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

9/10Great1667 Ulasan

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

This hotel is pretty good! It's conveniently located near the beach, and the staff are polite and enthusiastic. The most interesting thing is that there's a market right across the street, so you might notice a fishy smell. When I went to the outdoor pool at night, I saw hundreds of white seabirds perched in the trees – it was incredibly interesting and spectacular.

Dari€ 131

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

9.1/10Great1742 Ulasan

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

I stayed at two hotels in Kota Kinabalu this time, and surprisingly, the one that left the deepest impression was this older Hyatt. To be honest, I was a bit worried it might be dated at first, but it turned out to be a fantastic stay. The room was spacious. With two adults and one child, we could easily spread out our luggage without feeling cramped. The bedding was just right – soft enough to sink into, but with good support. I slept in naturally for all three nights. The absolute highlight was the sea view – a vast expanse of blue outside the window. Sitting there watching the sunset transform from golden hues to pinkish-purple, without having to brave the crowds at Tanjung Aru, was an absolute win. The location couldn't be better. Merdeka Shopping Mall is just a two-minute walk downstairs, super convenient for currency exchange and buying snacks. Another five-minute stroll takes you to Gaya Street, with eateries like Yee Fung Laksa and Fook Yuen Toast all within walking distance. We barely took any taxis during our stay, saving enough money for at least two extra seafood meals. I felt like a local just strolling around. The pool is right next to the elevator, with separate sections for adults and children. My kid grabbed a life vest and had a blast, while I relaxed on a nearby sun lounger and even caught another sunset. As for breakfast, the variety wasn't extensive, but the ingredients were fresh, and the Malaysian-style dishes were all delicious, especially the Roti Canai with curry sauce – I devoured three pieces! There were also noodle stations with both chicken and beef broth, which my kid said were very flavorful. If it's your first time in Kota Kinabalu and you don't want to waste time on transportation, this older Hyatt is truly top-notch. While the facilities show their age a bit, it's clean, comfortable, convenient, and offers incredible value for money. I'd definitely choose it again if I come back to Kota Kinabalu – truly a no-regrets choice! 😉

Dari€ 120

The Magellan Sutera Resort

8.5/10Very Good1668 Ulasan

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

Our trip was absolutely delightful! We arrived in Kota Kinabalu from Hangzhou at 2 AM, and everything from immigration to check-in went incredibly smoothly. The front desk staff were so kind; they upgraded us to a suite, which was spacious and conveniently close to the pool. The hotel's common areas are beautiful, and getting a taxi was a breeze. The kids didn't want to leave!

Dari€ 210

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

8.9/10Very Good2887 Ulasan

Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu|5.01km dari pusat bandar

The hotel itself is fine, with excellent facilities and services. However, some parts of the hotel are currently under renovation, and it seems they intentionally place guests who book lower-tier rooms in these renovated areas. Knowing in advance that some of the hotel's beachfront areas were under renovation, I specifically booked a garden-view room a month ago. Upon arrival, the hotel informed us that all garden-view rooms were full. They then 'upgraded' us to a sea-view room (which was in the renovated section). Although they offered a discount as compensation, we repeatedly stated that we didn't want to stay there. The staff (somewhat threateningly) said that all other rooms in the hotel were full, and these were the only ones left, implying we'd have no room if we didn't take it (their attitude was quite arrogant). They also insisted that we could only switch to this specific (renovated) room type and no other. Since we'd never encountered such a situation before and didn't know how to handle it, we reluctantly accepted. Later, I checked online and found that our situation of being switched rooms was not an isolated incident; many Chinese tourists were 'forced' into 'upgrading' to sea-view rooms. (Some even suggested they only do this to Chinese tourists). The hotel did not proactively offer compensation after we checked out. We only received it after complaining to Ctrip's customer service. I'm very grateful to Ctrip's customer service for their help; they advised us that in similar future situations, we should not deal with the front desk privately but instead let Ctrip customer service handle it. I rarely post reviews, but I'm sharing this to prevent fellow Chinese travelers from being scammed. If you encounter such issues, contact Ctrip directly.

Dari€ 290

Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

8.8/10Very Good1923 Ulasan

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

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had a truly fantastic stay this time! Due to a typhoon, my flight schedule changed unexpectedly, but the hotel staff were all incredibly friendly and professional during my stay. They were also very willing to help us with all sorts of requests, which made us feel very at ease. The room was clean and comfortable, and the bed was excellent for sleeping. Housekeeping was impeccable every day. The infinity pool offered stunning views, especially the sunset, which was unforgettable. The gym was well-equipped, and the breakfast selection was extensive, with both local delicacies and Western dishes tasting delicious. The hotel's location is also very convenient. It's a short Grab ride to shopping malls, Gaya Street, and the waterfront, making it perfect for a trip to Kota Kinabalu. Although this trip ended up being extended by a few days due to the weather, it allowed us to enjoy the hotel's facilities and relaxed atmosphere even more. It actually became one of the most wonderful memories of the trip. I highly recommend staying here. I will definitely choose this place again on my next visit to Kota Kinabalu!

Dari€ 169

The Pacific Sutera Hotel

8.5/10Very Good1492 Ulasan

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

The Pacific Sutera Hotel boasts an excellent location, making island-hopping very convenient. It's also the meeting point for the Mantanani Island tours, which is fantastic when you're traveling with kids – no need to wake up super early, and you can still catch the sunset right from the beach. However, the service was only average. We took the hotel's life jackets to snorkel at their beach, but due to the strong waves that day, we decided to move to the Magellan hotel's beach. We were stopped by staff there and told to remove the life jackets. On another windy day, after swimming in the hotel pool, I grabbed a towel to head back to my room, but was stopped again and told that towels couldn't be taken to the rooms. For a resort hotel, I believe they could do better in these aspects.

Dari€ 166

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

9.4/10Amazing1899 Ulasan

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

We booked the Hyatt on the spur of the moment after a terrible night's sleep at the Greenleaf Hotel. We checked out of Greenleaf at 1 AM and forfeited the remaining night's stay just to get to Hyatt Centric. As soon as we arrived at the Hyatt, we felt completely revived. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and some even spoke basic Chinese, which was a huge plus for us. What really stood out was that they let us check in around 10 AM, as soon as a room was available, instead of making us wait until the rigid 2 or 3 PM check-in time. The high-ceilinged lobby was wonderfully airy, and sitting at the sunset bar on the top floor, sipping drinks and enjoying the sea view, completely washed away the fatigue of a sleepless night. We grew very fond of Hyatt Centric, staying for three consecutive nights, and had an excellent experience throughout. The breakfast was lavish, and there was even an à la carte menu available. The last four photos are a comparison with the other hotel. I believe that in a foreign country, the most important thing a hotel can offer is a feeling of being at home and a sense of closeness, and the Hyatt absolutely delivered! The layout was comfortable, and the service was attentive. So, if I ever return to Kota Kinabalu, it will definitely be for Hyatt Centric and the seafood!

Dari€ 139

Sheraton Kota Kinabalu

9.1/10Great239 Ulasan

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

Taking the club access comes with 1)Breakfast (can go either at level 5 or 20) Level 5had more option but more people Level 20 more privacy,less people but the food option is not much 2) high tea Provides some biscuit, and can order drink 3)evening coctail Can consider as dinner I decided to book for the stay purposely for short trip in which i want to fully spend in my room, i would recommed to take if most of time stay at hotel, but if going out to enjoy the city, no need to take club access. During the stay, i tried their in room dining, i order quite a number of menu so it takes quite some time, honestly just typical hotel food with no extraordinary taste, but the view from my room is priceless making dinner become more fun to enjoy.9/10 chance of coming back here.

Dari€ 150

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.

Ritz Residence @ Imago Mall Loft B

9.2/10Great101 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.

Dari€ 60

Business travel

Ming Garden Hotel

8.2/10Very Good1116 Ulasan

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

I asked for swan shaped towel deco but didnt get it,.😬maybe they ask for an extra charge but idk hehe, but the stay was good, The breakfast menu was superb also.

Dari€ 46

Sky Hotel

8.2/10Very Good869 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

Dari€ 27

Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre

8.1/10Very Good1432 Ulasan

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

The room was very spacious, perfect for our family of three adults and one child in the two-bedroom suite. The hotel's location is super convenient, just a five to six-minute walk to Suria Sabah and Jesselton Point. Housekeeping cleaned daily, and the service was good. The only issues were that the shower door didn't close properly, so water always leaked onto the floor after showering. Also, the sofa had a lot of stains that looked like they couldn't be cleaned anymore. Another downside was the breakfast quality; if you went late, there was hardly anything left, and they didn't replenish the food. Overall, it's still decent value for money.

Dari€ 51

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.9/10Very Good2743 Ulasan

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

I arrived at the hotel late at night after my flight. Check-in was smooth, but I was assigned a room with a connecting door, which might be a bit unsettling if you're traveling alone. I only chose this place as a one-night stopover before moving to the Marriott tomorrow. The picture is of the Marriott.

Dari€ 53

Grandis Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.6/10Very Good588 Ulasan

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

Hotel Pros: Directly connected to Imago Shopping Mall, so you don't have to go outside to access it. The walkway is on the 1st floor near Shu Da Xia restaurant. The room is spacious enough. Cons: The breakfast is genuinely bad. Also, there's construction going on next door, blocking the sea view. On the plus side, it's very close to the jetty, where you can buy tour packages. Some of them are indeed cheaper to book locally.

Dari€ 64

Sabah Oriental Hotel Kota Kinabalu

7.9/10Good421 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

Dari€ 25

Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu

8.8/10Very Good967 Ulasan

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

The hotel was clean and well-maintained. At just over 300 a night, it's a 3-star hotel. The front desk staff can speak Chinese, which was a plus. The soundproofing was excellent, making for a very quiet stay. There's a night market right behind the hotel, a Watsons next door, and a Foo Yuan Tea Restaurant nearby, making breakfast very convenient.

Dari€ 27

Oceania Hotel

8.7/10Very Good466 Ulasan

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

Overall, it was pretty good! There are good places to eat right downstairs, and not far away by the river, there's a hawker center with seafood and other dishes in the evening, complete with a live singer. And I have to say, the Malaysian singers are quite good! It was advertised that the front desk had Chinese-speaking staff, but they didn't, which might be inconvenient for non-English speakers. I booked this room early from my home country, but the price ended up being higher than the current market rate. If you can enter the country, it's probably better not to book non-refundable rooms in advance, as there are many hotels with great value for money locally! What puzzled me most was that besides the main door, the room had another door connecting to the opposite room, and it wasn't soundproof. I wonder if all rooms are like this!

Dari€ 23

Promenade Service Apartments

8.4/10Very Good786 Ulasan

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

Room size is decent, and the facilities are generally fine. No toothbrush or hairdryer in the room, but the front desk brought one up when I called. Housekeeping: On the 27th, they said it was a holiday and wouldn't be cleaning, so I just asked for a fresh towel. They didn't clean for the next few days either; I had to specifically ask them to clean the room. Environment: It's not soundproofed at all. The road outside is very noisy, and there were motorcycles revving loudly late at night. Couldn't sleep without earplugs. Service: Overall, the service was quite good. They were very responsive to requests.

Dari€ 14

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

8.5/10Very Good992 Ulasan

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

It was our first time here. Heard it was a rebrand hotel. Was a bit impress with the drinking filtered water in the room. A good effort for reducing plastic usage but wasn't really sure if the filtered water is really clean for drinking tho coz it was set up on the bathroom/toilet sink.. but we did drink it haha. So far we're good. Also the aircond was making a noise which actually pretty loud. Please check your aircond vent in room 515 😅 overall it was a 4/5 star stay. Thanks HoJo!

Dari€ 31

Breakfast

Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu

8.1/10Very Good1125 Ulasan

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

Clean, quiet, and comfortable. The only thing is that the outlets were only on the TV side, not by the head of the bed. Overall, it's a decent option for the price. There are shops and cafes nearby.

Dari€ 20

Hotel Capital Kota Kinabalu

8.5/10Very Good1010 Ulasan

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

Overall, it was great. The room was spacious, clean, and the facilities weren't outdated, offering excellent value for money at this price point. The only downside was the noise. The soundproofing between rooms and from the hallway was good, but the air conditioning was very loud. When I turned off the AC at night, the street noise from motorbikes was incredibly loud, so I had to wear earplugs every night to sleep. The upside is that it's very convenient to get everywhere – the pier, shopping malls, and restaurants are all easily accessible.

Dari€ 29

Hotel 7 Suria

9/10Great686 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

Dari€ 29

The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.9/10Very Good478 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

Dari€ 44

Horizon Hotel

9.1/10Great331 Ulasan

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

Had a great stay here. The front desk staff were exceptionally friendly, helpful, and very responsive throughout. They promptly fulfilled my request for a face towel and even went the extra mile to find and safely keep my spectacles that I accidentally left behind after check out. Truly appreciate their kindness and excellent service. Highly recommend 👍

Dari€ 57

The Klagan Hotel

9/10Great876 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.

Dari€ 31

Holiday Inn Express KOTA KINABALU CITY CENTRE by IHG

9.2/10Great1189 Ulasan

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

Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu is a fantastic choice for both business and leisure travelers. Conveniently located close to the city center, it offers easy access to popular attractions, local eateries, and the vibrant waterfront. The rooms are modern, clean, and thoughtfully designed, providing everything you need for a restful stay. I especially appreciated the comfortable bed, friendly staff, and complimentary breakfast, which made each morning a great start to the day. Overall, Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu delivers excellent value with its convenient location, quality service, and cozy atmosphere. A great option if you’re planning to explore the beauty of Sabah while enjoying a comfortable stay.

Dari€ 112

Raia Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.9/10Very Good498 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. 👍

Dari€ 28

A Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

9.5/10Amazing79 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 👍🏻

Dari€ 36

Goldenhill Hotel

7.8/10Good432 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.

Dari€ 15

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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