Discover the Sunset at Tanjung Aru Beach with a Paddleboarding Experience

If you’re after an activity that combines beautiful scenery with a relaxed, hands-on adventure, the Kota Kinabalu: Tanjung Aru Beach Sunset Paddle Experience might just be what you’re looking for. For $69 per person, this guided tour offers a chance to learn Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) on calm waters, explore iconic spots like the Sand Bar and Coral Point, and enjoy one of the most stunning sunsets in Sabah—all in about three and a half hours.

What we really love about this tour is how accessible it is for beginners. The short safety briefing and friendly instructions make it easy for anyone, even first-timers, to get the hang of SUP quickly. Plus, the breathtaking sunset views create a memorable backdrop for your paddling adventure, making it feel more like a peaceful meditation than a sport. Another highlight is the opportunity to swim along the route, adding a refreshing element to the experience.

A potential consideration is the shared transportation and group size. If you prefer private tours or exclusive experiences, this might feel a bit crowded, or you may want to factor in additional costs for pick-up outside Kota Kinabalu city. Still, for most travelers, the value and the chance to combine physical activity with scenic beauty outweigh the minor inconveniences.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to combine gentle adventure with local scenery—especially those interested in trying SUP or simply enjoying a relaxing sunset on the water. It suits active travelers, curious first-timers, or anyone eager to see Kota Kinabalu from a different perspective.

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Key Points

Accessible for Beginners: Short lessons make SUP easy, even for first-timers.
Stunning Sunset Views: The activity ends with one of the most beautiful sunsets over the sea.
All Equipment Provided: Complete SUP gear and life jackets are included, making it hassle-free.
Flexible Payment & Cancellation: Book now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
Includes Transportation: Land transfer from hotels in Kota Kinabalu is part of the package.
Photo Memory: Complimentary photos taken by guides help you remember the experience.

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An In-Depth Look at the Tanjung Aru Sunset Paddle Experience

The Basics of the Tour

This tour is a thoughtful introduction to Stand-Up Paddleboarding set against the stunning backdrop of Tanjung Aru Beach, a favorite local spot famous for its sunset views. At $69, it offers a good balance of value and adventure—especially considering all gear, instruction, and transportation are covered. The tour lasts just over three hours, making it a manageable way to enjoy an active yet relaxed part of your Sabah trip.

How the Day Unfolds

The adventure kicks off at 3:30 PM with a pickup from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu. This early start allows for a smooth transition to the beach, where you’ll have time to change and use the restroom facilities. The guided safety briefing and SUP lesson begin around 4:00 PM, led by an instructor who ensures everyone feels comfortable, regardless of prior experience.

By 4:30 PM, you’ll be paddling out along the route to explore key spots like the Sand Bar, Coral Bar, and Coral Point. The guide will give clear directions and tips, making it straightforward even for novices. This paddle out is peaceful, with calm waters perfect for practicing balance and enjoying the surroundings.

While on the water, you’ll have the chance to swim if you wish, adding a refreshing break to the paddle. The highlight comes around 6:00 PM, when you paddle back toward the beach, watching the sky transform into a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples. Most guests find this sunset moment truly special, as the sky’s colors reflect off the water’s surface—an image worth a thousand words.

Once back ashore, you’ll have time to relax, take photos, and freshen up before returning to your hotel around 7:15 PM.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The package includes all necessary gear—paddleboards, life jackets, and guides—plus drinking water and a complimentary photo service. This makes it an excellent value, particularly given the scenic payoff. Transportation to and from the beach is also covered, though note that additional charges apply for pickups outside central Kota Kinabalu.

What’s not included? Personal expenses, additional food or drinks, and personal travel insurance. Also, the tour is shared, so expect to be paddling with other guests—something we found to add a lively, social dimension to the experience.

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The Experience and Its Benefits

Many reviews highlight how smooth the lessons are, with first-timers commenting on how “easy” the SUP felt after the safety briefing. The calm waters of Tanjung Aru create an ideal environment for beginners, and the guide’s friendly approach makes all feel comfortable.

Participants also love the views—not just the sunset but the overall experience of being on the water in such a serene setting. The photo service is a nice touch, allowing you to capture memories without worrying about bringing your own camera or phone into the water.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

If you prefer private tours or dislike sharing transportation, this may not be your ideal choice. The additional RM 40 fee for pickups outside Kota Kinabalu city can also add up if you’re staying farther out. Some guests mention that the group size can be a bit large, but it generally doesn’t detract from the experience.

Weather can also influence the experience—if it’s too windy, paddling might be more challenging, but this typically isn’t a problem during the calmer late afternoon hours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This paddleboard sunset experience suits travelers looking for a low-pressure, scenic activity that’s easy to fit into a day’s itinerary. It’s great for beginners, families with older children, or anyone eager to see Kota Kinabalu’s coastline from the water. If you want a relaxing yet engaging way to end your day, this tour offers just that.

Final Thoughts

For an affordable price, you get a guided paddleboarding session in a beautiful setting, topped with the chance to witness a spectacular sunset. It’s a well-organized experience, with all gear provided and friendly instruction, making it perfect for those who want to try something new without feeling intimidated.

While it’s not a private tour, the shared nature fosters a friendly atmosphere, and the stunning scenery more than compensates for the minor logistical considerations. It’s a wonderful way to combine physical activity, beautiful natural sights, and relaxation in one afternoon.

If you’re visiting Kota Kinabalu and crave a peaceful adventure on the water—especially at sunset—this paddleboarding experience is a solid choice. It’s authentic, scenic, and fun, offering a fresh perspective on Sabah’s coastline and a memory you’ll likely cherish.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners? Yes, the tour includes a short safety briefing and paddleboarding lesson, making it accessible even for complete beginners.

What should I bring? You’ll want swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, and flip-flops. All paddling gear and water are provided, so don’t worry about packing much.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience runs for about three hours, starting in the late afternoon and ending around 7:15 PM.

Are photos included? Yes, a guide will take complimentary photos during the paddle, so you can remember your sunset adventure.

What if I don’t want to paddle for the whole time? Feel free to swim or relax along the route; the guide is happy to accommodate breaks or shorter paddling segments.

Can I join if I don’t know how to swim? While swimming is optional, wearing a life jacket is mandatory, so you’ll be safe even if you’re not confident in the water.

Is transportation included? Yes, hotel pickup and return land transfer are included, with extra charges for locations outside Kota Kinabalu city.

What’s the best time of day for this tour? The late afternoon is ideal, as it allows you to enjoy the paddling and then witness the stunning sunset.

In sum, the Tanjung Aru Beach Sunset Paddle Experience offers a balanced blend of adventure and tranquility, set in one of Kota Kinabalu’s most picturesque spots. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned paddler, it provides a memorable way to see Sabah’s coast, especially as the sky puts on its evening show.