Tanjung Aru Guide: Kota Kinabalu’s Beach Escape

Why Tanjung Aru

Tanjung Aru is KK’s closest proper beach getaway — a coastal suburb just south of the city centre and right by the airport, known for its beach, sunset views, and a more relaxed, resort-like pace than the busier waterfront downtown.

Tanjung Aru Beach

The main draw. A public beach split into First Beach and Second Beach, both popular for evening walks, picnics, and watching the sunset over the sea and nearby islands. Second Beach tends to be quieter and slightly further from the road, while First Beach has more food stalls and foot traffic.

Tip: Weekday evenings are far quieter than weekends, when local families turn out in force — great atmosphere if you want to see KK at leisure, less so if you want a quiet stretch of sand to yourself.

Beach Food Stalls

Tanjung Aru’s beachside food stalls are a KK institution in their own right — grilled seafood, corn, and local snacks eaten on mats facing the water as the sun goes down. It’s a low-key, distinctly local way to spend an evening compared to the restaurant scene downtown.

Resorts & Sunset Bars

Tanjung Aru is home to some of KK’s best-known beachfront resorts, which double as good (if pricier) sunset-viewing spots with pools and bars right on the sand — a step up in comfort from the public beach stalls.

Prince Philip Park

A green, tree-covered park adjoining the beach area, popular for jogging, picnics, and as a shaded alternative to the open beach during the heat of the day.

Getting Around

Tanjung Aru is only about 5–10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, making it a convenient first or last stop on a Sabah trip — close enough to the city centre (15–20 minutes) for day trips in, but far enough to feel like a proper beach break.

Photo: Sabah Tourism