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

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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

I booked a twin room with club access. The club lounge was fantastic for sunset views in the afternoon, and they offered cocktails. The city view room was quiet and spacious, with complete amenities. The location is also quite good; it's about a 10-minute walk to seafood restaurants (like Yu Kee, KK, and Welcome Seafood Restaurant) and roughly 15 minutes to Suria Sabah shopping mall.

Dari€ 90

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

9.1/10Great1812 Ulasan

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

Walking distance to restaurants and shopping mall. The wet market just accross the street.I chose a sea view room and enjoyed my stay. Will book if I visit Kota Kinabalu again, for the good service & breakfast with good variety. Never use the gym but saw it has all the basic equipment & weights

Dari€ 79

The Magellan Sutera Resort

8.4/10Very Good1750 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€ 133

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

8.8/10Very Good2913 Ulasan

Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu|5.01km dari pusat bandar

Extremely satisfied! The lovely lady at the front desk upgraded our room, and her service was fantastic – she even spoke Chinese and answered all our questions. Every time we took a taxi in, they'd check our booking information, which made us feel very safe. The breakfast buffet was also very rich and diverse, and the kids had a great time. The lifeguard at the pool was also very responsible, which gave us peace of mind. The sunset was also beautiful, with few people around, so it wasn't crowded. Highly recommend!

Dari€ 159

Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

8.8/10Very Good1933 Ulasan

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

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

Dari€ 103

The Pacific Sutera Hotel

8.5/10Very Good1565 Ulasan

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

Seriously, just book it with your eyes closed! The environment, facilities, and service are all top-notch. The scenery is beautiful, and you can use both their pool and the Magellan's pool, so you get double the fun. The room was huge, and they proactively offered an extra bed, which was wonderful. There's a small private bay with a beach where you can snorkel. The water quality isn't great, but there are fish, which was quite interesting. You don't need to go to Tanjung Aru to watch the sunset, where it's incredibly crowded; this hotel offers a stunning sunset view. I watched it for three consecutive nights and was absolutely amazed.

Dari€ 123

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

9.3/10Great1911 Ulasan

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

The accommodation was really clean overall and the facilities were great. All the staff were very friendly, so I was able to stay comfortably. The pool was also beautiful and had a nice atmosphere, which I really liked! The only slight disappointment was the view, as there was a building under construction right in front of the pool. Overall, it was a satisfying stay, and I'd love to visit again if I have the chance.

Dari€ 103

Sheraton Kota Kinabalu

9.2/10Great305 Ulasan

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

This is a new hotel, and overall it's quite good. It's clean and hygienic, the bedding is comfortable, and the breakfast is excellent, truly five-star quality. The location is great, just a 10-minute walk to the beach and Gaya Street. The best fried chicken in Kota Kinabalu (Borenos) is also less than a 10-minute walk away. There are many restaurants nearby; the halal Malay restaurant across the street tastes pretty good. For seafood, we tried 'Yu Jia Feng Qing' and got a nearly 3-pound flower lobster for just over 700 RMB. You can watch the sunset from the rooftop infinity pool. The downsides are the noise from motorcycles on the street at night and occasional disturbances from planes taking off and landing.

Dari€ 98

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.

Dari€ 42

Ritz Residence - A Member of The Luxury Hotel Group

9.3/10Great102 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€ 53

Business travel

Ming Garden Hotel

8.2/10Very Good1092 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€ 40

Sky Hotel

8.2/10Very Good876 Ulasan

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

Great location, with a rich breakfast spread. Downstairs there's a mall, and the subway is right outside. Our room had a direct view of the Twin Towers at night. Check-out was also smooth; originally, our booking only included breakfast for two adults, but when they saw we had a child with us, they let our little one enjoy breakfast for free without any fuss!

Dari€ 29

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.9/10Very Good2704 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

Grandis Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.5/10Very Good602 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€ 70

Sabah Oriental Hotel Kota Kinabalu

7.9/10Good447 Ulasan

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

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

Dari€ 24

Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu

8.9/10Very Good1034 Ulasan

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

The hotel's location is excellent. Right next to it, you'll find restaurants like 'Dai Jia Lai Seafood Restaurant' and 'Borneo Fried Chicken,' Guardian pharmacy, and various other shops. There are tons of places to eat and explore nearby. The front desk service was decent, though the staff looked a bit overwhelmed due to the sheer number of guests, which is understandable. I stayed for four nights, and the room service quality was inconsistent. One time, they took away the bath mat and shower towel but didn't replace them. Essentially, they just replenished water and emptied trash. We even had to call to get toothpaste refilled. I initially thought there was a free laundry room, but it turned out to be chargeable. If you have a lot of clothes to wash, you can find laundromats nearby. Overall, despite a few minor drawbacks, it was still a good stay.

Dari€ 26

Oceania Hotel

8.6/10Very Good498 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

Promenade Service Apartments

8.5/10Very Good795 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€ 15

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

8.6/10Very Good1005 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€ 29

Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu

8/10Very Good1229 Ulasan

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

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

Dari€ 18

Breakfast

Hotel Capital Kota Kinabalu

8.5/10Very Good987 Ulasan

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

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

Dari€ 21

Hotel 7 Suria

9/10Great690 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€ 40

The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8.9/10Very Good463 Ulasan

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

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

Dari€ 43

Horizon Hotel

9/10Great327 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.

Dari€ 51

The Klagan Hotel

9/10Great932 Ulasan

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

The hotel seaview is lovely however if u r facing the nite spots... u can hear noises from the bars/clubs across.. apart fr that love the place... 1 more minus = the aisle from lifts to some rooms a distance away and it's very quite ... even though brightly lid... Overall good stay. My room came with a relax chair that fits properly for watching tv or reading

Dari€ 32

Holiday Inn Express KOTA KINABALU CITY CENTRE by IHG

9.2/10Great1217 Ulasan

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

I'm from Chengdu, and I hope my review helps future travelers. First, regarding hygiene, the bed linen was clean, with only a tiny yellow stain that didn't affect our sleep, as we brought our own disposable sheets. There were no residual hairs or other stains in the room. As for soundproofing, apart from a little sound seeping through the door crack, the rest was very well done. For dining, the hotel includes breakfast, but the variety is a bit limited; it's enough to fill you up though. For transportation, I recommend using Grab for everything. There's a 7-Eleven nearby, as well as some restaurants, and it's close to the beach, within a 30-minute walk. The hotel front desk doesn't speak Chinese, but you can communicate with 'plastic English' (basic English) or a translator. I don't recommend going out alone at night; East Malaysia is still quite poor, and some people don't seem very friendly. You might also encounter some creeps, but if you tell them to 'f*ck off' in English, they'll usually back down.

Dari€ 60

Raia Hotel Kota Kinabalu

9/10Great498 Ulasan

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

Good stay overall. The room was clean, comfortable, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The only drawback was that the TV in the room was not working. Apart from that, everything was great and I enjoyed my stay.

Dari€ 30

A Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

9.5/10Amazing82 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€ 28

Goldenhill Hotel

7.8/10Good420 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

Gaya Centre Hotel

8.5/10Very Good1086 Ulasan

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

The room was simple and clean, and although the decor was a bit old-fashioned, the location was excellent. However, rooms facing the street were indeed quite noisy. It's very close to the pier, directly opposite a large shopping mall, and right next to Gaya Street... super convenient for everything.

Dari€ 26

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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