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

Name: Ming Garden Hotel
Address: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Price range: JPY 5,102
Rating: 8.6

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.

If you are looking to fly to Kota Kinabalu, check out the best deals down below!

Cheap Flights from KL to KK

Sehala
Pergi Balik

Tambang penerbangan yang dipaparkan dari ${{departCityName}} ke ${{arrivalCityName}} adalah berdasarkan harga purata daripada pelbagai syarikat penerbangan untuk 3 bulan seterusnya, mengikut pangkalan data Trip.com terkini.

Tiket flight ke Kota Kinabalu

Book a Trip to KK

Book Cheap Hotels in KK

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

9/10Great1580 Ulasan

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

Fast check in & even faster check out. Booked 2 rooms; 7th floor facing sea & saw amazing sun set! Beautiful! Buffet breakfast is the usual fare; very attentive staff to assist. Much appreciated.

DariJPY 14,786

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

9.1/10Great1497 Ulasan

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

I have to say this is one of the best hotels that I have ever visited. The hotel room is dustless, very clean. The location is very strategic, less than 5 minutes walk to go to Todak waterfront to enjoy seafood, or another 5 minutes walk in opposite direction to go to Suria mall for shopping. The staff here are friendly and dedicated in their services.After checking in, the staff gave me a call to ask me whether I am happy with the condition of the room. The breakfast is awesome, many varieties and very tasty. I am a demanding person, but this hotel does not disappoint me. It should be a role model for other hotels to follow.

DariJPY 12,926

The Magellan Sutera Resort

8.4/10Very Good1339 Ulasan

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

Our small family decided to have a staycation in few hotel/resort and by far Sutera has won our heart. This place is amazing and i suggest anybody who wants to experience this place to stay more than 1Night. The room is still in its Vintage style , tv only has those old channel , there's one bathtub in the room which we loved specially my son,for the breakfast i do believe they can add more choices as they are more korean dishes focused, it'll be nice to have local kuih (hinompuka/pais pisang) other than kuih pisang only.. But other than that, you actually get free 1hour of bike rental on ur stay which we only know when we ask around, it was located right in front of the kids pool , other than that they do have a small train going around from Magellan to Pacific sutera and its FOC!!! I loved the staff energy the entire time, he asked our son to be in his seat as a driver and even let my son press few button and act like he's driving the train!! god bless your fun soul sir!! keep up the good work!! we will definitely be back again soon🥰❣️

DariJPY 24,197

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

9/10Great2409 Ulasan

Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu|5.01km dari pusat bandar

I had a wonderful stay at Shangri-La (Kota Kinabalu) and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The room was spacious, clean, and thoughtfully prepared. I especially appreciated the complimentary Nespresso coffee setup, which made mornings feel extra relaxing and convenient. The sea-facing balcony was a highlight — offering stunning views of lush greenery, palm trees, and the ocean beyond. It was the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Breakfast was excellent, with a good variety of fresh and well-prepared options. The food was delicious, and the dining area was comfortable and welcoming, making it a pleasant way to start the day. Overall, the hotel combines comfort, beautiful scenery, and attentive details that truly reflect Shangri-La’s standard of hospitality. A great choice for both relaxation and a memorable seaside getaway. I would definitely return and recommend this hotel to others.

DariJPY 29,548

Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

8.9/10Very Good1630 Ulasan

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

There was a big debate with my family when we were booking. I really liked the swimming pool here, while my family wanted to stay at the new Hyatt, closer to the jetty and Gaya Street. In the end, we decided on the Marriott. We didn't experience the issues mentioned online about no hot water or plane noise. The hot water was plentiful every day. You could hear planes before falling asleep, and I'm a light sleeper who really values quiet, but I slept very well all four nights. Maybe there aren't any planes late at night. For transportation, I personally don't think it's a big deal; it's a short taxi ride to both jetties, and getting to places like Welcome Seafood for food is also a very short taxi ride, just the base fare. It's only a bit further from Sabah University. The only thing I think could be improved is the breakfast; it was exactly the same all four days. It would be nice to have some variety! 😀 As someone who swims year-round, I'd swim in the evenings after island hopping and in the mornings before going to the mangroves. This pool is about 25 meters long and absolutely wonderful. Every day after my swim, I'd float on my back in the pool, watching planes fly overhead – it was incredibly relaxing.

DariJPY 15,557

The Pacific Sutera Hotel

8.5/10Very Good1269 Ulasan

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

The hotel staff were all polite and enthusiastic. I didn't encounter any issues with discrimination against Chinese guests, no hot water at night, and no deposit was required. You can tell the hotel is a bit old, but it's well-maintained, especially the large private beach where you can snorkel, swim, or leisurely watch the sunset without having to deal with crowds elsewhere. That's a huge plus! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 On the second night, I saw a dying cockroach in the bathroom (its antennae wiggled for a long time). Considering it's a tropical region, it's understandable, and the fact that it was dying suggests the hotel uses pest control. However, housekeeping randomly took guests' personal belongings when cleaning the room. Two plastic bags with items in them were on the TV cabinet, and they were gone when I returned at night. This is the first time I've encountered such a situation in my 10+ years of travel. Although the items weren't valuable, their absence was very inconvenient. Housekeeping shouldn't subjectively assume guests' items are trash and take them away. That was a bit frustrating. Additionally, service efficiency was very low. One evening, I went to the front desk to ask staff to send some bottled water to the room. The front desk staff were very friendly and enthusiastically agreed, but I waited over two hours and nothing arrived. The in-room service phone was either busy or completely silent (maybe just a prop?), so I had no choice but to go down to the lobby again to get water. We checked in around 12 PM, but were told we couldn't get into the room until 3 PM (they informed us politely). The next day, I turned on the 'make up room' light before going out for lunch, but when we returned to the room around 2 PM, it still hadn't been cleaned. In short, everything was slow; it felt like the hotel was understaffed and overwhelmed.

DariJPY 12,767

Sheraton Kota Kinabalu

9.6/10Amazing5 Ulasan

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

I absolutely loved this newly opened hotel! The minimalist luxury style and design are fantastic! The rooms are spacious, well-soundproofed, and incredibly clean. The comfort and luxury are far superior to the two five-star hotels I stayed at previously. The gym and infinity pool are on the rooftop, with stunning sea views! Unfortunately, it rained in the afternoon, so we couldn't watch the sunset. There's also a Sky Bar on the rooftop, and the bartender's drinks were just what I wanted. Breakfast is on the fifth floor in a very large restaurant. The food was quite good, with a decent variety, and the restaurant manager said they'll be offering more options in the future. Next to the restaurant is a temporary members' lounge; the full members' lounge won't open until the end of the month. What impressed me most about this hotel was the service! From the Mandarin-speaking front desk staff to the turndown service staff, everyone greeted me warmly, not just as if it were a job. My requests (like changing room types) were handled quickly. The restaurant manager and the hotel general manager also proactively came over to listen to my feedback. It was a truly unique and wonderful experience! I regretted only staying one night. I originally just wanted to try out the newly opened hotel, but this hotel exceeded my expectations for the Sheraton in every aspect, especially the comfort of the rooms and the service attitude of the staff, which even surpassed the standards of many five-star hotels in Hong Kong.

DariJPY 21,385

Jesselton Quay by Queenie

7.8/10Good2 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.

DariJPY 6,282

Ritz Residence @ Imago Mall Loft B

9.7/10Amazing70 Ulasan

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

Amazing room and service provided ! Room looks exactly like in the picture with more heartwarming items for loan for example power bank , foldable umbrella , free- flow mineral water , drinks, earplugs and etc. I would said it’s nearly perfect except a small flaw. If you are driving a car , it will be slight frustrated as only the Lift Bomba can access to the parking lot. When you press the lift , it’s all by luck whether the lift bomba will come first , if it’s not , you have to make the other lift go down first , then only press again for the lift bomba to come up. Understand that this will be the problem on the residence apartment design , besides than this no complain at all , location is definitely a great spot with maximum convenience!

DariJPY 8,640

Ming Garden Hotel

8.6/10Very Good1235 Ulasan

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

I had an excellent stay at Ming Garden Hotel & Residences for my recent business trip. The hotel hits the mark on all fronts—the location is strategic for getting around, and the service was incredibly efficient and welcoming. My room was spotless and very comfortable for working. Highly recommended for business travellers looking for a hassle-free experience.

DariJPY 5,102

Business travel

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.9/10Very Good2577 Ulasan

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

I recently stayed at the Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu, and it turned out to be a very pleasant experience. The location is excellent—right in the city center, making it easy to walk to nearby restaurants, shopping malls, and the waterfront. It’s convenient whether you’re here for business or sightseeing. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-equipped. The bed was cozy, the air-conditioning worked well, and the Wi-Fi was stable. I also appreciated the small touches like the coffee/tea facilities and a good-sized work desk. If you’re lucky to get a sea-view room, waking up to the South China Sea is definitely a bonus. The hotel facilities are also great. The breakfast selection was good with plenty of choices, and the staff were friendly and helpful throughout my stay. The check-in process was smooth, and I felt well taken care of. Overall, I had a very good stay at Promenade Hotel. It has great value for its location, comfort, and service. I would gladly choose this hotel again the next time I visit Kota Kinabalu.

DariJPY 8,595

Grandis Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.7/10Very Good532 Ulasan

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

We stayed here after checking out from Marriot, because of its location, near to the Jetty and next to the Suria mall. We checked in the family room, which is very big. However, the hotel is a bit old, and some of the rooms are not clean. BUT, they immediately rectify the error by changing the room, made a sincere apology, even upgraded the room. This happened not to my room, but to my sibling. They actually wanted to check out and change another hotel, but they promptly rectify the problem and in the end, my sibling is happy with the new room. The location of this hotel is really great, with a good mall next to it, also a saefood restaurant not so far from it. My kids enjoyed the pool at the hotel very much.

DariJPY 10,976

Sabah Oriental Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.1/10Very Good390 Ulasan

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

1 Night stay only 10 pm to 4 am, need to catch early flight. Upon checking in, had room issues as the receptionist (local male) said full twin bed room since we arrived late. I insist i already mention it and requested a twin bed room only. It takes about 10-20 minute to wait as he give a room key of twin bed. Turn out it was not full actually🫣 idk. So problem SOLVED👌. Location was superb. By grab to night market Rm 9 and from night market back to hotel on foot 7k steps 😛.

DariJPY 5,306

Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu

8.8/10Very Good735 Ulasan

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

Facilities: The hotel facilities are quite new, likely recently renovated, but there's no strange odor; the rooms have a faint, pleasant scent. Hygiene: It's very clean, not a speck of dust. Environment: The environment is great, and the rooms are well soundproofed. However, if your room faces the main street, the windows aren't very soundproof. Service: The service is quite good. I stayed here for two days. For late check-out, it was 90 MYR for four hours. The smoking area is outside the hotel, which was also quite convenient. There's a supermarket and convenience store downstairs, and many restaurants, so no need to worry about finding food. I was lucky enough to see a beautiful sunset.

DariJPY 4,331

Oceania Hotel

8.8/10Very Good424 Ulasan

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

The hotel is not brand new and the reception is under renovation, but you can see it is managed with great care. The room is comfortable and clean, with strong water pressure in the shower, making it very enjoyable. The shampoo and body wash provided are of surprisingly good quality, unlike the low-grade products usually offered in budget hotels. There are many convenience stores nearby, which is very convenient, but you’ll need to take a taxi to reach the shopping mall. The staff are friendly and provide excellent service. Overall, the hotel offers very good value for money at this price range.

DariJPY 4,626

Promenade Service Apartments

8.6/10Very Good688 Ulasan

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

Honest review as recent guest of Promenade service apartment, it's highly recommended! The place was clean and tidy, easy to locate, conveniently close to the city, restaurant and variety of convenient shop. Not to mention their excellent customer service by the receptionist. There was a guy in dark coloured coat (i believe he was the superior) and a receptionist upon checking in, and upon checking out, the female customer service (who i believe are also a superior) attended us. They were very helpful, warm and friendly while delivering service. We are very thankful and satisfied with the service given by the property. Overall, it was a wonderful experience staying there. Thank you so much! Deeply appreciated 🙏👍 P/S : Sorry, the pic have nothing to do with the apartment🙏

DariJPY 2,653

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre (formerly Hotel Shangri-La Kota Kinabalu)

8.6/10Very Good720 Ulasan

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

The front desk service was good, and they offered luggage storage. The environment was nice, it had a bathtub, and it was relatively clean. However, the air conditioning was broken. I called the front desk, but the landline volume was so low and garbled I could barely hear them. After a long conversation, they said the AC unit was broken and I requested a room change. They said a room change wouldn't fix the AC either. They called a maintenance person who then said it would take an hour to fix. We had already checked in at 10:30 PM, so the hotel's attitude was basically, either you wait for me to fix it before you sleep, or don't bother fixing it at all... Also, I must emphasize that this hotel requires a 100 MYR deposit!!! We had an early morning flight out of Kota Kinabalu the next day and didn't have enough cash on hand. We were forced to go out in the rain at 11 PM to an ATM at the bank across the street. The exchange rate was bad, and the fees were high; we were charged over 12 MYR in fees for 50 MYR, plus the 80-something MYR principal, it was almost 100 RMB. I didn't take pictures of the room. P1: The instant noodles were delicious. P2: Undrinkable.

DariJPY 4,876

Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu

8.3/10Very Good842 Ulasan

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

I booked the hotel at the last minute, and I was very happy with my selection. The staff are very friendly and offered me welcoming services. The breakfast was awesome!

DariJPY 3,515

Hotel Capital Kota Kinabalu

8.8/10Very Good978 Ulasan

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

The room was spacious with two beds, which was very comfortable for two adults and a child. The air conditioning was excellent; we only needed to run it at half strength at night. Our room was quite quiet, and the staff were very friendly.

DariJPY 4,445

Hotel 7 Suria

8.9/10Very Good701 Ulasan

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

Great location! The bed was super comfy and the bathroom was nice and clean. The only downside was that housekeeping didn’t replace the toiletries or towels on the second day. Still, it’s a lovely place to stay and I’d definitely recommend it.

DariJPY 6,781

Breakfast

The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.6/10Very Good473 Ulasan

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

Beautiful room. Food was ok. Still can improve. But service was tip top and add more parking please

DariJPY 8,300

Horizon Hotel

8.8/10Very Good291 Ulasan

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

The hotel's location is super convenient, right across from Gaya Street with tons of local eateries. Inside, they have a gym and a swimming pool, and the pool water is really clean. Breakfast offers a great variety and tastes good too. The rooms are clean and tidy, and the views from the window are lovely – one side has a sea view, the other a mountain view. Definitely recommend it!

DariJPY 8,096

The Klagan Hotel

9.1/10Great755 Ulasan

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

Its been a great experience to stay here. i came for course in kota kinabalu with colleagues. the scenery is really beautiful as well choose sea view. the price are really affordable. the interior deco and design of the room is so nice. the breakfast also got may choices and the food was quite okay. will come again next time.

DariJPY 6,078

Holiday Inn Express KOTA KINABALU CITY CENTRE by IHG

9.2/10Great1029 Ulasan

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

Excellent Hotel. Stayed here for one night. NOT my 1st time staying here. The hotel are excellent. Now they had an ATM for withdrawing cash. Counter service excellently polished. They had free drinks near the counter for guest as well. HOWEVER there is area I wanted to highlight during BREAKFAST. Vegetable dish please change to BROCCOLI and BABY CARROT instead of BITTERGOURD. That's not a good choice during breakfast. Even locals here don't like it. Everything else are excellent. Recommended for locals and tourist. For those of you who drive, THERE IS PLENTY OF PARKING SPACES. NO worries.

DariJPY 10,454

Raia Hotel Kota Kinabalu

9/10Great463 Ulasan

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

The room was spacious and had a comfortable bed.The bathroom was very clean. Overall, the hotel very nice to stay. Parking available. Near attraction Kota Kinabalu town.

DariJPY 5,873

A Residence @ Between Hilton & Cititel Hotel

9.2/10Great63 Ulasan

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

We had a great time here at the A residence! The location was very convenient to get to prominent places and rooms were very clean. From the outside, it looks like a normal apartment but inside is actually very luxurious. The service was great, Vinah is very responsive on WhatsApp and will take care of matters quickly. The only downside was that a church is next door and they play loud music every night.

DariJPY 5,148

Goldenhill Hotel

7.8/10Good479 Ulasan

Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu|4.12km dari pusat bandar

Overall, everything was okay, but there was one significant issue: no iron was provided in the room. We had to go all the way down to the first floor to iron our clothes and headscarves. This was particularly inconvenient as we were on the second floor with no elevator, making it quite a hassle to constantly go up and down just to iron. They really should provide irons on every floor. It's tough for guests to keep doing that, especially for those with young children. I understand it's a budget hotel, but even other budget accommodations I've stayed at manage to provide irons on each floor. I sincerely hope they can improve this.

DariJPY 2,880

Gaya Centre Hotel

8.7/10Very Good900 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.13km dari pusat bandar

Could always entrust the hotel that it'll be a pleasant stay but not an umbrella🌂😂 lost mine at the lobby as it was drenched in rain, dont wanna make a mess of the hotel hence was adviced to leave it by the stair vase...

DariJPY 5,397

Switz Paradise Hotel - 5 Minute Walk to Centre Point and 10 Minute Walk to Waterfront-

7.4/10272 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.2km dari pusat bandar

Nice and affordable. Great for those Who are spend not long bussiness trip. Highly recommend to bussiness traveller inyernal and external of Sabah

DariJPY 2,336

Qlio Hotel

7.6/10Good135 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.18km dari pusat bandar

This is my second time staying at this hotel at the same room as welll room number 206. Sadly this is my second time also got bitten by bed bugs. The room is clean but not the bed apparently. They also didn't clean my room for housekeeping when I left my room around 1.30pm and come back around 5pm. I already put the sign to clean my room at the door. I hope they can improve!

DariJPY 3,039

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.

Book a Trip to KK

Book Cheap Hotels in KK

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!

Book a Trip to KK

Book Cheap Hotels in KK