung Aru

5 star

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

8.9/10Very Good1663 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.77km dari pusat bandar

The room's cleanliness was decent, nothing overtly uncomfortable. As for the environment: it's located by the sea, but the area downstairs isn't great. It's essentially just one building, lacking a proper hotel ambiance, perhaps comparable to an Atour Hotel in China. The hotel hasn't been open for long, but the facilities already look a bit dated. There are plenty of dining options not far from the hotel, which makes getting around quite convenient. However, I booked this only a few days before my trip, and around 1200 for a city view room still felt a bit pricey. The breakfast was disappointing; it lacked any distinctive features or anything noteworthy.

DariRM442

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

9.1/10Great1790 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.11km dari pusat bandar

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu — a stay worth having! ✨🌴 Loved the location—super convenient and easily accessible, with Gaya Street Market and the Api-Api Night Market just nearby. The hotel staff were prompt, warm and polite, making the stay even more enjoyable. 💕 And the breakfast spread? Plenty of choices and a great way to start the day! 🍳🥐☕️ Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu. Great location, excellent service and a comfortable stay—definitely worth it! ⭐️

DariRM376

The Magellan Sutera Resort

8.5/10Very Good1699 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|2.69km dari pusat bandar

The room hygiene was pretty good. The environment was mostly fine, quite suitable for taking photos and checking in. There weren't many people watching the sunset in the afternoon, so overall it was good. As for service, it was okay after check-in, and they offered luggage storage. However, the hotel's policy of a unified check-in time at 3:00 PM, with no early check-in allowed, feels a bit inhumane. Are all rooms only cleaned by 3:00 PM? Shouldn't guests be notified for check-in as soon as a room is ready? We even had to queue for breakfast in the morning. I was aware that the facilities were old beforehand, so that was acceptable. You can snorkel at the hotel, and there are quite a lot of fish. Also, you can see sea urchins by the beach next to one of the swimming pools.

DariRM602

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

8.8/10Very Good2909 Ulasan

Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu|5.01km dari pusat bandar

This is the first time I've experienced ”wasting time” not as a derogatory term. Here, both your mind and the days slow down, not just because Tanjung Aru boasts the most beautiful sunsets, but because of every plant, every service within the hotel, and the meeting of the ocean with Shangri-La, which collectively created an unforgettable experience for us. I highly recommend the ground floor patio rooms, where the balcony leads directly to the lawn! You can witness one of the world's top three sunsets and the iconic Sunset Bar. I loved the peaceful mornings here, listening to the sea breeze on a lounge chair and watching seagulls glide over the ocean. In the evenings, there's none of the hustle and bustle of the public beach, only melodious songs, paired with a margarita, truly allowing time to slow down. I suggest staying for at least 5 nights; if you're lucky, you might even catch a unique event. The hotel's Chinese restaurant is highly recommended; it leans towards Cantonese cuisine, with prices being mid-to-high, but it definitely satisfies Chinese palates.

DariRM1,080

Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

8.8/10Very Good1933 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.36km dari pusat bandar

The hotel's infinity pool was great, my family loved it, a real bonus. The breakfast was also quite substantial. The facilities are a bit old, though. The two 1.35m beds are perfect for families traveling with children. The price was a bit high for the summer. Our city view room was facing the street, and there was some noise from cars revving at night, but that's unavoidable if you're next to a main road. We were so tired we slept soundly, so it didn't really bother us. The location is excellent, not far from Gaya Street, and there's a large farmers market nearby along the coast, as well as Imago Shopping Mall.

DariRM450

The Pacific Sutera Hotel

8.5/10Very Good1545 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|3.08km dari pusat bandar

It's already 2026, and they're still using these old-fashioned hairdryers that don't even reach far – they're so hard to use. And the air conditioning was so hot that I woke up seven times in one night. I basically suffered from insomnia for the two days I stayed there. The hygiene, however, was quite good. But I do have a small suggestion: when cleaning the room, please check if the shampoo and other amenities are sufficient and need refilling. Otherwise, guests won't have anything to use when they shower! 😵💫😵💫 Everything else was fine, really good. ❤️❤️

DariRM475

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

9.3/10Great1919 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.36km dari pusat bandar

Extremely satisfied! It's very close to Gaya Street, with Suria Sabah shopping mall right across the road, and the Jesselton Point ferry terminal is just a 5-10 minute walk away. When I checked in, I asked for a high floor, and the front desk happily gave me a room on the 19th floor with a great view. The room was very clean. The hotel's swimming pool was also fantastic, and my kids had a wonderful time. The breakfast buffet offered a good variety, and I particularly enjoyed their Indian section with three delicious curries. Staff even came to our table to offer Teh Tarik, and you could also order various international pastries from a special menu, free of charge, which weren't available at the main buffet.

DariRM523

Sheraton Kota Kinabalu

9.2/10Great288 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.88km dari pusat bandar

The hotel's cleaning service was very sloppy. The room was supposedly cleaned while I was out getting food, but when I came back, the trash on the floor hadn't been picked up. I stayed for three nights, and they didn't replace the slippers unless I called the front desk – I've never encountered that before. The service was also quite poor. I wouldn't say it was good or bad, but definitely indifferent. The first room we checked into was dirty, both the table and the floor, and the air quality was terrible. We were later moved to another room, which they called a complimentary upgrade (though it didn't really matter), and the air was noticeably better there. As for soundproofing, we were on the 17th floor, and there was basically no soundproofing at night. We could clearly hear the traffic downstairs and people singing during the day. I don't understand why they don't use soundproof windows these days? Overall, the stay was very unsatisfactory, and I'd say quite disappointing. The hotel's location is decent; it's 20 minutes to the airport, and the main streets are within walking distance, but they're all tourist traps, which was a letdown.

DariRM497

Jesselton Quay by Queenie

9.1/10Great4 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.85km dari pusat bandar

Stayed for 3 days and 2 nights. The unit is suitable for two couples, a small family, or a group of four. The location is near town, which is very convenient. The owner is easy to communicate with. There is no deposit required upon check-in, and the check-in process is simple—just follow the given instructions. Check-out is also easy; just leave the key in the mailbox. The unit has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a small living room with a TV, and a small kitchen. A refrigerator is provided. The water heater works well, and there are 3 air conditioners. The TV has Netflix available, but you need to use your own account. The lift is fast and not crowded. For reference: Parking is paid parking — approximately RM3 for the first 2 hours, then RM1 for subsequent hours, up to a maximum of RM15 per day. There is no washing machine in the unit, but a laundry is available on the ground floor. Guests have access to the swimming pool. For Muslim guests: no sejadah (prayer mat) is provided, so please bring your own. Note: Hopefully, the owner can continue maintaining the unit to be more Muslim-friendly, as we would love to stay here again in the future. Thank you.

DariRM170

Ritz Residence - A Member of The Luxury Hotel Group

9.3/10Great103 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|2.06km dari pusat bandar

Service: Absolutely fantastic! They provide complimentary waterproof phone pouches, raincoats, eye masks, and other little essentials. Plus, there are free iced drinks and, best of all, free laundry service – perfect for a trip to Sabah! The laundry is super fast too, and the housekeeper is very responsive to guests' needs. Facilities: Not great, actually. The space is small, and the apartment design has some issues. The shower stall has a tiny bathtub that's neither comfortable for a bath nor spacious enough for a shower. And the sink is a nightmare – water splashes everywhere the moment you wash your hands, so it feels like you're washing your hands and feet at the same time. Environment: It's an apartment within the Imago mall. Plane noise is quite noticeable, so I wouldn't recommend it if you're a light sleeper. Since everyone takes taxis around here, convenience of transportation isn't really an issue. There's also a fish noodle restaurant in the mall that wasn't very good. Cleanliness: Good. It was clean and tidy, with no visible stains.

DariRM249

Business travel

Ming Garden Hotel

8.2/10Very Good1109 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.9km dari pusat bandar

I booked this hotel before my trip, and since my flight arrived in the early hours, I emailed them in advance to ask if I could check in early. However, I never received a reply, even by the time I checked in. Do they not monitor their hotel email? The front desk staff all communicate in English, with only a few managers speaking a little Chinese. The room was quiet, clean, and odor-free. The hotel also offers car hire to Tanjung Aru Beach for sunset, but personally, if you know how to use Google Maps and Grab, taking a taxi yourself is more cost-effective and saves time.

DariRM204

Sky Hotel

8.2/10Very Good881 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.66km dari pusat bandar

Im very much enjoy my time while stay in this hotel..very convenient, the staf was very helpful..the ambience, was very good n calm..i will repeat n will suggest it to my friends n family to stay here..tq

DariRM119

Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre

8.1/10Very Good1417 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.5km dari pusat bandar

This hotel is centrally located in Kota Kinabalu, close to Gaya Street and the Suria Sabah shopping mall. They offer two-bedroom and three-bedroom suites, which are perfect if you're traveling with multiple families – definitely good value for money! The breakfast is decent, and housekeeping cleans the rooms daily. There's also a sky pool on the 25th floor, which is great for families with kids.

DariRM237

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.9/10Very Good2729 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.4km dari pusat bandar

We stayed here for two nights on a family trip. The location was excellent; we could walk to shopping malls and restaurants, which was very convenient. The staff were friendly, and check-in and check-out were smooth. The room, pool, and gym were kept clean, making for a comfortable stay. While we felt the breakfast could have had a bit more variety, overall, we were very satisfied and consider this hotel to offer great value for money. We would definitely like to stay here again when we visit Kota Kinabalu.

DariRM192

Grandis Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.5/10Very Good591 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.37km dari pusat bandar

Let's cut to the chase – this is an established, high-end hotel in Kota Kinabalu with decent service and a good location, still worth considering. The hotel is right next to Suria Sabah shopping mall. It's a short walk to Gaya Street, the Durian Night Market, and the new DBKK Jetty. While it might not be as luxurious as the Magellan Sutera or Shangri-La, it's incredibly convenient for food, shopping, and transportation. The decor feels a bit dated, leading to poor lighting, especially in the bathroom. The soundproofing for doors, windows, and walls is quite good, but the air conditioning is incredibly noisy. Also, the power outlets are outdated in terms of specifications and placement; not being able to charge devices by the bed is quite frustrating. Remember to bring a couple of extra travel adapters. The bathroom drain was a bit clogged, and drying clothes was also inconvenient. The most significant drawback is the large apartment hotel currently under construction next door. Some rooms now face directly onto the construction site, and once it's finished, the view will likely be quite impacted. However, the hotel's management still demonstrates the competence of an established brand. The concierge is always smiling and helpful with opening doors and carrying luggage. The front desk staff are polite and patient in their communication. Although the breakfast selection is limited, the quality is consistently high. Nasi Lemak is served daily, and the sambal sauce is absolutely on par with renowned local restaurants – rich in flavor, perfectly spicy, and the fried anchovies aren't overly salty. The milk from the coffee machine is also of good quality.

DariRM310

Sabah Oriental Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8/10Very Good440 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.68km dari pusat bandar

Travelled for business meeting All request are answers but its and old hotel that need regular maintenance Manage to change room after 1 night of stay (because too tired from the 3h flight) But the hassle is that i need to go down to the front desk and to register again. Nearby to Imago mall (5-10mins) walking, 5mins walking distance to nearest Banks Recommended booking

DariRM120

Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu

8.8/10Very Good1006 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.11km dari pusat bandar

We booked a family room and were very satisfied. The hotel's location is excellent, with many restaurants downstairs and not far from the pier. You can see the sea right from the room, and Grab taxis have no trouble finding it. I happened to see the staff cleaning the room very meticulously, even scrubbing the floor tiles with a brush. The housekeeping staff member seemed to be hearing impaired, and I commend his independence, strong work ethic, and the hotel for providing such employment opportunities! The breakfast buffet was also good and tasted great.

DariRM118

Oceania Hotel

8.4/10Very Good483 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.82km dari pusat bandar

This hotel is really great, with lovely decor and excellent facilities. I was a bit worried before because of the ratings, but it genuinely exceeded my expectations. The hotel even has its own filtered showerheads, but I brought my own, and the new filter barely discolored over my six-day stay. There's also a mini-fridge, which was a lifesaver in the hot summer. The location is super convenient with plenty of 7-Elevens, Orange, and Jomjom convenience stores nearby, plus some local tea restaurants and hawker stalls. The only minor drawback is that while the hotel and a few others form a small self-contained area, once you step out, you're right by an elevated highway. You definitely need to take a taxi to get to places like Gaya Street or Imago; it's not really a walkable area.

DariRM109

Promenade Service Apartments

8.4/10Very Good790 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.27km dari pusat bandar

The male front desk staff with glasses was exceptionally kind and polite. The room was clean, tidy, and well-lit, and the location was incredibly convenient for getting around. The front desk service was warm and attentive, and the facilities were complete and well-maintained. My stay was comfortable, and it offered great value for money. I would definitely choose this hotel again on my next visit!

DariRM73

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

8.6/10Very Good1000 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.04km dari pusat bandar

I initially thought a 300 RMB hotel might be old and run-down. When I entered the lobby late at night, it was pitch black, but upon entering the room, I saw it had been nicely renovated. You could tell the faucets and bathroom door were older, but the room was well-maintained and very clean, comparable to a Hanting (All Seasons) hotel. The breakfast restaurant also serves as a lunch buffet. It's quite spacious, has a noodle bar, and offers a good variety of dishes, though it was a bit short on salad vegetables. Remember to go early; by 9:30 AM, not much was left. Most countries outside of China advocate for saving food. Kota Kinabalu city center is very small. Turn left when you leave the hotel and you'll find Holiday Inn, with Hilton and Sheraton across the street. The Welcome Seafood Restaurant street is behind the Hilton, and it seems like the Hyatt Centric (KK) is below the Sheraton. Convenience stores and KFC are just a few steps away, making the location very convenient.

DariRM123

Breakfast

Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu

8/10Very Good1177 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.58km dari pusat bandar

Another stay at Dreamtel and still very satisfied! The location is super convenient, just a 5-minute walk to Gaya Street. If you're looking for seafood, I highly recommend Welcome Seafood Restaurant – it's cheap and delicious. I ate there three nights in a row!

DariRM90

Hotel Capital Kota Kinabalu

8.6/10Very Good1000 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.08km dari pusat bandar

The location is great, very close to Imago Mall, then Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, and a bit further is the duty-free shop. It's about a ten-minute walk to the new pier, and Gaya Street is right behind it. Some other reviews mentioned poor soundproofing, but this is mainly due to external factors like modified motorcycle exhausts and traffic noise since the hotel is facing the street. I stayed here for one night as a transit stop after returning from Mount Kinabalu. I wore noise-canceling earplugs to sleep, so it didn't really affect me. The price was 220 for a twin room without breakfast, which might be a bit high for Southeast Asia. On the plus side, they offer free luggage storage. Overall, it's a pretty good place.

DariRM123

Hotel 7 Suria

9/10Great691 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.19km dari pusat bandar

The hotel is very convenient as it is just few steps away from the shopping mall where everything is easily accessible. However, the cleanliness of the room and all the facilities is below my expectations. I think renovation is needed as this is a 7 years hotel

DariRM158

The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.9/10Very Good465 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.5km dari pusat bandar

The breakfast was scrumptious. Unfortunately the pool was closed for maintenance but they let you use another hotel's pool instead. Was very glad they did this since i booked there for the kids to enjoy the pool

DariRM209

Horizon Hotel

9/10Great322 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.35km dari pusat bandar

The hotel location is really strategic, the hotel room is clean, the staff are very friendly. The only thing they need to improve is the water exiting from the bath is too slow, seems like there is clogging

DariRM242

The Klagan Hotel

9/10Great904 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.97km dari pusat bandar

The hotel seaview is lovely however if u r facing the nite spots... u can hear noises from the bars/clubs across.. apart fr that love the place... 1 more minus = the aisle from lifts to some rooms a distance away and it's very quite ... even though brightly lid... Overall good stay. My room came with a relax chair that fits properly for watching tv or reading

DariRM152

Holiday Inn Express KOTA KINABALU CITY CENTRE by IHG

9.2/10Great1202 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.28km dari pusat bandar

Booked during peak season for 1000 a night, which felt a bit expensive, but that's peak season for you. It's opposite the Hilton and Welcome Seafood, plus the famous fried [dish name, if known - otherwise leave as is or 'fried snacks'], though it's a bit far from Gaya Street. The lobby is quite large, but the room was a bit small, and breakfast was just average. Personally, I think guesthouses near Gaya Street offer better value for money. I didn't take any photos of the hotel, so just making do with this review 😄

DariRM312

Raia Hotel Kota Kinabalu

9/10Great497 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|2.45km dari pusat bandar

Good stay overall. The room was clean, comfortable, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The only drawback was that the TV in the room was not working. Apart from that, everything was great and I enjoyed my stay.

DariRM145

A Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

9.5/10Amazing82 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.08km dari pusat bandar

We had a wonderful experience staying here. The room and bed were very clean. We loved how affordable the price was, yet the interior felt luxurious. The admin responded very quickly, which we really appreciated. Soundproofing could be improved, not really suitable for bringing toddler that are hyperactive like us huhu. But it was still okay overall. We would definitely love to stay here again for our next short vacation. By the way, I’d rate this stay 9/10 👍🏻

DariRM140

Goldenhill Hotel

7.8/10Good419 Ulasan

Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu|4.12km dari pusat bandar

Prior to making the reservation, I had reviewed numerous negative online comments, primarily concerning issues with the air-conditioning and bathroom facilities. As a result, I contacted the hotel directly to seek clarification. The front desk staff assured me that I would be allocated a room without such problems and stated that it was designated for foreign guests and had not received any complaints. Relying on this assurance, I proceeded to book a twin-bed room. Upon check-in, we were required to carry our luggage to the third floor due to the absence of an elevator, and no assistance was offered by the staff. Although the room layout was acceptable, it was poorly maintained, with visible damage to the headboard. On the third evening, after returning to the hotel during heavy rain, we discovered that the shower was not functioning properly, with no water supply initially and only minimal cold water later. Despite being informed that a technician would attend to the matter at 11:00 p.m., no assistance was provided even after 11:25 p.m. Subsequently, the air-conditioning unit began leaking water. When I requested a room change, the staff initially declined, citing a lack of availability. Only after I insisted on speaking to the manager or owner was a replacement room, free from these issues, finally provided. I am extremely disappointed with this hotel, as it is evident that management has failed to take previous guest feedback seriously or implement necessary improvements despite repeated online complaints.

DariRM81

What to See at Tanjung Aru Beach

The main attraction of Tanjung Aru Beach is undoubtedly the spectacular sunset that paints the sky and sea with vibrant colors. Every evening, hundreds of people gather at the beach to witness this natural phenomenon that never fails to amaze. The best time to watch the sunset is between 6 pm to 7 pm, depending on the season. The best place to watch the sunset is from the beach itself or from one of the nearby cafes or restaurants that offer panoramic views.

To capture the sunset with your camera or phone, you need to consider some factors such as lighting, angle, composition, and timing. You can use some apps or filters to enhance your photos or videos, but nothing beats the real thing. You can also try some creative techniques such as silhouettes, reflections, or time-lapses to make your shots more interesting.

Besides the sunset, there are also other sights that can be seen from Tanjung Aru Beach, such as islands, mountains, planes, and boats. Tanjung Aru Beach is close to several islands that are part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, a marine park that consists of five islands: Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug. You can see these islands from the beach, or you can take a boat ride to visit them and enjoy some snorkeling or diving.

You can also see the majestic Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia, from the beach on a clear day. Mount Kinabalu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts many hikers and climbers. You can also see planes taking off and landing at the nearby Kota Kinabalu International Airport, which is the second busiest airport in Malaysia. You can also see boats of various sizes and shapes sailing across the sea, from fishing boats to cruise ships.

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What to Eat at Tanjung Aru Beach

Another reason to visit Tanjung Aru Beach is to taste some of the local delicacies that can be found there. You can find a variety of seafood, noodles, rice dishes, snacks, desserts, and more at the beach or near it. Some of the must-try dishes are:

Seafood

Tanjung Aru Beach is famous for its fresh and delicious seafood, such as fish, prawns, crabs, squid, clams, and more. You can choose your preferred seafood and have it cooked in different ways, such as grilled, fried, steamed, or curry.
You can also enjoy some sauces and dips to go with your seafood, such as sambal (spicy chili paste), belacan (shrimp paste), or lime juice. One of the best places to eat seafood at Tanjung Aru Beach is Tanjung Aru Seafood Restaurant, which is located right on the beach and offers a great view of the sea and the sunset.

Noodles

Noodles are a staple food in Malaysia, and you can find many types of noodles at Tanjung Aru Beach. Some of the popular ones are mee goreng (fried noodles), laksa (noodle soup with coconut milk and spices), mee hoon (rice vermicelli), and kolo mee (dry noodles with minced meat and spring onions).
You can also add some toppings to your noodles, such as chicken, beef, seafood, eggs, or vegetables. One of the best places to eat noodles at Tanjung Aru Beach is Lucy’s Kitchen, a cozy and friendly restaurant that serves a variety of noodles and other dishes. You can also try their signature dish, the Lucy’s Special, which is a combination of noodles, chicken, prawns, eggs, and vegetables in a spicy sauce.

Rice dishes

Rice is another staple food in Malaysia, and you can find many rice dishes at Tanjung Aru Beach. Some of the popular ones are nasi lemak (rice cooked with coconut milk and served with anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, egg, and sambal), nasi goreng (fried rice), nasi ayam (chicken rice), and nasi kerabu (rice mixed with herbs and vegetables).
You can also add some side dishes to your rice, such as rendang (spicy meat stew), sambal udang (prawns in chili paste), or ayam percik (grilled chicken with coconut sauce). One of the best places to eat rice dishes at Tanjung Aru Beach is Prince Philip Park Food Court, which is a large and lively food court that offers a variety of stalls and cuisines.

Snacks

If you are feeling hungry between meals, you can snack on some of the local treats that can be found at Tanjung Aru Beach. Some of the popular ones are pisang goreng (fried banana), kuih (traditional cakes), keropok lekor (fish crackers), and rojak (fruit salad with peanut sauce).
You can also try some of the street food that are sold by vendors along the beach, such as satay (skewered meat with peanut sauce), apam balik (pancake with peanuts and sugar), or cendol (shaved ice with coconut milk and palm sugar). One of the best places to eat snacks at Tanjung Aru Beach is Tanjung Aru Hawker Centre, which is a small and simple hawker centre that sells cheap and tasty snacks.

Desserts

To end your meal on a sweet note, you can indulge in some of the local desserts that can be found at Tanjung Aru Beach. Some of the popular ones are ais kacang (shaved ice with beans, corn, jelly, and syrup), bubur cha cha (coconut milk soup with sweet potatoes, taro, and sago), pulut hitam (black glutinous rice pudding with coconut milk), and kuih lapis (layered cake).
You can also try some of the ice cream that are sold by vendors along the beach, such as durian ice cream, coconut ice cream, or corn ice cream. One of the best places to eat desserts at Tanjung Aru Beach is Ice Cream Corner, which is a small and colorful shop that sells homemade ice cream in various flavors.

Tips for Visiting Tanjung Aru Beach

To make the most of your visit to Tanjung Aru Beach, you need to plan ahead and prepare well. Here are some practical tips that will help you have a pleasant and safe experience at the beach:

When to go

Tanjung Aru Beach is open all year round, but the best time to go is during the dry season, which is from March to October. The weather is sunny and dry, and the sea is calm and clear. The wet season, which is from November to February, is less ideal, as the weather is rainy and humid, and the sea is choppy and murky. However, you can still enjoy the beach during the wet season, as long as you check the weather forecast and avoid thunderstorms.

What to bring

Tanjung Aru Beach is a casual and laid-back place, so you don’t need to dress up or bring anything fancy. However, you do need to bring some essentials, such as

sunscreen
sunglasses
hat
water bottle
towel
swimsuit
change of clothes
camera or phone
cash or credit card
insect repellent
You can also bring some snacks or drinks if you want to picnic on the beach, but make sure to dispose of your trash properly.

What to avoid

Tanjung Aru Beach is a safe and friendly place, but there are some things that you should avoid doing or encountering there. For example, you should avoid swimming too far from the shore or during high tide, as there may be strong currents or jellyfish. You should also avoid leaving your belongings unattended or exposing them to theft or damage. You should also avoid littering or damaging the beach or its environment, as this will affect its beauty and sustainability.

Visit Tanjung Aru Today!

Tanjung Aru Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves sunsets and nature. It offers a variety of activities, sights, and food that will make your visit memorable and enjoyable. You can swim in the sea, play some water sports, explore the park and the railway, watch the sunset, taste the local delicacies, and more at Tanjung Aru Beach. You can also enjoy the facilities and services available at or near the beach, such as parking, toilets, showers, lockers, shops, etc.

If you are looking for a great deal and package for your trip to Tanjung Aru Beach, you should book with my.trip.com, a travel agency that specializes in Malaysia. My.trip.com will help you find the best flights, hotels, tours, and attractions for your budget and preference. You can also get some discounts and rewards when you book with my.trip.com.

So, what are you waiting for? Tanjung Aru Beach is waiting for you! Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of the best sunset spots in Malaysia. Book your trip to Tanjung Aru Beach with trip.com today!

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