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

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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.

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

8.9/10Very Good1664 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.77km dari pusat bandar
The room's cleanliness was decent, nothing overtly uncomfortable. As for the environment: it's located by the sea, but the area downstairs isn't great. It's essentially just one building, lacking a proper hotel ambiance, perhaps comparable to an Atour Hotel in China. The hotel hasn't been open for long, but the facilities already look a bit dated. There are plenty of dining options not far from the hotel, which makes getting around quite convenient. However, I booked this only a few days before my trip, and around 1200 for a city view room still felt a bit pricey. The breakfast was disappointing; it lacked any distinctive features or anything noteworthy.
Dari€ 94
9.1/10Great1784 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.11km dari pusat bandar
The hotel's location is excellent, with a shopping mall right downstairs. It's less than a ten-minute walk to Suria Sabah and Gaya Street, and only about a ten-minute walk to the Jesselton Point ferry terminal. Dining, shopping, and getting a taxi are all very convenient. The pool water is very clean. The room has all the necessary facilities, but the cleanliness wasn't great; there was dust on the nightstand. Also, toiletries weren't replenished in a timely manner. I stayed for three days and after using the bathrobe after swimming, it was never replaced. By the last day, I had no bathrobe to use. Same with the towels, but since I brought my own, I didn't bother calling housekeeping.
Dari€ 81
8.5/10Very Good1693 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|2.69km dari pusat bandar
The room hygiene was pretty good. The environment was mostly fine, quite suitable for taking photos and checking in. There weren't many people watching the sunset in the afternoon, so overall it was good. As for service, it was okay after check-in, and they offered luggage storage. However, the hotel's policy of a unified check-in time at 3:00 PM, with no early check-in allowed, feels a bit inhumane. Are all rooms only cleaned by 3:00 PM? Shouldn't guests be notified for check-in as soon as a room is ready? We even had to queue for breakfast in the morning. I was aware that the facilities were old beforehand, so that was acceptable. You can snorkel at the hotel, and there are quite a lot of fish. Also, you can see sea urchins by the beach next to one of the swimming pools.
Dari€ 129
8.8/10Very Good2907 Ulasan
Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu|5.01km dari pusat bandar
This is the first time I've experienced ”wasting time” not as a derogatory term. Here, both your mind and the days slow down, not just because Tanjung Aru boasts the most beautiful sunsets, but because of every plant, every service within the hotel, and the meeting of the ocean with Shangri-La, which collectively created an unforgettable experience for us. I highly recommend the ground floor patio rooms, where the balcony leads directly to the lawn! You can witness one of the world's top three sunsets and the iconic Sunset Bar. I loved the peaceful mornings here, listening to the sea breeze on a lounge chair and watching seagulls glide over the ocean. In the evenings, there's none of the hustle and bustle of the public beach, only melodious songs, paired with a margarita, truly allowing time to slow down. I suggest staying for at least 5 nights; if you're lucky, you might even catch a unique event. The hotel's Chinese restaurant is highly recommended; it leans towards Cantonese cuisine, with prices being mid-to-high, but it definitely satisfies Chinese palates.
Dari€ 156
8.8/10Very Good1934 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.36km dari pusat bandar
The hotel's infinity pool was great, my family loved it, a real bonus. The breakfast was also quite substantial. The facilities are a bit old, though. The two 1.35m beds are perfect for families traveling with children. The price was a bit high for the summer. Our city view room was facing the street, and there was some noise from cars revving at night, but that's unavoidable if you're next to a main road. We were so tired we slept soundly, so it didn't really bother us. The location is excellent, not far from Gaya Street, and there's a large farmers market nearby along the coast, as well as Imago Shopping Mall.
Dari€ 122
8.5/10Very Good1546 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|3.08km dari pusat bandar
This hotel is an older resort, but the rooms have been renovated and are in pretty good condition. The resort gardens are beautiful, and the pool and beach are fantastic. I especially loved the harbor; I'd walk there twice a day to watch the small fish and giant clams – there's so much wildlife, I even saw a water monitor lizard! You can walk directly from the Pacific (hotel) to the Magellan, and even though the Magellan's beach is small, there are fish everywhere you look, which is incredibly charming! The only downsides and my suggestions are that the hotel's restaurants and other services don't offer any discounts for guests. So, we often ended up eating out and going for spas elsewhere.
Dari€ 101
9.4/10Amazing1913 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.36km dari pusat bandar
Extremely satisfied! It's very close to Gaya Street, with Suria Sabah shopping mall right across the road, and the Jesselton Point ferry terminal is just a 5-10 minute walk away. When I checked in, I asked for a high floor, and the front desk happily gave me a room on the 19th floor with a great view. The room was very clean. The hotel's swimming pool was also fantastic, and my kids had a wonderful time. The breakfast buffet offered a good variety, and I particularly enjoyed their Indian section with three delicious curries. Staff even came to our table to offer Teh Tarik, and you could also order various international pastries from a special menu, free of charge, which weren't available at the main buffet.
Dari€ 127
9.2/10Great278 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.88km dari pusat bandar
I was really hoping for a 5 star standard experience, especially as this trip was meant to celebrate my anniversary, but unfortunately the entire experience was very disappointing and ruined what should have been a special occasion. The room card was faulty on approximately three occasions within the same day, causing unnecessary inconvenience and delays. In addition, there was water leakage from the ceiling, which was a major concern and affected my comfort and enjoyment during the stay. I also noticed that many of the staff members appeared to be very new and lacked confidence in handling critical situations efficiently. While the staff were polite, the level of service, communication, and problem-solving did not meet the expectations of a 5-star property. It was extremely disappointing to have these issues during such an important celebration. I hope the management will take this feedback seriously and improve staff training, maintenance response, and overall service standards. A luxury hotel experience should provide guests with comfort, reliability, and peace of mind, especially when they are celebrating meaningful moments.
Dari€ 118
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.
Dari€ 69
9.3/10Great103 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|2.06km dari pusat bandar
This place seriously blew me away. Located above Imago mall and styled like a high-end hotel, the room felt ultra-luxurious from the moment I walked in. Yes, it’s on the pricier side — but you can see and feel where the money goes. Every detail screams premium: a Dyson hairdryer, thick and fluffy slippers, electronic blinds, touch-control lighting, and a stunning bathtub that instantly sets the mood for a relaxing stay. The design is sleek, modern, and Instagram-worthy in every corner. What truly sets this place apart is the generosity in amenities. Instead of the standard small bottled water, they provide 1500ml drinking water, plus free-flow drinking water and soft drinks to enjoy anytime. Even the Starbucks cups added a classy, thoughtful touch that made the stay feel extra special. On top of all that, parking is provided, making it incredibly convenient — especially with the mall right downstairs. This isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s an experience. If you love luxury, comfort, and those little details that make you say “wow”, this place absolutely delivers.
Dari€ 51

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Business travel

8.2/10Very Good1113 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.
Dari€ 44
8.2/10Very Good878 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€ 25
8.1/10Very Good1420 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.5km dari pusat bandar
This hotel is centrally located in Kota Kinabalu, close to Gaya Street and the Suria Sabah shopping mall. They offer two-bedroom and three-bedroom suites, which are perfect if you're traveling with multiple families – definitely good value for money! The breakfast is decent, and housekeeping cleans the rooms daily. There's also a sky pool on the 25th floor, which is great for families with kids.
Dari€ 51
8.9/10Very Good2724 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.4km dari pusat bandar
First off, a shout-out for the great location – facing the sea, right next to Mankali, and very close to Imago. The hotel itself is quite large, but a bit dated. There were some basic issues with water and electricity; the shower water pressure fluctuated and sometimes there was no hot water. Breakfast wasn't very good. However, overall it's still decent value for money.
Dari€ 41
8.5/10Very Good584 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.
Dari€ 61
8/10Very Good438 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.68km dari pusat bandar
Clean and comfortable hotel with a pleasant stay. The reception staff were friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Most importantly, the check-in process was very fast and smooth, making arrival hassle-free. The hotel is also conveniently located near the Imago Shopping Mall, making it easy for shopping and dining. Overall, a great experience. And, there is pasar malam also next to hotel.
Dari€ 26
8.8/10Very Good1000 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.11km dari pusat bandar
What I loved most about this hotel was its cleanliness and security (you need your room key card to use the elevator). It's relatively quiet, not in a bustling area, but taxis are easily accessible and pickups/drop-offs are right at the hotel entrance. You can also walk to many nearby neighborhoods and restaurants; we walked to Yee Fung Laksa on Gaya Street in about 10 minutes. However, the streets around here aren't very pedestrian-friendly and there aren't many people walking around. It takes about 15 minutes by taxi to get to Tanjung Aru and Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. Fook Yuen Cafe (Asia City) is right downstairs, and we had breakfast there several times. We also walked to Thien Thien Seafood. There's an interesting market downstairs that we stumbled upon in the morning, selling groceries, pastries, and more. As for service, the housekeeping was great, but the front desk was just okay.
Dari€ 25
8.4/10Very Good478 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.82km dari pusat bandar
This hotel is really great, with lovely decor and excellent facilities. I was a bit worried before because of the ratings, but it genuinely exceeded my expectations. The hotel even has its own filtered showerheads, but I brought my own, and the new filter barely discolored over my six-day stay. There's also a mini-fridge, which was a lifesaver in the hot summer. The location is super convenient with plenty of 7-Elevens, Orange, and Jomjom convenience stores nearby, plus some local tea restaurants and hawker stalls. The only minor drawback is that while the hotel and a few others form a small self-contained area, once you step out, you're right by an elevated highway. You definitely need to take a taxi to get to places like Gaya Street or Imago; it's not really a walkable area.
Dari€ 24
8.4/10Very Good788 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!
Dari€ 12
8.5/10Very Good1000 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.04km dari pusat bandar
I initially thought a 300 RMB hotel might be old and run-down. When I entered the lobby late at night, it was pitch black, but upon entering the room, I saw it had been nicely renovated. You could tell the faucets and bathroom door were older, but the room was well-maintained and very clean, comparable to a Hanting (All Seasons) hotel. The breakfast restaurant also serves as a lunch buffet. It's quite spacious, has a noodle bar, and offers a good variety of dishes, though it was a bit short on salad vegetables. Remember to go early; by 9:30 AM, not much was left. Most countries outside of China advocate for saving food. Kota Kinabalu city center is very small. Turn left when you leave the hotel and you'll find Holiday Inn, with Hilton and Sheraton across the street. The Welcome Seafood Restaurant street is behind the Hilton, and it seems like the Hyatt Centric (KK) is below the Sheraton. Convenience stores and KFC are just a few steps away, making the location very convenient.
Dari€ 28

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Breakfast

8/10Very Good1175 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.58km dari pusat bandar
Another stay at Dreamtel and still very satisfied! The location is super convenient, just a 5-minute walk to Gaya Street. If you're looking for seafood, I highly recommend Welcome Seafood Restaurant – it's cheap and delicious. I ate there three nights in a row!
Dari€ 19
8.6/10Very Good1007 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.08km dari pusat bandar
The location is great, very close to Imago Mall, then Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, and a bit further is the duty-free shop. It's about a ten-minute walk to the new pier, and Gaya Street is right behind it. Some other reviews mentioned poor soundproofing, but this is mainly due to external factors like modified motorcycle exhausts and traffic noise since the hotel is facing the street. I stayed here for one night as a transit stop after returning from Mount Kinabalu. I wore noise-canceling earplugs to sleep, so it didn't really affect me. The price was 220 for a twin room without breakfast, which might be a bit high for Southeast Asia. On the plus side, they offer free luggage storage. Overall, it's a pretty good place.
Dari€ 24
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€ 34
8.9/10Very Good463 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.5km dari pusat bandar
I recently stayed at The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu and had a pleasant experience overall. The service was warm and attentive — the staff were friendly, helpful, and always ready to assist whenever needed. The facilities were well-maintained and comfortable. The room was clean, cozy, and provided a relaxing environment after a long day. I especially appreciated the peaceful surroundings, which made the stay even more enjoyable. As for the food, it was satisfying with a decent variety to choose from. The breakfast spread was simple but enjoyable, and the dining experience was overall pleasant. All in all, it’s a good place to stay if you’re looking for comfort, friendly service, and a relaxing atmosphere in Kota Kinabalu. Would definitely consider coming back again.
Dari€ 44
9/10Great323 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|0.35km dari pusat bandar
The hotel location is really strategic, the hotel room is clean, the staff are very friendly. The only thing they need to improve is the water exiting from the bath is too slow, seems like there is clogging
Dari€ 56
9/10Great903 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€ 32
9.2/10Great1200 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.28km dari pusat bandar
The hotel rooms facing the mountain are incredibly quiet, so you don't have to worry about noisy motorcycles. The room facilities are excellent, and there's an ATM in the lobby that supports UnionPay. The breakfast is delicious and offers a great taste of Malaysian flavors. Across the road is Welcome Seafood Restaurant. If there's not much traffic, you can cross directly; otherwise, it's safer to walk a bit further to use the pedestrian overpass.
Dari€ 60
9/10Great505 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€ 30
9.5/10Amazing82 Ulasan
Kota Kinabalu City Center Kota Kinabalu|1.08km dari pusat bandar
Nice clean room, room always cold when we come back to rest, amenities is always ready outside the room, drinking water, shampoo, shower soap & gel, toilet roll etc. They have everything including waterproof hp protector for our island hopping trip and umbrella too. Highly recommend and we will be back soon.
Dari€ 29
7.8/10Good419 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👍🏻
Dari€ 17

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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.

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!

Tanjung Aru beach

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Tanjung Aru Beach