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 Good1665 Ulasan

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

I've stayed here twice in a row, and overall it's pretty good. It's very close to the beach, which makes watching the sunset super convenient! There's also a mall just a short walk away. The breakfast was generally good, and the front desk service was excellent.

DariINR 8,605

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

9.1/10Great1843 Ulasan

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

Although it's still called Hyatt, it's very old and doesn't feel like a five-star hotel at all. The guest room corridors have very low ceilings and a musty smell. The rooms are quite old, the carpets have obvious stains, and the quality of amenities like slippers and tissues is quite poor. Despite booking a sea view room for four consecutive nights, the front desk only assigned us to the 2nd floor. It's incredibly close to the road, and the glass soundproofing is mediocre. We essentially couldn't open the curtains because people on the street could see directly into the room. The motorcycle noise continued until late at night, making earplugs a necessity.

DariINR 6,191

The Magellan Sutera Resort

8.5/10Very Good1783 Ulasan

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

DARREN：We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the front‑desk staff for upgrading our room. The upgraded room was spacious and comfortable, which greatly improved our stay experience. The service was thoughtful and warm. We really appreciated this kind gesture and highly recommend this hotel. LEANDRA：Special thanks to the front‑desk team for granting us a late check‑out. This flexible arrangement allowed us to finish our packing and leave at a relaxed pace without rushing. The considerate service made our departure much smoother. We are very satisfied with our stay here.

DariINR 12,922

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

8.8/10Very Good2918 Ulasan

Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu|5.01km dari pusat bandar

Many people visit Kota Kinabalu just for its legendary sunsets, rumored to be among the top three in the world 🌇. That's why we chose to stay at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru. The hotel boasts its own private beach, so you don't have to jostle with crowds at the public Tanjung Aru beach. The Sunset Bar, the lawn, and the beachfront boardwalk all offer incredible vantage points for the sunset. Although there was haze when we visited, we were lucky enough to catch a decent sunset that day 🌇 – a delicate pink and purple hue, perfect for photos. To be honest, the hotel 🏨 grounds are massive, to the point where it's easy to get lost. After checking in, we couldn't find our room initially and had to ask staff to escort us. Even checking out, we almost couldn't find the front desk. However, the hotel offers a plethora of activities, and we simply didn't have enough time to explore everything. If you're booking, I recommend getting a ground-floor sea view room. You can walk straight from your balcony to the beach, saving you a long detour. Guests get priority for sunset viewing spots at the bar, with three price tiers. I think even if you book the cheapest option, you can still take photos in the more expensive sofa areas – no big deal. We booked the 198MB per person high-top seats, and the sunset photos turned out amazing. The hotel even provides beach flip-flops, which is a thoughtful touch. However, when I called the front desk later that evening to request another pair, they sent a different type of standard hotel slipper. The person who delivered them seemed to be a local, and communication was a bit difficult. When I explained I wanted the other type, he seemed annoyed or something, and told me they only provide them once and don't restock those specific flip-flops. Is that really a rule? I think it's just laziness; that staff member was unhelpful 🙅‍♀️. On a positive note, I have to commend the bar staff. They're super engaging, posing with a🫰 hand gesture in photos and even showing off a cool trick, balancing a bottle on their elbow – absolutely brilliant. Another special shout-out goes to the young man at the coconut 🥥 stall by the beach. He's genuinely handsome and kind, with a great personality. It was incredibly hot on the beach that day, so we went to buy a coconut drink. While chatting, he asked how many days we were staying, and I mentioned I was leaving that very day. When it was time to pay, he refused to take my money, saying it was on him since it was my last day. I was so touched by his generosity. The hotel breakfast is incredibly rich and delicious, with something for everyone. I would definitely book here again next time. Everything was wonderful. I imagine many people also have lawn weddings here – it must be so romantic. If you're going diving at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, it's very close to this hotel too.

DariINR 22,492

Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

8.8/10Very Good1950 Ulasan

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

How do I put it? It wasn't particularly outstanding. I was originally torn between the Hyatt Centric and The Magellan Sutera, but once I arrived, I realized the Marriott is essentially in the middle ground between the two, both in terms of location and hotel type. The Hyatt Centric is downtown with numerous eateries right downstairs, while The Magellan Sutera is more of a secluded beach resort. The Marriott is in between, so it doesn't quite excel at either. It's true that there are motorcycles revving down the street if you have a city view, but it didn't really affect my sleep. It's also under the flight path, but there weren't many planes at night. To the south, there's a Bataras supermarket, and their pomelos are highly recommended this season. Further south is Imago. The area directly downstairs from the hotel itself is a bit desolate. The infinity pool on the 8th floor is decent, but there are no changing rooms.

DariINR 9,471

The Pacific Sutera Hotel

8.5/10Very Good1582 Ulasan

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

The location and condition of the accommodation are great. It's also good that you can use the Magellan Sutera's pool after taking a shuttle or walking there. The secret beach on the Pacific side was actually wider and more pleasant, which I liked even more. The Breeze Restaurant by the pool was delicious too. If I come back, I'll definitely stay here again!

DariINR 10,238

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

9.3/10Great1914 Ulasan

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

On my first day in Kota Kinabalu, I opted for the reliable chain hotel, Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu. Booking it for less than 800 (Malaysian Ringgit, I assume) before the Mid-Autumn Festival, the value for money was excellent. The front desk offered both Chinese and English services. I particularly liked Xiao Lin at the front desk; she was very attentive and provided service in Mandarin. Our flight landed quite early, and I didn't expect to be able to check in before 3:00 PM, but since the hotel had available rooms, they kindly arranged a twin room at the same price for us. I was thrilled to have a place to rest and change clothes early. The hotel's location is super convenient. Gaya Street is just a 6-8 minute walk away, and there's a shopping mall directly opposite with plenty of food and necessities. Walking a bit further back, you reach the seaside. The rooftop pool offers great mountain views for photos. The weather wasn't good during our stay, so the sea view wasn't that impressive. The bar operates until 12:00 AM, and the drinks were decent, though certainly not comparable to bars in Shanghai. Overall, I'm very satisfied with Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu! 👍

DariINR 10,067

Sheraton Kota Kinabalu

9.2/10Great351 Ulasan

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

The hotel is new, which is a big plus. The rooms are spacious, the location is great, and the facilities are excellent! However, the service needs improvement. On the day of check-in, my room wasn't ready even after 6 PM! After coming back from dinner, they gave me the wrong room (it was already occupied), and I had to go back to the front desk and sort it out, which was a hassle ☹️. I booked a sea-view room but ended up getting a city-view room with only a tiny glimpse of the sea. On the bright side, the infinity pool on the rooftop is fantastic 👍.

DariINR 10,579

Jesselton Quay by Queenie

9.1/10Great31 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.

DariINR 3,990

Ritz Residence - A Member of The Luxury Hotel Group

9.3/10Great99 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.

DariINR 5,197

Business travel

Ming Garden Hotel

8.2/10Very Good1053 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.

DariINR 4,402

Sky Hotel

8.2/10Very Good872 Ulasan

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

We were upgraded to a Deluxe Suite, which was a lovely surprise! We’re not sure if it was because the hotel wasn’t able to prepare our original room on time or for another reason, but either way, we’re very grateful and thankful for the upgrade. I booked two different rooms under two separate bookings, so unfortunately, we didn’t get both rooms on the same level—one was on Level 6 and the other was on Level 14. But it wasn’t a big issue for us, and we still enjoyed our stay. The unit was spacious, although the hotel does look a little dated. That said, everything was working perfectly fine—the air conditioning, TV, iron, hairdryer, etc. Considering the price, I think it was reasonable and good value for money. The breakfast was okay as well. There could probably be more variety, but for a simple breakfast, it was perfectly fine.

DariINR 2,968

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.9/10Very Good2688 Ulasan

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

Refurbished hotel. Located at sea front and near to airport and Jetty. Walkable to hypermarket and popular shopping mall, Imago. Nearby got night eateries by waterfront. Behind hotel has shops with laundry services. Service is friendly and responsive. Value for money. Con only is parking is chargeable at RM5 per day and room lights panel can be confusing.

DariINR 4,274

Grandis Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.6/10Very Good608 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.

DariINR 7,696

Sabah Oriental Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.1/10Very Good451 Ulasan

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

The hotel locations is nice. The VIP parking rate is RM15 per entry. Basement car park is a bit on the tight side, wide cars such as KIA CARNIVAL will not fit. The aircon is not as strong, both in the hallway and our rooms. We have to turn on the ceiling fan to make it bearable for night sleep. Lack of basic toileteries and hairdryers.

DariINR 3,053

Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu

8.8/10Very Good1055 Ulasan

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

The room was clean and hygienic, located in the city center with various convenience stores and restaurants downstairs. It's also not far from Gaya Street. Since I was traveling with kids, many hotel rooms have beds that are too small, but this one was good, with one large bed and one small bed. Taxis are also easily accessible, and it's not far from the airport.

DariINR 2,698

Oceania Hotel

8.6/10Very Good502 Ulasan

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

Room 305 was quite dirty, as shown in the pictures. Luckily, my 6-night stay was booked across three separate reservations. I arrived at the hotel around noon on the first day, feeling exhausted, and checked in for the first two bookings. As soon as I entered the room, my heart sank. I immediately canceled the third reservation.

DariINR 2,457

Promenade Service Apartments

8.5/10Very Good783 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!

DariINR 1,860

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

8.6/10Very Good1022 Ulasan

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

The location is convenient, and the hotel provides free parking, which is a plus. However, there are several areas that could be improved. The hotel does not provide complimentary bottled water. Instead, guests are expected to refill drinking water from a water filter located inside the bathroom. While I understand the effort to reduce plastic waste, it feels rather odd and uncomfortable to get drinking water from the bathroom. The bed was also quite firm, and the mattress protector was not properly fitted, making the bed feel untidy. In addition, the towels still had the “Shangri-La” branding. I understand this property was previously a Shangri-La hotel, but seeing towels with the old branding gives the impression that they have not been replaced for a very long time. The breakfast was another disappointment, with very limited choices compared to hotels in a similar price range. Overall, the hotel has a good location and free parking, but the room comfort, amenities, and breakfast could be significantly improved.

DariINR 2,655

Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu

8/10Very Good1258 Ulasan

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

The location is excellent, right in the city center. It's very close to the Atkinson Clock Tower and the entrance to Gaya Street. Popular spots like the Kinabalu Coffee House and Yuan Tea House are all within walking distance. There's also a convenience store downstairs. Our triple room was spacious with a sea view, but the hygiene was a bit... lacking. The sheets and pillowcases had bloodstains and clearly hadn't been washed properly. Good thing we brought our own bedding. Also, the shower gel and shampoo weren't great, but we just bought some from the convenience store downstairs, which solved that problem.

DariINR 2,031

Breakfast

Hotel Capital Kota Kinabalu

8.5/10Very Good975 Ulasan

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

Our room was on the second floor (with a ground floor entrance), and the king room was about 3-5 square meters smaller than the twin room. The style is similar to hotels in China that are 30-40 years old, but the location is excellent. Pros: They offer free luggage storage for guests; it's right opposite Suria mall and behind Gaya Street, so you'll have no trouble finding food and shopping; the concierge was very friendly, opening doors and greeting us proactively; the in-room hardware was well-maintained and clean, with no strange odors, and the bedding was clean with a fresh laundry scent! Cons: The soundproofing needs improvement. We could hear sports cars and motorcycles passing by, generating 20-40 decibels of noise about every ten minutes. We only got proper sleep late at night when traffic died down. The shower facilities are also quite old; the glass door didn't effectively prevent water from spilling out of the shower area, and the showerhead holder made it difficult to adjust the angle of the showerhead. Overall: Clean! Convenient! Great value for money! If you're very sensitive to noise, either bring earplugs or request a room on the opposite side, closer to the main entrance and facing the smaller road, instead of one facing the main road and Suria.

DariINR 2,542

Hotel 7 Suria

8.9/10Very Good689 Ulasan

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

The hotel is located directly above Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, within walking distance to Jesselton Point, Gaya Street, and several popular photo spots. The Grab taxi stand is conveniently located right outside McDonald's on the ground floor, offering shade and coolness. It's also a short taxi ride to Sutera Harbour, so the location is truly excellent, and the views from the window are fantastic. We arrived on an early flight and asked the front desk about early check-in. Our room wasn't ready, so we left our luggage at the front desk, went for a meal and a foot massage, and by the time we returned before 12 PM, our room was ready. The front desk staff was very polite. The bedsheets and towels in the room weren't perfectly white, but it was clear that the cleaning was done very thoroughly. According to domestic hotel management standards, these types of towels and sheets would definitely be retired. I prefer to believe that they just haven't been updated, rather than not being clean. I did my research before traveling abroad and brought disposable bedding, so I slept quite soundly. We stayed for two nights and only had breakfast once. It was a bit better than expected, and the restaurant staff were very diligent, cleaning up promptly and thoroughly. Of course, the value for money can't compare to hotels in China, but when you're traveling, it's great as long as everything goes smoothly and you have a good time!

DariINR 3,266

The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.9/10Very Good459 Ulasan

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

Hotel was really big with a large comfy king size bed. The staff were all very attentive and nice. However the hotel does not serve alcohol so I had to walk 10 minutes to the closest store to buy beers.

DariINR 4,686

Horizon Hotel

9/10Great332 Ulasan

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

Great value for money! The facilities are standard, clean, and the location is convenient yet quiet (my 12th-floor window overlooked the Malaysia National Monument). It's also very close to convenience stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets. The KK Garden Seafood hawker stalls nearby are delicious. It was hard to get a taxi after island hopping, but the hotel was only about 800 meters from the jetty, which was a bonus. Breakfast was just okay, not much variety, pretty standard fare.

DariINR 5,453

The Klagan Hotel

9/10Great944 Ulasan

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

Had a very pleasant and enjoyable stay. The overall experience was excellent, with friendly and attentive service provided throughout. The facilities were well-maintained, clean, and convenient, offering everything needed for a relaxing and comfortable experience. The food was also very good, with a wide variety of delicious dishes to choose from.

DariINR 3,450

Holiday Inn Express KOTA KINABALU CITY CENTRE by IHG

9.2/10Great1222 Ulasan

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

Facilities: The twin room beds are a bit larger than those in Kuala Lumpur. Although it was mentioned that rooms facing the street might be noisy, our room on the fourth floor facing the street was acceptable. Being far from the elevator, we weren't really disturbed. Check-in and check-out can be done with simple English, and luggage storage is free. The toiletries are very complete, there are free tea bags, and the bath products are Dove, which is reassuring to use. Hygiene: The room was cleaned very well every day and smelled fragrant. Malaysia is really great; all places smell fragrant, even the cars. I highly recommend their restaurant. We booked a package with breakfast. For the first two days, we were island hopping and left very early, so we only had a quick bite. Today, with city sightseeing and souvenir shopping, we finally had time to experience it. The breakfast selection is very rich, and the menu is updated daily. In the evening, due to a flight delay, we had dinner here. They have a set meal for only 30 MYR, which includes a main course, a drink, and a dessert. This is even with tax included, and the taste was even better than some of the meals I had in Kota Kinabalu, second only to Woo. Guests staying at Holiday Inn Express KOTA KINABALU CITY CENTRE by IHG should definitely try their food.

DariINR 5,495

Raia Hotel Kota Kinabalu

9/10Great499 Ulasan

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

Third stay at Raia Hotel KK and it never disappoints! 5⭐️ The room is really spacious and super comfortable — plenty of space to relax after a long day. Cleanliness is always tiptop; everything feels fresh and well maintained every time I check in. One thing I really appreciate is the parking. There’s free parking and lots of it, so you never have to worry about finding a spot. Such a big convenience! 🚗 This is already my 3rd time staying here and the experience has been consistently great. Definitely one of my go-to places whenever I’m in Kota Kinabalu. 👍

DariINR 3,081

A Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

9.5/10Amazing83 Ulasan

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

We stayed for one night while passing through. The entrance was a bit tricky to find as it's located in the courtyard of a building where there are tables for a small local restaurant, and then you have to go up a staircase. However, the hotel owners/staff were incredibly attentive and responsive. They sent us photos and directions via WhatsApp in advance and met us upon check-in. They were also consistently in touch with us throughout our stay. This is essentially a mini-hotel with several rooms. The rooms are spacious and well-renovated. Everything is clean and tidy. The room had all the essentials a traveler might need, including a fridge, kettle, and water. The location is convenient, right in the city center. There are several cafes, mini-markets, and a currency exchange nearby. It's a 5-minute walk to the nearest shopping mall and 10 minutes to the promenade and night market. It's perfectly suited for a 2-3 day stay.

DariINR 2,953

Goldenhill Hotel

7.8/10Good416 Ulasan

Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu|4.12km dari pusat bandar

Check in hotel without deposit✅ pastu dpt bilik aras 3, mcm biasa xda lif. Naik tangga je. Sip baik xbwa banyak barang😁. Dlm tu ada d sediakan basic thing seperti mineral water, shampoo, sabun badan, tooth brush, water heater, meja n 2 kerusi. Cermin 1 ja dlm tandas lah tapi. So far so good sbb kwasan tu bnyak tpt makan. Jalan kaki je pn boyeh👍🏻

DariINR 1,633

Gaya Centre Hotel

8.6/10Very Good1102 Ulasan

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

The location is excellent. Great value for money too. During my 6-night stay, I used breakfast once, and I was satisfied with the quality. From the window, you can see the port of Jezertun directly, and across the way is Suriasbahamol. It was nice that it was close to Filipino Market and Gayatri Street, and there was a convenience store and a bank. The room cleaning wasn’t done properly, so I mentioned it, and it was fixed immediately. I changed the shower filter every other day. Best value-for-money hotel. If I go to Kota Kinabalu again, I will use it once more. A little further on there’s a Dikingsaba durian shop, and it’s delicious.

DariINR 2,655

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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