Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
30 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
Tanjung Aru Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, 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.
Tanjung Aru Beach: 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.
Tanjung Aru Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 30 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.
Tanjung Aru Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 1 500 metres.
Tanjung Aru Beach: 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.
Tanjung Aru Beach: 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.
Tanjung Aru Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: showers, toilets, parking, kids playground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Tanjung Aru Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Tanjung Aru Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Tanjung Aru Beach Food Stalls, Sunset Bar at Shangri-La. Cuisines available: Malaysian, Seafood. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Tanjung Aru Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, Camera.
Tanjung Aru Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Arrive an hour before sunset (around 4:30 PM) to secure a good spot. In high season and weekends it can be very crowded.
Tanjung Aru Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swimming at your own risk — no lifeguards. Littering is prohibited. Respect local residents and their customs.
Tanjung Aru Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Tanjung Aru Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for everyone: families, couples, photographers and sunset lovers. Suitable for picnics, walks and water sports.
Tanjung Aru Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Tanjung Aru Beach is known for its sunsets, often described as among the best in the world. The beach is located just 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu Airport and is the city-s most popular public beach.
Tanjung Aru Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: World-famous sunsets, Long sandy beach, Free entry, Natural shade from trees, Close to airport and city, Street food and drinks, Suitable for picnics. Cons: Crowded in high season and weekends, Litter in some areas, Water not always clean, Parking can be full.
Tanjung Aru Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Tanjung Aru Perdana Park, Kota Kinabalu City, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Tanjung Aru Beach: how do I get to the city of Kota Kinabalu?
The beach is located near the city of Kota Kinabalu. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Kota Kinabalu.