(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“NOTE: Beware of issues with water quality, I'm now aware of people I know who never go in the water no matter what the small surfs doing, go up north to Kudat where its still pristine and the waves are a bit bigger and better for sure. I'm only writing this to make it understood water issues can affect your health and well being. I'm now after talking to people not surfing there, it's a shame as its the only surf spots close to Kota Kinabalu. I hope the local surfers can get the city to clean up there beach as a cities beach is what tourist see when they visit first time. NOTE this is my personal opinion.”
ian haldane smith from MALAYSIA - 11 Nov 2013
Tanjung Aru Beach Ratings
Overall: 1.0. Based on 5 votes and 2 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 2.8(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 2.4(1: Tanjung Aru Beach is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.2(1: Tanjung Aru Beach is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Borneo. 5: the best break in Borneo). |
Difficulty Level: 2.4(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.5(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Tanjung Aru Beach can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.2(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Tanjung Aru Beach, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 2.5(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Tanjung Aru Beach are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.3(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.8(1: Often too crowded. 5: Tanjung Aru Beach is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 5.0(1: Getting to Tanjung Aru Beach requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 3.2(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 4.2(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 3.7(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Tanjung Aru Beach for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 3.8(1: Camping at Tanjung Aru Beach is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 4.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Tanjung Aru Beach is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 2.5(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 4.5(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Tanjung Aru Beach, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 3.5(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Tanjung Aru Beach where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“As yet I have not surfed here, but I have been there. It's the local spot to surf in Kota Kinabalu. It's a mud flat set up, brown sandy mud and brown like sea water, not that inviting to look at. I'm yet to see a decent photo of surf here, just beginner waves.”
ianhaldanesmith from MALAYSIA - 05 Mar 2013
Nearest