Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
25 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
1 500 m
Frequently asked questions
Pantai Tanjung Aru: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — blue, clarity moderate, average temperature +28.5°C, warms up to +30.5°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Pantai Tanjung Aru: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.3 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Pantai Tanjung Aru: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 25 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Pantai Tanjung Aru: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 1 500 metres.
Pantai Tanjung Aru: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. It ends in December. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Pantai Tanjung Aru: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as moderate. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — minimal. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Pantai Tanjung Aru: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: toilets, parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Pantai Tanjung Aru: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Pantai Tanjung Aru: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Tanjung Aru Beach Stalls. Cuisines available: Malaysian. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Pantai Tanjung Aru: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, Picnic mat.
Pantai Tanjung Aru: when is the best time to swim?
Best time is morning or evening when it is not so hot. Weekends can be crowded. Come on weekdays for a quieter experience.
Pantai Tanjung Aru: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swimming at your own risk — no lifeguards. Littering is prohibited. Table rental in the shade requires payment.
Pantai Tanjung Aru: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for locals and tourists seeking a long sandy beach with natural shade. Suitable for families and picnics.
Pantai Tanjung Aru: what makes this beach unique?
Tanjung Aru Beach in Sandakan is known for its tall aru trees (casuarina) that provide natural shade along the entire shoreline. It is a popular spot among locals for family recreation.
Pantai Tanjung Aru: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Long coastline, White sand, Natural shade from aru trees, Free entry, Popular with locals, Suitable for picnics. Cons: Litter on the beach, Paid table rental, Limited infrastructure, Water not always clean.
Pantai Tanjung Aru: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Sandakan City, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Pantai Tanjung Aru: how do I get to the city of Sandakan?
The beach is located near the city of Sandakan. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Sandakan.