Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Kota Kinabalu
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Lower accommodation rates during shoulder season - you'll typically save 20-30% compared to peak months, with hotels in the RM 150-250 range instead of RM 250-400 for similar quality
- Fewer crowds at Mount Kinabalu and island destinations - the climbing permits are easier to secure with only 2-3 weeks advance booking instead of the usual 2-3 months, and beaches feel genuinely spacious
- Clearer visibility for diving and snorkeling at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park - the inter-monsoon period means calmer seas and 15-20 m (49-66 ft) underwater visibility compared to 10-12 m (33-39 ft) during wetter months
- Pleasant evening temperatures around 24-26°C (75-79°F) make night markets and waterfront dining actually comfortable - the Gaya Street Sunday Market and Filipino Market are enjoyable without the oppressive heat you get mid-year
Considerations
- Rainfall totals around 280 mm (11 inches) across roughly 10 days means you'll encounter afternoon showers - they typically last 30-90 minutes and hit between 2pm-5pm, which can disrupt outdoor plans if you're not flexible
- Some dive sites around Sipadan might have reduced visibility on certain days due to transitional currents - worth noting if you're planning a dedicated diving trip, though Tunku Abdul Rahman Park remains consistently good
- Humidity sits around 70% which feels sticky, especially during midday - your clothes won't dry overnight if you're hand-washing, and you'll want air conditioning in your room, not just a fan
Best Activities in October
Mount Kinabalu Summit Climbs
October sits in that sweet spot where permits are available without the insane advance booking of June-August, and the weather is actually cooperative more often than not. You're looking at cooler temperatures at altitude - around 5-8°C (41-46°F) at Laban Rata - and while morning clouds are common, they tend to clear by 8-9am for decent summit views. The trails are busy enough that infrastructure is fully operational but not so packed you're queuing at every rest point. Rain typically holds off until afternoon, so the standard 2-day climb schedule works well - you're usually back at Timpohon Gate before the 3pm showers hit.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park Island Hopping
The five islands - Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug - are at their best in October. The inter-monsoon period means calmer seas, better visibility for snorkeling at 15-20 m (49-66 ft), and less chance of boat cancellations. Water temperature hovers around 28-29°C (82-84°F) so you'll be comfortable in just a rashguard. The morning departures around 9-10am typically beat any afternoon weather, giving you 4-5 hours of solid beach and snorkeling time. Coral bleaching has affected some areas, but the fish populations around Sapi and Manukan jetties remain impressive - you'll see clownfish, parrotfish, and occasionally small reef sharks.
Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruises
October marks the transition period when wildlife viewing is genuinely excellent - pygmy elephants come closer to the river as water levels drop, and proboscis monkeys are actively feeding in riverside trees during late afternoon. The 3-hour sunset cruises around 3:30-6:30pm give you the best odds for spotting orangutans, hornbills, and crocodiles. The weather cooperates more often than not, though bring a light rain jacket for the occasional shower. The river sits about 2.5 hours (160 km / 99 miles) from KK, making it a realistic overnight trip rather than a rushed day tour. Water levels are stable enough that boats access the smaller tributaries where wildlife congregates.
Sabah Tea Garden Tours
The tea plantations at Ranau, about 2 hours (110 km / 68 miles) from KK on the way to Mount Kinabalu, are beautifully green in October after recent rains. Morning tours between 9am-12pm offer cooler temperatures around 22-24°C (72-75°F) at 600 m (1,969 ft) elevation, which feels refreshing after KK's humidity. You'll walk through working tea fields, see the processing factory, and do tastings of Sabah-grown black and green teas. The mountain views toward Kinabalu are clearest in early morning before clouds build up. It's a solid half-day activity that pairs well with visiting the Kundasang War Memorial nearby or stopping at the Desa Dairy Farm.
Kota Kinabalu City Food Tours
October evenings are genuinely pleasant for walking around night markets and waterfront food stalls - the 24-26°C (75-79°F) temperatures after 6pm make the 2-3 hour walking food tours comfortable. The Filipino Market and nearby seafood restaurants along the waterfront are at their busiest, which means fresher turnover and better atmosphere. You'll try local specialties like hinava (raw fish salad), ngiu chap (beef noodle soup), and various grilled seafood. The Gaya Street Sunday Market runs 6:30am-1pm and offers breakfast foods like kuih and noodles alongside produce and handicrafts. Rain occasionally disrupts evening plans, but most food stalls have covered seating.
Poring Hot Springs and Canopy Walkway
Located about 2 hours (130 km / 81 miles) from KK near Ranau, the hot springs and rainforest canopy walkway make sense in October when afternoon rain actually enhances the experience - soaking in outdoor hot spring pools during a warm rain shower is oddly satisfying. The canopy walkway sits 41 m (135 ft) above the forest floor and gives you eye-level views of the rainforest canopy, though it sways noticeably when crowded. Morning visits 9am-12pm are less busy and wildlife is more active. The area includes waterfalls accessible via 20-30 minute hikes on muddy but maintained trails. Water temperature in the springs stays around 40-43°C (104-109°F) year-round.
October Events & Festivals
Kaamatan Harvest Festival Preparations
While the main Kaamatan Festival happens in May, October marks when local communities begin preparing for smaller harvest thanksgiving ceremonies, particularly in rural Kadazan-Dusun villages around Penampang and Tambunan. You might encounter weekend cultural events at community halls featuring traditional music, dance rehearsals, and local rice wine tastings. These aren't tourist events - they're genuine community gatherings, so respectful observation is appreciated. Ask at your hotel about any weekend cultural programs happening during your visit.