Tanjung Aru Beach
The Tanjung Aru beach is located at the end of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. It is about 6 km from the Kota Kinabalu city. Tanjung Aru beach provides a surrounding of natural beauty during every experience here. It is also home to Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kinabalu Golf Club, Kinabalu Yatch Club and many other destinations.
The place got its name Tanjung Aru because of the abundance of Casuarinas (Aru) trees at the beach shoreline. Sabah Air Helicopter Air Tour is also stationed here that provides an air tour of the entire state of Sabah as well as shorter round flights.
Interesting Facts about Tanjung Aru Beach
The Tanjung Aru beach which stretches to over 2 km, is the main attraction in Tanjung Aru sub district. It is a great place to hang out with friends and family. Compared with other beaches in Kota Kinabalu, it is not the best beach, but still it provides magnificent views of Manukan and Mamutik islands. The water at this beach is a bit unclear, hence not nice to swim. Wind surfers, kids playing with the sand and many holes of Sand bubbler crabs can be seen here.
The beach is an excellent place to enjoy the magnificent sunset with coconut water or sugarcane juice, chicken wings or hawker style noodles. The sea side food courts offer delicious sea foods, satays, grilled chicken wings, roasted peanuts and corn etc.
The beach is also a place of the local’s most favorite restaurants and bars in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoying a Sabah Golden Sunset Cocktail at Sunset Bar while soaking in the splendor of the famous Borneo Sunset, is a magnificent experience. While enjoying the sound of overlapping waves on the shores of Sunset beach, the Coco-Joe’s Bars & Grill enhances the pleasure.
Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa is a luxurious spot that provides a blend of sophistication with Borneo’s rich cultural heritage. The Spa here offers the treatments based on traditional Asian healing philosophies. A pampering session at one of the most picturesque spas in Kota Kinabalu rounds off the day. The Resort offers a private jetty, Star Marina that heads to the neighbouring coral islands, which are part of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine park. Water sports can be enjoyed in the South China sea providing snorkeling experience with tropical fish and coral.
How to get to Tanjung Aru Beach
Bus No 16 towards Tanjung Aru can be taken from the bus stations in front of City Hall or Wawasan Plaza. However, if one has some beach-stuff to carry or is visiting Sabah with the family, it is advisable to rent a privte car or go by taxi. Get the cellphone number of the driver, so he can be contacted when it is pick up time.
