Tanjung Aru Beach (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Tanjung Aru Beach?
What makes it 82% Kids-Friendly: Shallow calm water, free playground and grassy park suit kids; banana boat and kayak add excitement, but no lifeguards or shade at noon mean vigilant supervision and sun protection.
Positives:
- Safe shallow waters: Kids can play in waist-high water up to 20 m from shore.
- Free entry: Access to the beach and park areas is free, so you can adjust activities.
Challenges:
- Limited shade: Few shaded spots on the main beach; bring hats or a beach umbrella.
- Basic restrooms: Public toilets can be crowded or under maintenance; pack wet wipes.
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 kids?
- Safe, shallow waters for young kids to splash.
- Nearby playground and musical fountains at Perdana Park.
- Family-friendly water sports like banana boat and kayak.
- Affordable local snacks at beachside hawkers.
- Stunning sunset views over the South China Sea.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2-3 hour visit lets kids enjoy sand play and you catch the sunset without rush.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Tanjung Aru Beach
Build sandcastles and splash play:
Use the gently sloping shore to make sandcastles and splash in knee-deep water.
Tip: Bring small buckets and shovels; go 1 hour before sunset when sand is damp and easy to shape.
Play at Perdana Park playground:
Visit the fenced playground with swings and slides near the musical fountain.
Tip: Combine with the evening fountain show; bring socks for kids on slides.
Banana boat ride:
Share a 15-minute banana boat ride for a bouncy, safe sea adventure.
Tip: Book at Beach 2 at least 30 minutes before sunset; ensure all kids wear lifejackets.
Family kayak around the bay:
Paddle a 2-hour family kayak tour with lifejackets and a guided route.
Tip: Reserve via Klook or a local vendor; best in calm early evening waters.
Sample local snacks at food stalls:
Try coconut juice, sweet corn, and satay from beach hawkers.
Tip: Carry small change; kid-friendly portions cost around RM5 each.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Tanjung Aru Beach
- Arrive early: Get to the beach 90 minutes before sunset to claim a good spot and avoid crowds.
- Use roadside parking: Free roadside parking a short walk away saves RM 2 and adds fun steps for the kids.
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)?
Dry season (April–October) offers calm waters and clear skies. Check weather forecasts before visiting during November–January heavy rains.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Parking (per car) | MYR 2 |
| Local snacks (4 portions) | MYR 40 |
| Banana boat ride (4×RM35) | MYR 140 |
| Family kayak tour | MYR 150 |
| Total Estimated | MYR 332 |
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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