Kayaking Adventure Experience at Tanjung Aru Beach in Kota Kinabalu

Tanjung Aru is best known for its sunset, and a kayak gives you a quiet seat on the water as the sky changes color. You meet the Borneo Exotika Adventure team near the beach, get a safety briefing, then paddle on your own. I like the open-water views and the choice of a short one-hour session or a longer outing.

I also like that the basic package includes the kayak, paddle and life jacket, with English- and Malay-speaking staff at the base camp. Sunset outings have been a particular draw, and staff members such as instructor Fifi and driver Nick have been praised for being helpful and upbeat.

The main consideration is that this is not a guided kayak tour. After the briefing, you’re expected to paddle independently, and wind, waves or weather can change the feel of the outing. Sunrise timing deserves a close look, too: the beach is not an east-facing sunrise spot, so don’t book expecting the sun to rise over the water.

At a glance

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• Sunset is the stronger bet: Tanjung Aru is a popular place to watch the evening sky, and kayaking puts you out on the water for the view.
• You paddle independently: Staff provide a 15-to-20-minute safety briefing, but a tour guide is not included.
• Choose one or two hours: A shorter session suits a first try; the longer option gives you more time, but can feel tiring.
• Equipment is included: You get a kayak, paddle and life jacket at the base camp.
• Hotel transfer is optional: Some packages include transport, while the basic options require you to reach the meeting point yourself.
• Weather matters: The operator may offer a refund or reschedule if bad weather is forecast an hour before the activity.

👉 See our pick of the 3 Best Guided Tours In Kota Kinabalu

Meet the team at Tanjung Aru

The meeting point is listed as Tanjung Aru Beach Night Market. The meet-up details also direct you to The Korean Club Restaurant, at Borneo Exotika Basecamp, 4 Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu. Check your voucher and map before setting out, since those descriptions point to the same general meeting area but are not identical.

If you book a package without hotel transfer, allow time to find the base camp and arrive ready to change. The experience includes a mobile voucher, which you can show in the Klook app. If you choose a transfer package, pickup is included, but confirm the pickup time and location with the operator ahead of the activity. There have been occasional communication and timing problems, so it’s sensible to have the operator’s contact details handy rather than assuming every detail will be sorted at the last minute.

The activity runs daily between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. That broad window accommodates different sessions, but your voucher is valid only for the date and time specified. If you want a sunset outing, check that the actual booking time lines up with the light you hope to see.

The briefing, then your own paddle

At the base camp, staff provide a safety briefing before you head out. The one-hour package includes a 15-to-20-minute briefing, as well as kayak, paddle and life jacket rental. This means the full hour is not necessarily an hour of paddling, so factor the briefing into your expectations.

Once the briefing is over, you paddle independently. The package does not include a tour guide, and you should not expect someone to lead a narrated route or stay beside you throughout. If you’re new to kayaking, the briefing is your chance to ask about steering, returning to shore and how far you should go. It’s worth asking for clear boundaries before launching, especially if you’re tempted to paddle farther out.

The group size is listed as two to 20 participants, but you may find yourself on the water with fewer people. One person kayaking alone can be a peaceful way to enjoy the coast, though it also means less company and no group pace to follow. Staff have been described as attentive and helpful, but support arrangements may vary. Don’t treat the session as a guided excursion.

One hour or two?

The one-hour option is a sensible choice if you want to try kayaking without making it the main event of your day. It is also a good fit if you’re unsure about your stamina, since paddling for a long stretch can be more tiring than it looks from shore. Remember that the included briefing takes part of that hour.

The two-hour option gives you more time on the water and more room to paddle at an easy pace. It is the better pick if you’re comfortable with independent kayaking and want to make an outing of it. But extra time is not automatically better: wind can make paddling harder, and a long session may leave you tired. One first-time kayaker found two hours more than they needed.

Your actual route is not tightly laid out for you. You can enjoy the stretch of beach and sea from the water, but don’t expect a guided circuit with named stops. If exploring farther is important, ask staff what route and distance are appropriate for the conditions that day. A past complaint about unclear exploration guidance points to a practical issue: the briefing should cover more than just how to get started.

Sunset, sunrise and the view from the water

Sunset is the outing’s clearest selling point. From a kayak, you can watch the sky change while looking back toward the beach and Kota Kinabalu’s coastal scenery. The view depends on the weather, of course. Clouds can soften the colors or hide the sun, but a cloudy evening can still make for a pleasant paddle.

Sunrise needs more careful handling. The activity is offered at early hours, and an early paddle can bring calm light and a different feel to the coast. But the name or time slot should not be taken as a promise that you’ll see the sun rise over the sea. Tanjung Aru is not east-facing, so check what the session actually offers before booking if sunrise is your main reason for going.

The scenery is not a substitute for an island trip or a snorkeling tour. This is a beach-based kayaking session, with the appeal of being on the water rather than visiting a series of sights. Some paddlers have seen clear water and coral, but that is not a guaranteed feature or a promised part of the package.

Conditions, comfort and safety

The sea can be calm and inviting, or windy and choppy. Some paddlers have found the water shallow enough to feel reassuring, while others have described large waves and difficult conditions. Water depth and sea state can vary, so don’t assume the water will always be calm or that you can safely go far from shore.

There has also been a report of a kayak losing air during a session. That does not mean equipment trouble is routine, but it is a good reason to check your kayak before setting off and to follow staff instructions if they ask you to return. If you notice a problem, head back to shore and alert the team.

Jellyfish have also been reported in the area. If you’re concerned about them, ask staff about current conditions before launching. The operator’s weather policy is specific: if bad weather is present an hour before the activity, you can receive a full refund or reschedule. If bad weather develops during the activity, no refund or reschedule is offered under that policy. The operator may also cancel for extreme weather, in which case you can reschedule or request a full refund.

This activity is not recommended for people with impaired mobility, pregnant women, or anyone with certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure or epilepsy. Children must be at least four years old, and children aged four to 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Think about your comfort with open water and independent paddling before choosing a longer session.

What to wear and bring

Wear light, comfortable clothes, ideally quick-drying fabric. Bring a change of clothes, sunscreen and a towel. You’ll be on the water under the open sky, so sun protection matters even when the weather feels mild. A hat may also be useful, provided it stays secure while you paddle.

Meals, personal expenses, tips and hotel pickup are not included in the basic package. There is no tour guide included either. If you want transport, choose one of the packages that specifically includes hotel transfer; don’t assume it comes with every booking.

What the price gets you

The listed package prices start at US$24.49 for one hour, US$29.39 for two hours, US$29.39 for one hour with hotel transfer, and US$34.29 for two hours with transfer. The experience summary also gives a starting price of US$26.95, so the displayed starting figure can differ. Check the price for your chosen date and package before booking.

For the basic price, you’re paying for the equipment, life jacket, briefing and time on the water. That can be good value if you want a straightforward paddle and are happy to explore on your own. It is less compelling if you expect a guide, a planned route, photos, meals or transport, because those are not part of the standard package.

The transfer option may be worth the extra cost if getting to Tanjung Aru is inconvenient. But good communication is important: confirm pickup details and timing in advance. Booking confirmation is usually sent within minutes; if it does not arrive, contact customer support. Changes are allowed until 24 hours before the activity starts, subject to the stated booking restrictions. A cancellation made at least 24 hours before the activity date is eligible for a full refund.

Who will enjoy this paddle?

This outing suits confident beginners, couples, friends and families with children who meet the age rules. It is especially appealing if you want an active way to watch the sunset without committing to a full-day trip. A one-hour session is the safer choice if you’re new to kayaking or unsure how long you’ll enjoy paddling.

Choose the two-hour option if you already know you like kayaking, want more time on the water and are comfortable being largely self-directed. If you need close instruction or a guide to lead the way, this is probably not the right format. The experience is best understood as equipment rental plus a safety briefing, not a guided coastal tour.

For other water-based outings, you could compare it with stand-up paddleboarding or an island-hopping trip. Those offer a different kind of day, while this kayak session keeps the focus on Tanjung Aru and the view from the water.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want an affordable, uncomplicated paddle at Tanjung Aru, especially around sunset, and you’re comfortable following a briefing before heading out independently. The included gear and the option of hotel transfer make the outing practical, while the short package lets you try kayaking without giving up much of your day.

Skip it if you expect a guided route, guaranteed calm water, or a sunrise over the sea. Pick one hour if you’re unsure about stamina, and two hours only if you’re happy to paddle for longer. Before you set off, confirm the meeting point, ask about the day’s sea conditions and clarify how far staff recommend you go.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Tanjung Aru Beach Night Market. The meet-up information also gives The Korean Club Restaurant, Borneo Exotika Basecamp, at 4 Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu. Check your voucher and map for directions.

What is included in the kayaking package?

The package includes a kayak, paddle and life jacket. English- and Malay-speaking staff are available, and the one-hour experience includes a 15-to-20-minute safety briefing.

Is a guide included?

No. Staff provide a safety briefing before you start, but a tour guide is not included and you may kayak on your own.

How long can I kayak?

You can choose a one-hour or two-hour kayaking package. The one-hour package includes the safety briefing in its stated duration.

Can children participate?

Participants must be at least four years old. Children aged four to 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfer is included only with packages that specifically say hotel transfer. It is not included in the basic kayaking options.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If bad weather is present one hour before the activity, a full refund or reschedule is offered. If bad weather occurs during the activity, the stated policy does not allow a refund or reschedule. If the operator cancels because of extreme weather, you can reschedule or request a full refund.