Tanjung Aru Beach
Tanjung Aru Beach is one of the best places to enjoy the sunset view near Kota. It is a beautiful 1.3-mile stretch of pristine, silky sand close to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The sunsets are spectacular, making this a popular spot for sunset selfies. This beach is also perfect for a day with your family or friends.
If you like birds, Tanjung Aru Beach is a great place to go birdwatching. It is home to various bird species, especially during the fruiting and flowering seasons. The best time to go bird watching is early morning. Dozens of bird species make their home in the forest along the beach.
For tourists, there are several options for transportation to and from the beach. One option is a taxi, which can cost around MYR 15 per person. A taxi can save you the trouble of finding a bus or train. But be sure to check the meter before you get in. Otherwise, you can take public transportation from the city and Kawasan plaza, which leave regularly. A one-way trip will cost you around US 30 cents or MYR 1.50.
Bonk Hill
One of the best places to see the sunset near Kota is on Bonduk Hill. This hill is located approximately 21 KM south of Kota Kinabalu and is known as Bukit Botak and Gundul. It is a popular hiking destination and one of the best views you can find near the city. You can hike to the hill’s summit, where you will get a spectacular view of the city and the South China Sea.
The view is spectacular, and most people come here just for the sunset. Several restaurants serve sunset cocktails. You can also visit the Shangri-La Resort’s Sunset Bar, which is just a kilometer away. There you can enjoy a sunset cocktail while taking in the view of the South China Sea. The park also has a Musical Fountain that plays daily. Watch it to get a close look at the sky and sea below.
Tip of Borneo
The Tip of Borneo is a four-hour drive north of Kota Kinabalu and is the location of the famous Gong Town. You can see a traditional machete maker there, as well as a bronze globe commemorating the stopover of the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Magellan’s fleet stopped here for 42 days to repair their ships. Pirates also used the peninsula as a provisioning point for ships that needed water.
The cliff that rises behind the beach provides a view of the surrounding seas. The Sulu Sea and the South China Sea are visible to the west. The northeast part of the beach has exposed bedrock and a scenic lighthouse. The dark gray submarine-shaped rock is the center of attraction. While visiting the Tip of Borneo, you can enjoy the sunset over the water.
A day trip to Kudat will allow you to explore the surroundings. Typically, you’ll only stop at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau for lunch, so you’ll miss the sunrise and sunset. However, if you’d like to enjoy the sunset over the ocean, consider booking a two-night trip. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Kudat’s small airport. Once you arrive, you can take a taxi or a bus to Tip of Borneo.
Weston River
Try the river cruise along the Weston River for a truly stunning sunset view. This stretch of water is over 122 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu and is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. It’s also home to the Weston Wetland Park, a large mangrove swamp that has earned the nickname “The Little Kinabatangan” due to the diversity of wildlife it is home to.
While on your cruise, don’t forget to enjoy the stunning sunset from the west. You’ll get an unforgettable view of the city and its neighboring islands. And, if you’re lucky, you can catch a fiery sunset above you!
If you’re looking for a different view of the city, you can also head out to the mangrove forests of Kota. The Weston River offers a breathtaking view of the city’s sunset, and you can observe fireflies and long-nosed monkeys on a mangrove forest tour. This tour typically lasts about half a day, begins in the afternoon, and ends in the evening.
