Tanjung Aru Beach is about 6 kilometres away from Kota Kinabalu city. The name Tanjung Aru was derived from the casuarina or aru trees that fringe the fine sand along the beach. Visitors to the beach will get to experience the most remarkable sunset in the evenings when the sun dips into the horizon, leaving the vast skies a brilliant red.

Tanjung Aru Beach is a much loved beach - it is a perfect getaway; the many restaurants allow you to feast to your heart's content; it is never short of activities; is easily accessible even by public transport; there are myriads resorts to suit your choice; the ambience that is second to none and the stunning landscape of the beach that stretches far.

The beach is divided into three sections. The First Beach is a short walk from the Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort. The Second Beach comprises restaurants, children playground and traffic playground and skating rink. The Third Beach is still undeveloped and the sandy beach and Aru trees make up the landscape.