Tanjung Aru: A Tropical Gem in Kota Kinabalu

• HelloHalo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [se-la-mat ting-gal]
• YesYa
  [ya]
• NoTidak
  [ti-dak]
• Please/You're welcomeSila
  [si-la]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ri-ma ka-sih]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
• How are you?Apa khabar?
  [a-pa kha-bar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Dan kamu?
  [ba-ik. dan ka-mu]
• Do you speak English?Boleh cakap Bahasa Inggeris?
  [bo-leh cha-kap ba-ha-sa ing-ge-ris]
• I don't understandSaya tidak faham
  [sa-ya ti-dak fa-ham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin lihat menu, sila
  [sa-ya in-gin li-hat me-nu, si-la]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya ti-dak ma-kan da-ging]
• Cheers!Yam seng!
  [yam seng]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin bayar, sila
  [sa-ya in-gin ba-yar, si-la]

• Help!Tolong!
  [to-long]
• Go away!Pergi jauh-jauh!
  [per-gi jauh-jauh]
• Call the Police!Panggil polis!
  [pang-gil po-lis]
• Call a doctor!Panggil doktor!
  [pang-gil dok-tor]
• I'm lostSaya sesat
  [sa-ya se-sat]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin beli...
  [sa-ya in-gin be-li]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya tengok-tengok
  [sa-ya ha-nya ten-gok-ten-gok]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [be-ra-pa har-ga-nya]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Boleh kurangkan harga?
  [bo-leh kur-ang-kan har-ga]

• What time is it?Pukul berapa sekarang?
  [pu-kul be-ra-pa se-ka-rang]
• It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [pu-kul sa-tu]
• Half past (10)Setengah (10)
  [se-ten-gah (10)]
• MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
• AfternoonPetang
  [pe-tang]
• EveningMalam
  [ma-lam]
• YesterdaySemalam
  [se-ma-lam]
• TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri i-ni]
• TomorrowEsok
  [e-sok]
• 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
• 2Dua
  [du-a]
• 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
• 4Empat
  [em-pat]
• 5Lima
  [li-ma]
• 6Enam
  [e-nam]
• 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
• 8Lapan
  [la-pan]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
• 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]

• Where's a/the...?Di mana...
  [di ma-na]
• What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [a-pa a-la-mat-nya]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Boleh tunjukkan saya (pada peta)?
  [bo-leh tun-juk-kan sa-ya (pa-da pe-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?
  [bi-la bas se-te-rus-nya]
• A ticket (to ....)Sebuah tiket (ke ....)
  [se-buah ti-ket (ke)]

Tanjung Aru, located just south of Kota Kinabalu, has a rich history marked by its diverse cultural heritage. Historically, it was inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Kadazandusun and Bajau peoples, who relied on the sea for their livelihoods. The region's name, 'Tanjung Aru', translates to 'Cape of the Casuarina Trees', reflecting the natural landscape that has shaped the community's identity.

The arrival of the British North Borneo Company in the late 19th century significantly impacted Tanjung Aru's development. The area became a strategic point for British trade and military operations. The British established infrastructure, including roads and ports, which facilitated trade and transportation, leading to increased settlement and economic activity in the region.

During World War II, Tanjung Aru was a significant location due to its proximity to Kota Kinabalu, then known as Jesselton. The area witnessed intense military activity as Japanese forces occupied Borneo. The war brought destruction to much of the region, but Tanjung Aru's role as a strategic coastal location highlighted its importance in military logistics and operations during the conflict.

Following the war, Tanjung Aru experienced reconstruction and revitalization. The natural beauty of its beaches and coastal landscapes began to attract tourists. The establishment of resorts and recreational facilities in the late 20th century transformed Tanjung Aru into a popular destination for both locals and international visitors, fostering a vibrant tourism culture that continues to thrive today.

In recent years, Tanjung Aru has embraced its cultural diversity through various festivals and events, such as the Tanjung Aru Beach Festival, which celebrates local traditions, arts, and cuisine. The neighbourhood has maintained a balance between modernization and preserving its cultural heritage, making it a unique representation of Kota Kinabalu's history and the ongoing narrative of its communities.

Tanjung Aru is easily accessible from Kota Kinabalu city center. You can take a taxi or ride-sharing service, which typically takes around 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Public buses also operate from various points in the city, with routes that lead directly to Tanjung Aru. Alternatively, if you are coming from the airport, it's just a 10-minute drive away, and taxis are readily available.

Tanjung Aru is well-connected and can be explored on foot, especially along its beachfront and parks. Local buses run frequently and provide access to surrounding areas. For a more leisurely experience, consider renting a bicycle from one of the local shops. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available for longer distances or when you prefer not to walk.

Tanjung Aru is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep your belongings secure. While violent crime is rare, petty theft can occur, especially in crowded areas. It is advisable to stay vigilant, particularly near busy markets and tourist spots.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospitals are readily accessible, and it is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for the tropical climate. Don't wear swimsuits outside of the beach areas. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting places of worship. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly and needy. Don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a friendly 'Selamat Pagi' (Good Morning). Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and enjoy street food delicacies. Don't eat in public places where it's frowned upon, like temples.

To experience Tanjung Aru like a local, visit the night market for authentic Malaysian street food and local crafts. Early morning visits to the beach offer stunning sunrises and a chance to see locals exercising. Engage with local vendors and don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations. Enjoy a stroll through the Tanjung Aru Beach Park, and be sure to catch the sunset, as it is known for its breathtaking views.