Sabah
Kota Kinabalu, Kinabalu NP, Sepilok, Lankayan & Selingan Islands Danum Valley, Mabul & Sipadan Islands
August should see an even mix of good weather and rainy days throughout Sabah including the beaches of Kota Kinabalu and Kinabalu NP. With August coinciding with the main holiday season for many visitors, early booking is highly recommended.
The south and east of the state may be exceptionally dry, giving a great window of opportunity to visit enjoy jungle walking and trekking in Danum Valley, Tabin, and Kinabatangan River.
(avg daily temp: 28°C, avg monthly rainfall: 200mm).
Sarawak
Kuching, Damai Beach, Mulu National Park, Batang Ai
August is usually one of Sarawak’s driest months and a great time to explore the National Parks, jungle regions, caves and of course the beaches on the north coast. The ever-present possibility of thunderstorms remains, although these are most likely to occur in the late afternoon or evening and are likely to be short, heavy burst of rain as opposed to persistent drizzle.
(avg daily temp: 29°C, avg monthly rainfall: 205mm).
Slash & Burn in Batang Ai
During July and August you may witness the effects of 'slash and burn' farming, unfortunately practiced throughout much of Asia. New ground is cleared in February and, once dry, any wood and bush not required is burnt. Fires are lit across the country and particularly in rural regions this can create a hazy effect at times.