Sabah Events Calendar 2026
Use this guide to plan travel around Sabah festivals, sports events, cultural activities and major public celebrations. Dates may change, so always confirm with organisers before booking.
June 2026
Sambutan Minggu Perpaduan
Location: Kompleks Sukan Likas, Kota Kinabalu
A unity-themed public event in Kota Kinabalu. Travellers should allow extra time around Likas and nearby city roads.
31st Semporna Regatta Lepa Festival 2026
Location: Dataran Regatta Lepa, Semporna
A well-known Semporna cultural festival. Book transport and accommodation early because the east coast route can get busy.
Airasia Redrun Kota Kinabalu
Location: Tapak Dataran, Kompleks Sukan Kota Kinabalu
A sports event in Kota Kinabalu. Useful for visitors planning a short city stay around the event weekend.
July 2026
Oceanman World Series Malaysia
Location: Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu
Open-water swimming event near Tuaran/Kota Kinabalu. Plan resort transfers ahead of time.
Sail Malaysia
Location: Kota Kinabalu
A sailing-related event period. Travellers interested in marina and coastal activities can check local schedules before visiting.
August 2026
Borneo International Clown Convention 2026
Location: Dewan Calvary, Tawau
A family-friendly themed convention in Tawau. Consider local transport if staying outside town.
Sandakan Day Memorial
Location: Sandakan Memorial Park
A historical remembrance event. Suitable for travellers interested in Sandakan heritage and WWII history.
Tawau Marathon
Location: Tawau Sports Complex
A sports event in Tawau. Road timing and accommodation may need earlier planning.
The Most Beautiful Trail (TMBT)
Location: Kundasang
A mountain trail event around Kundasang. Transport and cool-weather preparation are important.
Sabah Day and National Day Celebration
Location: Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu
Major public celebrations in Kota Kinabalu. Expect city crowds and possible traffic changes.
September 2026
Sabah International Expo
Location: Sabah International Convention Centre, Kota Kinabalu
A convention and expo event at SICC. Good for business travellers needing airport and hotel transfers.
Sepilok Jazz Festival 5th Edition
Location: Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok, Sandakan
A music event near Sepilok. Combine with wildlife and nature stops if staying in Sandakan.
Tropical Rainforest Run
Location: Tawau Hills Park
A nature-based run. Local transport planning helps because the venue is outside the city centre.
Sabah Moto Day
Location: Padang Kawad UMS
A motoring event in Kota Kinabalu. Check local traffic and parking arrangements.
October 2026
Timpohon Run
Location: Kinabalu Park, Kundasang
A mountain-area running event. Plan early departures due to distance and weather.
Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon
Location: Kinabalu Park, Kundasang
A signature mountain sports event. Accommodation and transport around Kundasang may be limited.
Ritma Kinabalu (Rhythms of Kinabalu)
Location: Lintasan Deasoka, Kota Kinabalu
A cultural and music-themed event in the city centre. Good for visitors staying in Kota Kinabalu.
Borneo Safari 2026
Location: Sabah
Adventure-focused event. Routes may vary, so travellers should confirm details before planning transport.
December 2026
Kiulu Adventure Challenge
Location: Kiulu
Outdoor sports and adventure event in Kiulu. Transport should be arranged early because the area is outside Kota Kinabalu.
Sources checked: Sabah Tourism Board Calendar of Sabah Events, SabahTravel.com Calendar of Events, and Sabah International Convention Centre events listings. Summaries and travel tips are original TripSabah notes.
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