Tanjung Aru Beach
Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88100
Head to Tanjung Aru Beach, with a quick ride from Kota Kinabalu, for walks, jogs, and other exercise, along with street food and picnics, and make sure you stay for the gorgeous Malaysian sunset. You can explore Tanjung Aru Beach Park, formerly known as Prince Philip Park, and look out for blue naped parrots and oriental pied hornbills. Or come in the morning or evening to do some tai chi with the locals.
The basics
There are three numbered sections of Tanjung Aru Beach. The first beach has the park, and as you continue along there’s more sand to explore. The farther south you go, the closer the airport is, so you might want to choose areas closer to Beach 1. The night market and food court are at the north of the beach (near Beach 1), where vendors sell freshly caught seafood. The menus are relatively similar, so see which one offers the best deal.
Along the beach you can find rental shops for water sports like kayaking and sea walking, and tours for parasailing and riding banana boats. Near the beach is the Kinabalu Golf Club, Kinabalu Yacht Club, and the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru resort and spa for relaxing, dining, and even staying the night.
Things to know before you go
- As mentioned, be sure to stay until sunset for red and orange glowing skies.
- Make sure to bring sun protection like hats and rash guards, in addition to sunscreen.
- This beach is great for families during the day, and those 18 and over may like to stay up until past midnight at some of the beer stalls.
How to get there
It’s not difficult to get to Tanjung Aru Beach from Kota Kinabalu, either by taxi, bus, or minibus. Buses are cheaper than taxis, and you can even request a drop-off at a hostel or other place along the route. Taxis are more expensive, but won’t break the bank, especially if you’re in a group. Make sure your driver uses their meter, though.
When to get there
Try to visit this side of Malaysia around October to November, which traditionally are the driest months for this area. Still, temps will be nice and warm all year, so you can enjoy yourself in any season. Just make sure to pack a rain poncho or bring an umbrella in case it does rain.
Mount Kinabalu
If you get tired of sitting on the beach and want an adventure, then gather your gear and plan a hike up Mount Kinabalu. It’s worth it to join an organized climb with a well-regarded company, since the route is challenging and you’ll want experienced support. You’ll need two days and one night to complete the trek, but the views from the top are worth it.
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