First Beach Tanjung Aru

Type: Nature City: 5km Airport: 2km Adults: Kids: Discount for locals: No Open: Closed: Never

Sabah is blessed with many great beach locations, and although most of them are a little distance from town, one in particular is worth a visit.

First Beach in Tanjung Aru, not far from the airport, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and populated with a few eateries and a bar, is a prime example of a Kota Kinabalu beach within easy reach of the city.

On a good day a stretch of clear, soft sandy beach will greet you, perfect for stretching out on and catching rays. It has to be said though, not many people do this, as the beach’s white sand and lack of breeze during the day can be a scorcher.

Sunset is a totally different pale of sand though, as a cooling breeze appears, beach activities thrive, and people appear from where they hid from the day’s heat to enjoy the cooler air and the absolute magnificent sunsets.

On a bad day, well, trash wash up on the beach and the smell from nearby storm-water drains waft on the breeze, but bad days, luckily, are outweighed by the good.

Facilities
First Beach Tanjung Aru is not just a beach, it has various restaurants and a few other facilities too:

First Beach Cafe & Bar has your favourite tipple and a selection of light meals;
First Beach Seafood Restaurant caters to groups and has cultural dance shows;
Mediterranean Restaurant is a more upmarket restaurant with Italian and Mediterranean food;
At the Hawker Food Stalls you will find a plethora of local food, snacks and fresh fruit juices;
Wifi is available at First Beach Cafe;
Basic shower facilities are available on the Hawker Food Stall side;
Some of the activities you may spot on the beach include
- Ultimate Frisbee;
- Skim-boarding;
- touch rugby;
- football;
- good old swimming in the warm, shallow ocean waters;