For those living in Kota Kinabalu, Tanjung Aru Beach is the beach to go to. In recent years, Tanjung Aru main beach has undergone transformation from hawker stalls to restaurants and beachside cafes. While I miss the Chinese food that used to be in the hawker stalls, there are new stalls that houses Malay food. But I can’t help thinking that the food isn’t as diverse as it used to be.
Tanjung Aru beach is divided into 3 sections, Beach 1, Beach 2 and Beach 3. I don’t know if everyone still refers to Tanjung Aru Beach in this manner, I can only say that people from my age group still do. It used to be that young couples go to Beach 2 and 3 when they are dating, and most families will use Beach 3 for their picnic.
- Tanjung Aru Broadway
While the modernization of the First Beach is necessary, there were fears of too much commercialization. The main point being you have to pay to use the carpark. But at least the sidewalk isn’t crumbling, and traffic is kept away from the main walk of the beach. The actual development is limited to a relatively small area, so for those who prefer the way things were can still go to their favorite part of the beach. While those who prefer to dine or drink in a comfortable cafe can do so.
- Hawker Stalls
Where To Eat At The Beach
On my recent visit to the beach, we had lunch at the food stalls. My lunch was ABC with ice-cream, a concoction of shaved ice, ice-cream, syrup, local fruits and dessert. Perfect for a hot day, and dessert has always been my favorite part of the meal. Order the fruit juice as well when you visit. But I am not that fond of the Malay food they sell, I find that it is lacking in flavor. I love Malay food, and Malay food should be full of flavor. But on the whole, it is a nice place to eat in, and kids love it.
- Food Stalls
- A Beautiful View
I just can’t bring myself to photograph food, if you want to see local food photos, go to Caneelia’s food blog. I don’t know her personally but she does know where all the good food is at.
- Fruit Stall
The great thing about living in Sabah is all the local fruits that are readily available. It sure beats snacking on potato crisps. These stalls have been around for ages, and I hope they can keep it going. You get fresh fruits cut up into bite sizes and served with plum powder, or marinated fruits that are sweet, sour and salty at the same time. Or how about some peanuts or maize (or is it called corn? I’m pretty sure they are the same thing) or jagung in Malay.
- That's how it's done
- You gotta try this
There is a small park at Tanjung Aru Beach called Prince Philip Park. Amazingly, the playground still retains the features of some 20 years ago. What do they build steel out of in the 70′s? The basic layout and facilities of the park is unchanged since the 70′s, and are still in good shape. Compare that with those plastic things in the playground these days. Of course, the only problem with steel slides is frying your behind on a hot day.
- What's a visit to the beach without photos?
Need A Place To Stay
There are many resorts and hotels around the area. One of my favorite is the Casuarina Hotel. It has a 2 star rating, and it’s not exactly fancy. But if you like the beach, and if you have a limited budget, it’s a good choice. Just make sure you get the suite, it’s the best room in the house. The only thing is, it’s not exactly right next to the beach, but for the price it’s hard to beat.
- Casuarina Hotel
Of course, if you want to holiday in style, there’s only one choice really. The Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Beach Resort. It is a luxury resort, in a beautiful location, built right on Tanjung Aru Beach. It doesn’t get better than this.
- Tanjung Aru Beach Resort
- Check out this sunset
Thanks for the link to my foodblog
@ JACQ, no problem. You sure know where the good food is in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Ahh …. I miss the Tanjong Aru Beach, especially the sour papaya, steam kacang, chicken wings and the coconut drink. It is not the best food I ate, but it have a lot remembrance for me there.
@ Steven Wong, great to see you here! You should try the BBQ jagung on the way to Kota Belud.
saya nak bercuti kat tanjung aru ujung tahun 2010….c u there..
My husband from Kota Belud but i never knew there’s selling BBQ jagung on the way to KB.Can u tell me the specific area is.We loved to try..tq..:)
@ mrmc, what I should have said was the BBQ jagung on the way to Kota Marudu. It’s quite a ways from Kota Belud, unfortunately. But if you are going there, they were on the downhill section before you get to the Kudat/Kota Marudu T-junction.
Nice place..thanks for putting information about this place..really appreciated
very nice at tanjung aru because have a nice sunset n have a nice food at First Beach Tanjung Aru Cafe..
i hope many people can come at there..