Tanjung Aru Beach (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Tanjung Aru Beach?
What makes it 68% Baby-Friendly: Casuarina shade and stroller-friendly paths help parents, yet no nursing room, diaper table or quiet indoor retreat and strong midday heat limit comfort, so short shaded visits work best.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly areas: Smooth promenades and ramps allow easy pushing.
- Shallow gentle water: Water stays knee-deep for 20 m, safe for supervised baby play.
- Free beach access: No entry fee keeps costs low for families.
Challenges:
- No dedicated baby-change rooms: Bring a portable changing pad. Restrooms have limited space.
- Limited shade in open areas: Casuarina cover ends early; bring a pop-up sun shelter.
- Crowds at sunset: Beach gets busy after 5 pm; plan seating and parking early.
What is Tanjung Aru Beach?
- A crescent-shaped beach on Kota Kinabalu’s western shore, defined by soft golden sands and rows of casuarina trees
- A gently sloping coastline that extends three kilometers into the South China Sea, revealing broad intertidal flats at low tide
- A natural landmark framing uninterrupted sea vistas toward the Tunku Abdul Rahman Islands and bordered by mangrove remnants
What is so special about Tanjung Aru Beach for with baby?
- Shaded picnic spots under casuarina trees
- Smooth, stroller-friendly promenade in Prince Philip Park
- Safe, knee-deep water for baby play
- Easy access to free beach and minimal fees
- Spectacular west-facing sunset views
Recommended visit duration: 1–3 hours
Why 1–3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time for a picnic, stroller stroll and sunset without overtiring the baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Tanjung Aru Beach
Shaded picnic under casuarina trees:
Set up on soft sand beneath tall trees on First Beach.
Tip: Bring a blanket and baby mat for tummy time and shade.
Stroll the Prince Philip Park promenade:
Paved path behind hawker stalls with gentle ramps.
Tip: Use a stroller or pram to glide past sea views and food stalls.
Watch sunset at Third Beach:
Curved shore with shallow water and clear west-facing views.
Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset and bring light snacks.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Tanjung Aru Beach
- Use roadside parking: Free spots a short walk from First Beach save money.
- Pack your own snacks: Avoid rental fees and long waits at busy stalls.
- Visit before 4 pm: Find shade and space before peak crowds at sunset.
Reviews of Tanjung Aru Beach
Samson Tsang
Tanjung Aru Beach is absolutely breathtaking, especially during sunset. The sky transforms into layers of gold, orange, and pink as the sun slowly melts into the calm sea, creating a picture-perfect view. Visitors can simply sit on the soft sand to admire the scenery or take a paddle out for a more private moment surrounded by the gentle waves. For a more indulgent experience, the nearby Sunset Ba...
Honey Potter
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ Tanjung Aru Beach is one of my favorite spots in KK — the sunset here is absolutely stunning! 🌅 It’s always lively with tourists, local stalls, and plenty of yummy food to try. The atmosphere feels vibrant and full of life. However, it would be great if the authorities could improve the entrance areas — maybe add some shaded or comfy waiting spots for tourists waiting for their Grab rides....
Christina Han
Breathtaking sunset. This was one of the highlights of my trip to Kota Kinabalu. You can enjoy the sun slowly setting, changing colors and dip your feet in the water. The only downside is massive crowds at the circle trying to get a ride back home. Make sure you plan ahead for this!
Andrea
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.
Follow Fauzia
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 wan...
When is the best time to visit Tanjung Aru Beach (Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia)?
Visit between April and October for lighter rains. Bring a light raincoat if visiting November–March.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Beach parking (per car) | RM 2 |
| Hawker table/seat rental | RM 15 |
| Snacks and drinks | RM 30 |
| Total Estimated | RM 47 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Tanjung Aru Beach
Address: Tanjung Aru Beach Resort, Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
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About Tanjung Aru Beach
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Phone Number
+60 16-833 067810 BEST nearby Activities
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