For passengers on cruises calling in Malaysia and more specifically in Kinabalu in Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, October offers a number of activities, including mountain climbing, music and shopping events.

Two mountain races are featured October 19 up Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest peaks in Southeast Asia, a 33 kilometer race to the summit for elite runners and a 23 kilometer race for so-called non elite runners.

“Rythms of Kinabalu” showcases local music with bamboo, gong, anklung and gambus instruments on October 20 with performances by leading Malaysian artists.

The month ends with the biggest open-air market in Sabah, the annual Tamu Besar Kota Belud for 2013.

Related entertainment features “Cowboys of the East” – Bajau horsemen, a water buffalo race and the Ratu Sarimpak beauty pageant.