The sunset
The sun sinks behind the marine park islands.
a.canvas.of.light from Melbourne, Australia — CC BY 2.0 · Wiki Farazi — CC0 · Wiki Farazi — CC0
Kota Kinabalu's best-known beach and the closest to town, a strip of sand running more than two kilometres through the Tanjung Aru district, about five kilometres from the centre and close to the airport. Locals come for evening strolls and exercise; visitors come for one thing above all: the sunset. The sun sets here over the South China Sea behind the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, turning sky and water orange and red, one of the loveliest sunsets in all of Malaysia. The beach is divided into three sections, the first the liveliest, with food and drink stalls. The beach is free and always open, and the stalls come alive in the late afternoon and evening with grilled food, fresh coconuts and fruit juices. Swimming is possible, but currents can be strong on some days, so stay close to shore, keep out when the sea is rough, and watch children closely. Arrive an hour before sunset to find a good spot on the sand, and avoid Sunday afternoons if you want calm. Prince Philip Park is close by, with green lawns for a family picnic.
The sun sinks behind the marine park islands.
Grills and fresh coconuts in the evening.
Sand and lawns by Prince Philip Park.
Tanjung Aru, about 5 km south-west of the city centre, near the airport
On calm days, close to shore, yes. But currents can build and drownings have happened, so stay out of rough seas and never leave children unwatched. For easy swimming, the marine park islands are better.