Tanjung Aru Beach
Famous for its breathtaking sunsets, Tanjung Aru Beach offers a vibrant night market and shallow waters, making it a popular local and tourist spot.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better sunset views
Tanjung Aru Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Famous for its breathtaking sunsets, Tanjung Aru Beach offers a vibrant night market and shallow waters, making it a popular local and tourist spot.
"Best spot to enjoy the sunset in Kota Kinabalu, still giving us the best sunset after all these years."
🌅 Arrive Early for Sunset
Secure a prime spot for the spectacular sunset; it gets crowded quickly!
💸 Budget for Food
Food stalls are plentiful but can be pricey; consider this for your budget.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Sunset
Tanjung Aru Beach
Witness the sky ablaze with color as the sun dips below the horizon. A truly unforgettable spectacle.
Vibrant Night Market
Near the beach entrance
Explore a lively market with diverse food options and local crafts. Great for a casual evening bite.
Shallow Waters
Tanjung Aru Beach
Enjoy a long, leisurely walk in the shallow, calm waters before they deepen. Perfect for families.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunset Spectacle & Crowds
Food Stalls & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Arrive Early for Sunset
Secure a prime spot for the spectacular sunset; it gets crowded quickly! +1
💸 Budget for Food
Food stalls are plentiful but can be pricey; consider this for your budget.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Entrance
Don't crowd the entrance; walk further along the beach for more space.
🚗 Parking Safety
Be mindful of your belongings when parking, especially in less crowded areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Arrive Early for Sunset
Secure a prime spot for the spectacular sunset; it gets crowded quickly! +1
💸 Budget for Food
Food stalls are plentiful but can be pricey; consider this for your budget.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Entrance
Don't crowd the entrance; walk further along the beach for more space.
🚗 Parking Safety
Be mindful of your belongings when parking, especially in less crowded areas.
🌊 Watersports Fun
Try parasailing for a unique sunset view from above!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tanjung Aru Beach is celebrated for its stunning, world-class sunsets that draw significant crowds each evening. Visitors enjoy the vibrant night market and the shallow, swimmable waters, though some find food prices a bit high and note potential facility maintenance. The beach offers a lively atmosphere and beautiful natural scenery.
"Beautiful Beach, surprisingly empty during the day (maybe it was too hot), but very crowded before sunset.
Also the night market next to the beach was very nice.
The water is not deep for a long while, so you can walk with your feet in the water for a long time before reaching a deep point."
Andrea
"We just returned from Makukan island and decided to come here to watch the sunset and it was spectacular!
This beach was filled with so many people it was really hard to get photos about having people being in the photo !
We walked around the markets bought a few jerseys for my nephews we also decided to have a bite to eat the place was a bit expensive considering obviously where it is !
We wanted to sit at a table and if we wanted to sit at the table to watch the sunset we have to pay money to rent the table which I thought was a little bit too much !
We decided to sit on the side because we were not gonna be there for too long !
We had a long day at the island so we wanted to just stay here and watch the sunset and go back to our hotel !
I would recommend to go here instead of the island if you’re not much of an island hopper but this place was quite busy very busy the waves were high there a lot of surfers it was really a good vibe !
Highly recommended here so make sure you Follow Fauzia to watch the videos that we have uploaded the full content on our YouTube channel and our TikTok !! You can find us on our Instagram and Facebook page to watch our stories and reels!
🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺"
Follow Fauzia
"Best spot to enjoy the sunset in Kota Kinabalu.
Was first time here in year 2005. After all these years, still giving us the best sunset .
Now seeing more and more visitors... Good, but need to have a more organized traffic control.
Also need to educate everyone about civic and the need to care for the place..."
yw c
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tanjung Aru Beach is easily accessible from Kota Kinabalu city center. You can take a taxi or a ride-sharing service, which should take about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Local buses also serve the area.
Yes, there is parking available at Tanjung Aru Beach, particularly near the food stalls and the main entrance. However, it can get very busy during sunset hours, so arriving early is recommended.
Local buses frequently run from the city center towards Tanjung Aru Beach, making it a budget-friendly option. Check with local transport providers for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
Tanjung Aru Beach is quite close to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, usually a short 5-10 minute drive by taxi or ride-sharing service. This makes it a convenient stop if you have some time before or after your flight.
For a nostalgic experience, consider the historic Sabah State Railway which has a station at Tanjung Aru, offering scenic rides to Papar.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Tanjung Aru Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the sunset and the beach freely.
Tanjung Aru Beach is open 24 hours a day, but it is most popular and vibrant in the late afternoon and evening for sunset viewing and the night market.
No advance booking is required for general access to the beach. However, if you plan to rent a table to watch the sunset, some areas might have rental fees.
While generally open, there might be temporary closures or restrictions on certain facilities due to ongoing maintenance or events. Always check local advisories if possible.
Yes, you are generally allowed to bring your own food and drinks to Tanjung Aru Beach. However, it's always good practice to clean up after yourself and dispose of trash properly.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour just before sunset is absolutely magical for photography. The sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, creating stunning backdrops. +1
While the entire beach offers great sunset views, moving away from the main gathering points can yield more unique shots without as many people in the frame.
It's ideal for landscape photography, especially capturing sunsets. It's also great for portraits with the dramatic sky as a backdrop, and capturing the lively atmosphere of the night market.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the relevant tourism board for any restrictions on drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive sky and beach. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing distant surfers. Don't forget a tripod for low-light sunset shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a variety of local Malaysian dishes, seafood, and snacks at the numerous food stalls. Pujima Shawarma is a popular spot mentioned for its offerings.
Some visitors have noted that prices at the food stalls can be a bit on the higher side, especially considering the location.
While there are many stalls, Pujima Shawarma is highlighted for its food. It's best to explore the various stalls to find what suits your taste and budget.
You can likely find some vegetarian options, such as vegetable dishes or fruit, but dedicated vegan options might be limited. It's best to ask the vendors directly about ingredients.
The food stalls typically operate from around 1 PM until late at night, with peak hours coinciding with sunset and into the evening.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
Besides enjoying the sunset, you can swim in the shallow waters, relax on the sand, explore the night market, and try watersports like parasailing.
Yes, the shallow waters make it safe for children to play. The beach also offers a lively atmosphere with food stalls and space to run around.
While generally safe, there have been some unusual reports of crocodiles in the water, though unconfirmed. It's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and heed any local warnings.
Find a comfortable spot on the sand or consider renting a table (if available and within budget) to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking sunset views.
Yes, swimming is possible, especially in the shallow areas. However, be mindful of the waves and any potential currents, particularly if you venture further out.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the late afternoon to enjoy the beach before the sunset crowds become overwhelming. While the sunset is spectacular, the earlier hours might be more relaxed for younger children. Bringing along beach toys and snacks can enhance the family experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for local bus transport instead of taxis will significantly cut down on travel costs. Bringing your own water and snacks can also help manage expenses. The main attraction, the sunset, is a spectacular free show, making it a high-value experience for those on a budget.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To capture the best shots, aim to arrive early to scout locations and set up your gear. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended for capturing the expansive sky, and a tripod will be invaluable for low-light conditions. Be prepared for crowds, but don't let them deter you; they can often add a sense of scale and life to your images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legendary Tanjung Aru Sunset
To truly appreciate the sunset, arriving a couple of hours before dusk is recommended. This allows you to find a comfortable spot on the sand, perhaps near the water's edge, and soak in the atmosphere. While the main viewing areas can get crowded, exploring further along the beach might offer a more serene experience. The vibrant energy of people sharing this moment adds to the overall charm, making it a communal celebration of natural beauty.
For photographers, this is a dream location. The changing light throughout the evening offers endless opportunities for stunning shots. Consider bringing a tripod for sharper images in low light and a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive sky. The reflections on the wet sand after a wave recedes can also add a dramatic element to your photographs.
Culinary Delights at the Beachside Market
While the variety is a major draw, some visitors have noted that the prices at the market can be a bit higher than expected. It's advisable to have a budget in mind and perhaps compare prices between stalls before making a decision. Despite this, the experience of dining al fresco with the sound of the waves and the vibrant atmosphere is often considered worth it.
For those with dietary restrictions, it's always best to inquire directly with the vendors about ingredients. While vegetarian options might be available, dedicated vegan choices may require more specific searching. The market is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the local food culture and enjoy a casual, lively dining experience.
Safety and Local Insights
Parking safety is another point mentioned by some travelers. It's advisable to be mindful of your belongings when leaving your vehicle, particularly if you're parking in less visible spots. The beach can get very crowded, especially during peak sunset hours, so keeping valuables secure is a good general practice.
Beyond these considerations, the beach offers a generally safe and enjoyable experience. The shallow waters are a significant plus for families, and the overall vibe is usually positive and festive. Being aware of these community-shared tips can help ensure a smoother and more pleasant visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit