Things to Do in Kotakinabalu in June

June Weather in Kotakinabalu

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

240mm (9.4 inches) Rainfall

82% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Lowest accommodation rates of the year - hotel prices drop 40-60% compared to peak season, with luxury resorts offering aggressive promotions
Lush rainforest at peak greenness - waterfalls are at maximum flow and jungle treks showcase the most vibrant vegetation you'll see all year
Minimal tourist crowds at major attractions like Mount Kinabalu and island destinations - you'll often have viewpoints and beaches nearly to yourself
Best season for spotting wildlife in Kinabalu Park and Sepilok - animals are more active during cooler rainy periods and easier to track on muddy trails

Considerations

Daily thunderstorms between 2-6pm make outdoor activities unpredictable - expect to adjust plans frequently and always have indoor backup options ready
High humidity (82%) makes hiking extremely challenging - even fit travelers find the 1,845m (6,053ft) ascent to Mount Kinabalu's Low's Peak significantly more demanding
Ferry schedules to islands like Mantanani and Tunku Abdul Rahman are frequently disrupted by rough seas, sometimes canceling for 2-3 consecutive days

Best Activities in June

Mount Kinabalu Lower Trail Hiking

June's cooler temperatures and frequent cloud cover make the lower altitude trails (under 3,000m/9,843ft) more comfortable than dry season. Rain creates stunning misty atmospheres and waterfalls are at peak flow. Avoid the summit attempt in June due to dangerous wet conditions above 3,500m (11,483ft).

Booking Tip: Book mountain guide permits 3-4 weeks ahead through Sabah Parks. Lower trail day hikes cost RM50-80 ($11-18) per person plus guide fees RM120-200 ($27-45). Choose morning starts (6-8am) to avoid afternoon storms. See current guided options in booking section below.

Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary Indoor Experiences

June's frequent rain drives orangutans to covered feeding platforms, making sightings more predictable during the 10am and 3pm sessions. The adjacent Rainforest Discovery Centre's canopy walkway offers excellent primate viewing even during light rain under the forest canopy.

Booking Tip: Entry costs RM30 ($7) for adults, RM15 ($3.50) for children. No advance booking needed but arrive 30 minutes before feeding times. Combine with Sun Bear Conservation Centre (additional RM15/$3.50) for full-day wildlife experience. Transportation from KK city costs RM150-200 ($34-45) return.

Cultural Village Indoor Workshops

Mari Mari Cultural Village and Monsopiad Cultural Village offer covered pavilions perfect for June's unpredictable weather. Traditional craft workshops, cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances continue rain or shine, giving authentic insight into Kadazan-Dusun traditions.

Booking Tip: Full-day cultural experiences typically cost RM180-280 ($40-63) including transfers and lunch. Book 5-7 days ahead as groups are limited to 20-30 people. Morning sessions (9am-2pm) are less likely to be disrupted by afternoon storms.

Klias River Wildlife Cruises

June's increased river levels improve proboscis monkey and crocodile spotting opportunities. Evening cruises (4-7pm) often experience brief rain showers that actually enhance wildlife activity as animals emerge to drink and feed during cooler periods.

Booking Tip: River cruise packages cost RM220-350 ($49-79) including hotel transfers and dinner. Book 10-14 days ahead through licensed tour operators. Choose late afternoon departures to maximize wildlife sightings during the golden hour before storms hit.

Gaya Street Sunday Market Food Tours

June mornings are perfect for exploring KK's famous weekend market before afternoon rains arrive. The covered sections offer protection while you sample local specialties like hinava (raw fish salad) and tenom coffee that locals prefer during rainy season.

Booking Tip: Market operates 6am-1pm Sundays only. Food portions cost RM3-15 ($0.70-3.40) each. Join organized food walks (RM80-120/$18-27 per person) or explore independently. Arrive by 8am for best selection before crowds and afternoon weather.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park Island Hopping

While weather is unpredictable, June offers the most dramatic tropical scenery with storm clouds creating spectacular backdrops for photography. Covered pavilions on Sapi and Manukan islands provide shelter, and underwater visibility remains good between rain showers.

Booking Tip: Island hopping packages range RM150-280 ($34-63) including boat transfers and lunch. Book flexible operators who offer rain checks or indoor alternatives. Morning departures (8-9am) have better weather success rates. Check current island tour options in booking section below.

June Events & Festivals

Throughout June, culminating May 30-31

Tadau Kaamatan (Harvest Festival)

Sabah's most important cultural celebration honoring the rice harvest, featuring traditional Kadazan-Dusun ceremonies, buffalo races, and the crowning of Unduk Ngadau (beauty queen). Indoor cultural centers host competitions and performances throughout the month, perfect for June's wet weather.

Mid to Late June

Rainforest Music Festival Preparatory Events

Cultural venues across KK host preparatory workshops and smaller concerts featuring traditional Bornean music as warm-ups to the main festival. These indoor events showcase sape (traditional lute) performances and ethnic dance rehearsals.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-quality rain poncho or lightweight rain jacket - umbrellas are useless in KK's strong winds during thunderstorms that can reach 60km/h (37mph)

Quick-dry clothing exclusively - cotton takes 24+ hours to dry in 82% humidity, while synthetic fabrics dry in 2-4 hours

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - daily rainfall of 15-20mm (0.6-0.8 inches) can damage electronics quickly

Two pairs of hiking boots - one pair needs 48 hours minimum to dry after muddy trail hikes above 500m (1,640ft) elevation

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index hits 9 even on cloudy days, and chemical sunscreens damage marine parks

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - increased mosquito activity during wet season requires stronger protection than usual

Waterproof daypack liner or dry bags - essential for protecting valuables during surprise 20-30 minute downpours

Lightweight long pants and sleeves - for mosquito protection during evening activities and cultural site visits

Antifungal foot powder - prevents athlete's foot in constantly humid conditions above 80%

Portable phone charger - power outages during storms are common, lasting 1-3 hours in rural areas

Insider Knowledge

Local taxi drivers charge 20-30% more during rain storms - use ride-sharing apps like Grab which maintain fixed pricing, or wait 15 minutes after storms pass

Many restaurants offer 'rainy day specials' during June - ask for 'promo hujan' (rain promotion) for discounts on hot soups and covered seating areas

Book accommodations with generator backup power - luxury hotels have them, but budget places often lose electricity for 2-4 hours during major storms

Shop at covered markets like Filipino Market and Central Point for authentic prices - tourist-focused waterfront shops inflate prices 40-60% during low season to compensate for fewer visitors

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 1pm - 85% of June's rainfall occurs between 2-6pm, ruining afternoon hiking and island trips

Booking island hopping tours more than 2 days in advance - weather changes rapidly and you'll want flexibility to reschedule when seas are rough

Underestimating how exhausting 82% humidity makes simple activities - walking 1km (0.6 miles) in June heat feels like 2km (1.2 miles) in dry season