Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Asia
Borneo in October
The inter-monsoon brings heavier afternoon rain around Kota Kinabalu. Good deals, but pack for downpours.
The straight answer
October is a quiet, good-value month to visit Borneo. The inter-monsoon brings heavier afternoon rain around Kota Kinabalu. Good deals, but pack for downpours.
- Weather
- Highs near 88F (31C), wetter, especially on the west coast
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What October is like in Borneo
October is wetter, with highs near 88F (31C), especially on the west coast. Heavy afternoon rain falls around Kota Kinabalu. Crowds and prices are low, and turtle nesting continues.
This month suits budget travelers who pack for rain. Families should plan short outings. For better weather, choose April to August. The east coast often stays drier than Kota Kinabalu, so a Sepilok and Kinabatangan loop is a good plan. Turtle nesting still runs, so it is worth trying for a Turtle Islands overnight. Expect good deals, but pack for heavy afternoon downpours and muddy trails.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about Borneo this month.
Last turtle nesting weeks
Nesting continues on the Turtle Islands.
Good deals
Lodges and tours offer lower prices.
Green rainforest
The forest is lush and full of life.
What to pack for October
- A good rain jacket
- Leech socks
- Quick-dry clothing
- A dry bag
Our timing tip
Plan outdoor activities for the morning, before the afternoon rain.
Book Borneo for October.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in BorneoOpens a hotel search for Borneo in October, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in BorneoWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in BorneoTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Borneo for October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in October
Turtle nesting season
Peaks roughly July to October
Green and hawksbill turtles nest nightly on the Turtle Islands, where overnight visitor numbers are strictly limited.
Things to do in Borneo
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Feeding times draw the most visitors. The adjacent Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is worth the extra hour.
Kinabatangan River
Dawn and dusk boat cruises for proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, and sometimes pygmy elephants. Drier months are best.
Mount Kinabalu
Climbs require a permit, a licensed guide, and an overnight at Laban Rata. Permits are limited and book out months ahead for midyear.
Danum Valley
Primary rainforest with some of the best wild orangutan and gibbon viewing in Borneo. Lodges are limited, so book early.
Gunung Mulu National Park
Huge caves, the Pinnacles limestone spires, and a bat exodus at dusk. Reached by small plane from Miri or Kota Kinabalu.
Sipadan and Semporna
World-class diving with daily permit limits. April through December usually brings the best visibility.
Beat the crowds
- Travel in April, May, or September instead of July and August. The weather is similar and lodges and permits are easier to secure.
- Book Kinabalu permits and Kinabatangan and Danum Valley lodges early; they are the real bottleneck, not crowds on the trail.
- At Sepilok, arrive for the morning opening rather than feeding time to avoid the tour bus rush.
- For Sipadan, pick a dive operator with guaranteed permit days; other days you dive nearby Mabul and Kapalai, which are excellent in their own right.
Know before you go
- Mount Kinabalu climbs require a permit, a licensed guide, and accommodation at Laban Rata; trails can close temporarily after heavy rain or rockfall.
- Sipadan access is limited to a fixed number of divers per day, allocated through licensed dive operators.
- Turtle Islands Park allows only a small number of overnight visitors, so the few spaces sell out early in nesting season.
- During the heaviest monsoon rains (December to February), river levels rise, some jungle trails close, and boat trips can be cancelled.
Borneo in October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Borneo?
October is a quiet, good-value month to visit Borneo. The inter-monsoon brings heavier afternoon rain around Kota Kinabalu. Good deals, but pack for downpours.
What is the weather like in Borneo in October?
Highs near 88F (31C), wetter, especially on the west coast.
Is Borneo crowded in October?
October is one of the quieter months in Borneo; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Borneo in October?
Turtle nesting season (peaks roughly july to october).
Keep planning Borneo.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in October
Before you book.
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