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 Good1671 Ulasan

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

Facilities: Le Méridien's quality, as always. This hotel is relatively new; although it's not directly on Gaya Street, it's close to the beach and offers beautiful sea views. The rooms are incredibly spacious, definitely much larger than hotels in Penang, Malacca, or Kuala Lumpur! Cleanliness: The hotel is quite clean, with daily housekeeping; there's both a shower and a bathtub, but we didn't use the tub. Environment: The surrounding area has mostly older buildings. It's 1.5 km from Gaya Street; you can take a taxi if you don't want to walk. Right outside, there's a large local market where you can buy seafood in the evening for processing and a late-night snack – very similar to Chunyuan in Sanya. There are also plenty of spices, dried goods, snacks, and drinks, perfect for a browse. It's also very close to the most beautiful beach, which you'll need to Grab a taxi to reach. There's a Mixue Ice Cream & Tea shop right around the corner from the hotel! 😀 Service: The service was very good. Breakfast is included and it's absolutely fantastic – for those who booked with breakfast, definitely don't miss it.

DariDKK 604

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

9.1/10Great1848 Ulasan

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

The hotel is in a very convenient location—dining and shopping options are all within a few minutes' walk. The front desk service was excellent; a special shout-out to the lovely lady whose name starts with JA, thank you so much! We were very pleased with the floor assigned to us, and the housekeeping was spotless. The swimming pool is on the ground floor with a dedicated toddler area, and our child had a blast. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is a trusted, classic brand that truly lives up to its reputation.

DariDKK 503

Hilton Kota Kinabalu

9/10Great1169 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.23km dari pusat bandar

The room and bed are smaller than average, but fine. The pool is quite large, and it was very convenient to have it right outside my room to the right. The elevator had a strong aromatherapy scent. The location isn't close to Gaya Street, so you might need to call a Grab if you get tired of walking.

DariDKK 481

The Magellan Sutera Resort

8.5/10Very Good1812 Ulasan

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

The hotel surroundings are very photogenic and well worth a visit. However, the facilities are a bit dated; the bathroom in particular is a bit dim and the toilet is quite old. On the plus side, the hotel's swimming pool is truly amazing. Furthermore, the service is exceptionally good—both check-in and check-out experiences were fantastic. On our last day, because we were going snorkeling, we accidentally left our snorkeling shoes and clothes on the balcony when we checked out. I especially want to thank NAINA at the front desk, who personally took me back to the room to check and communicated multiple times with the housekeeping team to help me retrieve my belongings. I am truly grateful! 🙏

DariDKK 906

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

8.8/10Very Good2918 Ulasan

Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu|5.01km dari pusat bandar

Room: Very spacious, consisting of a dining area, living room, bedroom, two bathrooms, and a terrace. It was comfortable for three adults (though the extra bed in the living room was not very comfortable and not recommended for those with back problems). Decor: As a historic hotel, it's generally well-maintained. Although half of the rooms are currently undergoing renovation, my room was not affected – I neither saw nor heard any construction (I had specified my room preferences when booking on Ctrip and also emailed the hotel in advance). Room View: My room was on the 4th floor, which didn't have as good a view as the same room type on the 2nd or 3rd floors (the eaves above obstructed part of the view), and nearby pillars also blocked some of the scenery. It wasn't as good as the standard sea-view rooms at Tanjung Wing, but overall it was still very open with both sea and tree views. For watching the sunset, we'd go to Coco, so it didn't really matter. Room Location: The Tanjung Wing is quite a distance from the jetty/front desk/Shang Palace (Chinese restaurant). Although buggy bus service is available (by calling room service), during peak hours (12 PM / 3-4 PM), there are fewer buggies, leading to long waits, which is quite inconvenient. Once, I waited half an hour for a buggy from the jetty back to my room. Restaurants: The breakfast restaurant offered a good variety, but it didn't change much. After eating there four times, there were basically no variations, so it could get repetitive if staying for a long time. It was also very crowded during peak hours. We tried Shang Palace once; the food was delicious, but the air conditioning was very cold, so an extra layer of clothing is recommended. Coco offered afternoon tea as part of the executive lounge benefits; the food was decent, and the location was excellent for watching the sunset. Service: Overall, the service was quite good, with a few highlights. Firstly, executive rooms included a complimentary airport drop-off. Secondly, the hotel's jetty was very convenient for trips to nearby and distant islands, and they provided comprehensive gear (life jackets/snorkeling equipment/towels, etc.), which was a great experience. Thirdly, the lounge was excellent, available for use both before check-in and after check-out, which is very convenient for red-eye flights. Overall, I'd give the hotel an 85-90 out of 100. There's room for improvement, but in Kota Kinabalu, I don't think there are any better options. Chinese Service: When booking, I assumed many hotel staff would speak Chinese, but in reality, very few could communicate fluently in Chinese. So, if you don't speak any English, your stay experience will definitely be affected (e.g., when participating in water sports).

DariDKK 1,173

Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

8.8/10Very Good1945 Ulasan

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

Five-star review! The room was clean and tidy with no strange smells, the bedding was comfortable, and the hot water was consistent. The front desk handled check-in efficiently and the service was warm and friendly. The location is convenient. Overall, it was a great experience, and I'll definitely prioritize staying here on my next trip.

DariDKK 668

The Pacific Sutera Hotel

8.4/10Very Good1599 Ulasan

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

The Pacific Sutera Hotel has a huge number of guest rooms. The common areas, with their beach and swimming pool, offer a fantastic environment. Overall, the cleanliness is quite good, and the rooms are very spacious. All the staff are locals, so you need to speak English. Every time I requested room service, I had to call the front desk twice. The service was a bit lacking.

DariDKK 567

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

9.3/10Great1929 Ulasan

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

I won't comment on other room types, but purely in terms of the Sea View Suite, it's arguably in a league of its own in Kota Kinabalu. Factor in the value for money, and it easily makes my personal top 3 among all the sea view rooms I've ever stayed in. The view and room layout are about 10-20% better than the suites at the Kota Kinabalu Sheraton. The surroundings and location are unbeatable—Suria Sabah, the city's largest shopping mall, is right across the street, and Gaya Street is less than a 10-minute walk if you turn left out the door. The location is seriously top-notch. Upon entering, there was also a nice touch: a personalized welcome card with my name on it and a plate of fresh welcome fruit. Here are a few tips for fellow travelers looking to book this hotel: 1. They provide bottled direct-drinking water rather than bottled purified or mineral water. It has a bit of an odd taste—after taking a few sips, I didn't dare drink anymore for fear of getting an upset stomach. We ended up just walking out, turning left, and buying a few large bottles of mineral water at the Orange convenience store. Compared to the Moya bottled water provided by the Sheraton, the Sheraton does a much better job here, and their water is also handier to take along for island-hopping trips. 2. Their check-out policy is quite rigid. Anyone who cares about this or has a late departure on their final day really needs to pay attention. Check-out is at 12:00 PM, and whether I tried negotiating with the front desk myself or asked the Ctrip butler to help, the feedback was that the absolute latest they would extend it to is 1:00 PM. If you exceed that, checking out before 6:00 PM incurs a half-day room charge. At the Sheraton, Marriott Gold Elite members can check out at 2:00 PM; we finished packing and walked out at 2:40 PM without anyone rushing us. So, if this matters to you, take it into consideration. 3. Regarding the room view, there is a high-rise building currently under construction right opposite, complete with a tower crane, which somewhat obstructs the sea view. If this bothers you, you might want to reconsider. Also, try to request a high-floor, quiet room in the notes. There are quite a few roaring motorcycles around here at night, and the noise can be pretty loud.

DariDKK 625

Sheraton Kota Kinabalu

9.1/10Great372 Ulasan

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

City view room with the sea on the left, mountains on the right, and city streets in the middle. The decor and facilities are very new, with a slight smell of recent renovation. Dining options nearby are very convenient, and it's close to Suthinee Seafood. The 23rd-floor bar is a great spot to watch the sunset, and the gym and pool are also nice.

DariDKK 654

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.

DariDKK 433

Business travel

Ming Garden Hotel

8.2/10Very Good1009 Ulasan

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

This hotel makes getting around easy. All facilities are available. Access to the city center and banking is nearby. Tourist attractions are also close by.

DariDKK 319

Sky Hotel

8.3/10Very Good868 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.

DariDKK 194

Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre

8.1/10Very Good1416 Ulasan

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

The hotel's location is extremely convenient, close to both the pier and a shopping mall, making it very suitable for families with children. However, the pier downstairs is currently under construction, so the immediate area outside is a large construction site. Overall, it's still a recommended hotel.

DariDKK 334

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

9/10Great2701 Ulasan

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

Our stay in a deluxe king room with a partial sea view was overall very pleasant. The Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu is in an excellent location; the sea is right across the street, and there's a seafood hawker center next door, making it super convenient for finding food. It's also easy to get to various attractions. The cleanliness, environment, and service were all very satisfying. The room was clean and tidy, and the staff were friendly and enthusiastic. The only minor drawbacks were that some of the facilities are a bit old, and some equipment showed its age. The hotel breakfast selection wasn't extensive, and the taste was quite ordinary, nothing outstanding. However, the overall value for money is very high, and the room offered a partial sea view. If you're visiting Kota Kinabalu and prioritize location, Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu is an excellent choice.

DariDKK 299

Grandis Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.6/10Very Good607 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.

DariDKK 515

Sabah Oriental Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8/10Very Good466 Ulasan

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

The facilities could use some minor improvements, such as providing a bathtub stopper and ensuring clearer television reception. Regardless, this is one of the most affordable hotels in Kota Kinabalu that offers a bathtub, a swimming pool, and private parking

DariDKK 180

Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu

8.8/10Very Good1080 Ulasan

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

Came to Kota Kinabalu for National Day! First, the conclusion: choosing this hotel was a great decision, super value for money! We stayed for 2 nights, and both days we had day trips planned. Breakfast starts at 6:30 AM, and if it's included in your package and you just want a quick bite, it's fine. Otherwise, you can go to Fook Yuen behind the hotel, which is very close. In front of the hotel, there's an Orange convenience store and a Jomjom convenience store, a Watsons, and a Guardian pharmacy. At the corner, there's BORENOS fried chicken, and if you walk past it, you'll find Welcome Seafood Restaurant. We ate at stall C with the blue chairs; there's an uncle with a bad leg who takes orders – highly recommended! It's also very close to Gaya Street. This hotel is perfectly suited for Chinese travelers' needs. If you want a bigger, more upscale room, choose the Hilton across the street. But if you usually stay at places like Hanting or All Seasons, then this hotel is definitely for you. From both a price and location perspective, I'm extremely satisfied! Highly recommended!

DariDKK 182

Oceania Hotel

8.6/10Very Good490 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.

DariDKK 175

Promenade Service Apartments

8.5/10Very Good757 Ulasan

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

I booked 2 rooms for Studio 1 Queen Bed for my family - Provided cutlery, pan, few instant drinks , rice cooker etc. (based on picture) - I forgot to take a picture in the bathroom, but we loved it. :3 - Shout out to their customer service, friendly, helpful and responsive ! 👍🏻 - This place is conveniently located near popular hotspots like Centre Point and Imago, making it easy to shop, eat, and explore the area. Overall, a really pleasant stay! ⭐️ Maybe another day, we'll book this place again :)

DariDKK 103

The Luma Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels

9.2/10Great1113 Ulasan

Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|2.35km dari pusat bandar

A very nice hotel, extremely clean. The room features a great wet and dry separation layout; the double vanity, bathtub, shower, and toilet are all in separate independent spaces, so staying here with a friend meant we never got in each other's way. Secondly, the location is fantastic. It's very convenient to hail a taxi to anywhere, and downstairs you'll find convenience stores, restaurants, and bubble tea shops. The breakfast is a set menu and quite good, and the service is pleasant. If I really have to point out a drawback, the entrance facade is a bit small and inconspicuous. However, the interior facilities are complete, compact, and stylishly designed. It offers great value for money, and I would definitely choose to stay here again given the chance.

DariDKK 421

Breakfast

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

8.6/10Very Good1039 Ulasan

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

This time I chose this hotel, and it exceeded my expectations. The location is super convenient. Previously, I always stayed at Holiday Inn Express, but this hotel offers better value for money. I'll definitely stay here again next time. The breakfast was good too.

DariDKK 164

Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu

8/10Very Good1276 Ulasan

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

The hotel was very comfortable and clean. The room was tidy, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. The hotel's location makes it easy to get to interesting places, and amenities nearby are also convenient. Overall, the stay was very satisfying. The price was also worth the service provided. Will definitely come again and highly recommended!

DariDKK 149

Hotel Capital Kota Kinabalu

8.5/10Very Good958 Ulasan

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

This hotel is truly excellent! The rooms were cleaned promptly and thoroughly every day (just remember to hang the 'clean my room' sign before 2 PM, otherwise the staff will be off duty). They even provide cookies and green tea. We were a party of three and stayed comfortably. It's also super close to DBKK, Suria Sabah Mall, and Gaya Street, just a few minutes away. Honestly, I can't find any flaws. The only minor point I could nitpick is that the front desk staff aren't very fluent in Chinese, but their service was incredibly warm and friendly. The guy from the 9th floor was particularly polite; he brought us extra supplies multiple times and even took off his shoes before entering our room. Super courteous!

DariDKK 143

Hotel 7 Suria

8.8/10Very Good693 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!

DariDKK 224

The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.9/10Very Good444 Ulasan

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

This hotel offers incredible value for money! It's an old establishment with a really aristocratic feel. Definitely worth it! Both breakfast and dinner were great, and the front desk staff were excellent!

DariDKK 334

Horizon Hotel

9/10Great331 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.

DariDKK 328

The Klagan Hotel

9/10Great956 Ulasan

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

THIS HOTEL IS EXCELLENT WITH THE CLEANLINESS, LOCATION, SERVICE AND FACILITIES. I WILL NEVER REGRET TO CHOOSE THE KLAGAN HOTEL AS MY FIRST CHOICE WHEN I COME TO VISIT KK SABAH AGAIN. THANKS FOR THE RECEPTION SERVICE GIVEN ME A ROOM WITH SEA VIEW, EXCELLENT WITH THE SUNSET SCENERY AND I REALLY ENJOYED THE NEFLIX SHOWS TOO AT THE ROOM. MANY THANKS

DariDKK 252

Holiday Inn Express KOTA KINABALU CITY CENTRE by IHG

9.2/10Great1239 Ulasan

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

🔸 Stay Experience - Overall, I was satisfied with my stay. The room was clean, and the forest-facing view created a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. 🔸 Service Attitude - The staff were friendly, approachable, and always willing to assist. I truly appreciated their warm hospitality and helpful attitude. 🔸 Hotel Location * The hotel enjoys an excellent location, with convenient access to the city centre, popular attractions, and the airport. * Its strategic location is definitely one of its biggest advantages. 🔸 Remarks * The hotel offers a gym but does not have a swimming pool. * Recommended for travellers who enjoy exploring Kota Kinabalu on foot, as the location is convenient for city walks and sightseeing.

DariDKK 343

Raia Hotel Kota Kinabalu

9/10Great502 Ulasan

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

I had a wonderful stay at Raia Hotel and was genuinely impressed by the overall experience. The hotel was clean, comfortable, and well maintained, creating a relaxing atmosphere from the moment I arrived. The staff were exceptionally friendly, courteous, and always willing to assist with a warm smile. Their professionalism and hospitality made me feel welcomed throughout my stay. The room was spacious, spotless, and equipped with everything I needed for a comfortable visit. The bed was very comfortable, and the housekeeping team did an excellent job of maintaining the room each day. The hotel's facilities were excellent, and the location was convenient, making it easy to travel to nearby attractions and amenities. I also enjoyed the food, which offered a good variety and was delicious. Overall, my experience at Raia Hotel exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable, clean, and welcoming place to stay. I would definitely choose to stay here again on my next visit.

DariDKK 238

A Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

9.6/10Amazing85 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.

DariDKK 209

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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