If you are a travel enthusiast, you would love to explore the most popular sites like Gaya Street Market, Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel and many more.

Are you heading to Sabah to explore the exotic wilderness of the Bornean Rainforest? Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah, Malaysia, is commonly known as KK.

The majestic Mount Kinabalu is located in Kota Kinabalu, but this town is also home to numerous natural beauties.

These are some of the undiscovered Best Kota Kinabalu Beaches you may explore in Sabah's state capital, ranging from a sandbank that hides at high tide to places that are good for families and provide horse riding or barbecue services.

The "Scuba-Doo" mini-submarine experience is one of the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu that will calm your body and soul to the core.

Whether you're an avid beachcomber or a sunseeker, Kota Kinabalu has a coastline that caters to every beach lover's dreams.

In this article, we will explore the best Kota Kinabalu beaches.

So, grab your sunscreen, put on your shades, and let’s go on a memorable vacation to this coastal paradise!

Tanjung Aru Beach - Where Sunsets Paint the Sky

You can’t go to Kota Kinabalu and not stop by tanjung aru beach at least one evening. This spectacular sweep of sand begins around the Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and stretches south to the airport.

Just imagine you are in a place where time seems to pause, the sky is a canvas, and the setting sun becomes an artist's brush. Tanjung Aru is Kota Kinabalu’s beach idyll.

It is undoubtedly one of the Best Kota Kinabalu Beaches. Tanjung Aru Beach is a local beach with picnic spots and white sandy coasts.

Families can also gather here in the evening to make use of the accessible barbecue facilities and to watch the spectacular sunsets.

Families and sun-seeking travellers are drawn to the beach close to Kota Kinabalu Airport. Finding the perfect spot to witness this celestial display is the real magic.

Walk along the palm-fringed promenade that lines the beach, or bring your beach towel and lie lazily on the beach.

Manukan Island - Fun in the Sun

Manukan Island is another gem in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Jesselton Point in Kota Kinabalu is 15 minutes away by ferry boat from Manukan Island.

This beach's one-mile stretch of delicate, white sand draws the attention of visitors.

It's a haven for water sports enthusiasts and sun worshippers alike. As you approach the island, the azure waters become your welcoming committee, inviting you to dive in and explore.

Kayak along the shoreline, feeling the rhythm of the sea beneath your paddle and the wind in your hair. The thrill is matched only by the awe-inspiring scenery.

Grab your snorkelling gear and plunge into a realm teeming with marine life—colourful fish dart among coral gardens, creating an enchanting, humbling, mesmerising ballet.

Manukan Island isn't just for thrill-seekers; it's also perfect for families. There are family resorts available there, and it is regarded as one of the best beach resort in kota kinaba.

The calm, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and building sandcastles with the little ones.

Mamutik Island - Serenity Among Nature

For those seeking a quieter escape, Mamutik Island is the best place that offers breathtaking natural beauty. In the heart of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Mamutik Island calls with open arms to weary souls seeking haven in nature's embrace.

The soft, powdery sands underfoot offer a gentle reminder that you've left the hustle and bustle of daily life behind. Rockier coastlines can be found on the island's east and west sides.

Dense greenery, swaying palm trees, and the harmonious melody of chirping birds create an idyllic backdrop.

On this island, enormous coral fragments can be found underwater, where sea urchins and clownfish can be found. You can shoot images of little fish swimming in the clear water of the ocean while standing on the bridge that extends into it.

Mamudi is a beautiful island for snorkelling since you can see them more if you get in the water.

What truly sets Mamutik Island apart is its peaceful seclusion. With fewer visitors than its bustling neighbours, you can savour the serenity without interruptions.

Lie back on the beach, feel the sun's warmth on your skin, and let your worries drift away with the gentle sea breeze.

Pulau Mantanani - Pristine Island

Northwest of Kota Belud is a group of three small, uninhabited islands called Pulau Mantanani. In fact, it was so remote that, until recently, very few locals were even aware that the islands even existed.

In favour of the closer, more well-known Pulau Manukan, the smallest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Pulau Mamutik, is frequently disregarded.

The stunning scenery, refreshing winds, and tranquil atmosphere of the Mantanani Islands are some of the key factors contributing to their popularity with tourists.

Mantanani is famous for its gentle giants—the dugongs—and a chance encounter with these majestic creatures is an experience you'll treasure forever.

Snorkel or dive with the graceful giants as they perform their underwater ballet, creating memories that will leave you speechless.

But one thing in Mamutik’s favour is the ease of getting there. You could be lazing on the sands within 10 minutes of boarding a speedboat at Jesselton Point.

There is no hotel on this island, but there are restaurants, restrooms, and a tiny convenience store. It is designed for day excursions.

Final Takeaway

So, here’s the end of the Best Kota Kinabalu beaches for swimming. As you conclude this exploration of Kota Kinabalu's finest beaches, remember that these shores are more than just beautiful landscapes.

Whether you're walking hand in hand with a loved one at sunset or unveiling thrilling underwater adventures, these beaches will etch themselves into your memory forever.

So, what are you waiting for?

Pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a sense of wonder – come and discover it for yourself!

Happy Vacations!