I was in Sabah in December last year for a couple of weeks and in April this year for a couple of days. Both times in Kota Kinabalu I stayed at the Hyatt, which is in town, but pretty good value. Definitely not a resort style place though, so probably not what you're looking for, but very convinient for getting around KK town. If your dates are set it might be worth looking at www.airasia.com and checking out the hotel pricing there, they have some very competitive rates I've found for around KK.

As for the weather, it all depends on your luck I guess at that time of the year. When I was there there was only one particuarly rainy day, apart from that there was the expected afternoon downpour for an hour or so on about half the days, the other half were somewhat overcast, but no rain. I'd *definitely* recommend the climb up Mt Kinabalu if your legs are up to it, but be sure to book accommodation for Laban Rata early (the rest spot half way up).

Apart from that, other enjoyable places visited included Poring Hot Springs (very nice to relax in after coming back down the mountain, and an interesting elevated walk through the forest too). A trip up the Kinabatangan River is worthwhile if you like seeing animals in their native habitat, and Sepilok Orangutan Rehibilitation Centre is good if you want a more up close experience with the animals (though still sort of wild ).

Oh and I'm not sure I can really recommend heading into Sandakan town itself - unless you're going off to Turtle Island or the like. I've never had so much attention strolling around a town before, I'm above average sort of height (193cm) - but it didn't seem they got many people my size strolling around, plenty of yells and taunts from local guys, and wide eyed stares from local girls. Never had that sort of reaction anywhere else in Malaysia I've been, so not sure what sets Sandakan apart, but different it seems . Hope that gives you some further insights anyway!