Darren YeohFor those who didn’t know, Sarawak in Malaysia hosts a unique annual music festival that redefines what you think a music festival can be. Instead of crowded city streets and concrete stages in a jam-packed stadium, the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is nestled deep within Sarawak’s lush rainforest at the Sarawak Cultural Village, right by the majestic Mount Santubong!
Back for its 28th edition this year, RWMF brings together musical talents from all over the world to the stunning rainforests of Sarawak, offering festival-goers a weekend of Indigenous heritage and global tunes, allowing you to feel the pulse of the earth as you jam and chill in the forest.
Also read: Beyond Borneo: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Sarawak You Didn’t Know Existed
This year, the festival will be held from 20 to 22 Jun 2025, with the theme of “Connections: One Earth, One Love”, an ode to how music ties us all together, bridges cultural and traditional gaps, and inspires a shared appreciation for our planet’s diversity.
After a record-breaking festival last year with over 26,000 attendees, RWMF 2025 promises to be an even more captivating journey into the heart of world music! Here’s what to expect at this must-experience event in 2025.
Experience the thrill (and vibes) of Rainforest World Music Festival 2025! Early Bird tickets are on sale from now till 31 Mar 2025 from just RM235 (S$70++)! Psst, did you know that RWMF aims to plant 10,000 trees by 2027 (which is the festival’s 30th anniversary), and that a portion of ticket sales will directly support this tree-planting initiative? So not only will you be getting tickets to an unforgettable music festival, you’ll also be helping to plant more trees! |
Incredible musical performances from around the world
Image credit: Rainforest World Music Festival Official Facebook Page
Headlining RWMF this year is The Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay. If you’re a fan of funk, soul, or just plain good music, you might have heard of them already before this. After all, they basically rewrote the rulebook, blending genres and creating hits that still get everyone dancing. Al McKay, a Grammy-winning EWF veteran, is keeping that magic alive with his Allstars, a group of top-notch musicians who nail those classic EWF vibes. Expect to hear all your favourites, like “September” and “Boogie Wonderland,” performed with the same energy and feel that made them iconic.
Joining the lineup of fascinating global musical talents at the RWMF stage is Otyken, a unique Indigenous musical group straight from Siberia. These guys aren’t just musicians; they’re storytellers, using throat singing and rare Siberian instruments like the khomys, vargan, and morinhur to transport you to another world. Their music, sung in a mix of Siberian languages and Russian, is a powerful connection to ancient traditions and the spirit of the land.
Image credit: Rainforest World Music Festival Official Facebook Page
And, of course, RWMF is all about celebrating local talent. This year, Sarawak’s own At Adau will take to the stage with their incredible fusion of mesmerising Sape melodies and traditional percussion from various Indigenous Sarawakian communities. Having grown alongside RWMF since 2014, their elevation to headliner status really highlights the festival’s dedication to showcasing the rich musical heritage of Sarawak and putting local artists on the global stage.
Beyond the festival headliners, expect to enjoy music from 170 performers from 20 different countries. In short, get ready for a weekend of endless music that will make your feet sway!
Immersive workshops and cultural events
Image credit: Rainforest World Music Festival Official Facebook Page
The Rainforest World Music Festival isn’t just about watching incredible performances; it’s about diving headfirst into a whirlwind of cultural exploration and musical discovery. Think of it as a living, breathing museum of sound and tradition. Beyond the main stages, the festival’s Fringe activities and interactive workshops are your gateway to a deeper understanding of the music you’re hearing.
You can actually connect with the artists, learn about the fascinating stories behind their instruments, and even try your hand at playing them yourself. Imagine learning the intricacies of Siberian throat singing, or understanding the ancient techniques behind the Sape’s haunting melodies.
Image credit: Rainforest World Music Festival Official Facebook Page
To make sure you have plenty of time to soak it all in, the festival gates are opening bright and early, at 10 AM! This extended access gives you more time to wander through the cultural village, discover hidden gems, and truly immerse yourself in the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. From sunrise to sunset, it’s a non-stop celebration of music, culture, and the connections that bind us all.
Getting to Rainforest World Music Festival
Most festival-goers will choose to stay in Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, which is located about 40 minutes away from the Sarawak Cultural Village. In line with the festival’s green initiative, free shuttle buses will be available to ferry attendees with valid festival tickets to the music festival from the city.
At the festival, you will also find Green Ruai, a dedicated space showcasing sustainable innovations and environmental best practices. This year, the space will feature a bunch of new interactive initiatives. For example, carbon calculation stations will enable attendees to assess their individual carbon footprints and receive practical recommendations for carbon offsetting measures.
Also read: Unique Sarawak Bucket List: 8 Coolest Activities You Must Experience At Least Once!
|
FLIGHT DEAL ALERT To get to RWMF 2025, we recommend booking your flights to Sarawak with Malaysia Airlines or Firefly, both of whom are Official Airline Partners of the festival. In line with this, both airlines will be offering exclusive promotional fares once RWMF tickets officially go on sale. Simply use the promo codes (MHRWMF25 for Malaysia Airlines and FYRWMF25 for Firefly) on selected flights to Kuching to enjoy these fares! |
So, don’t miss out Rainforest World Music Festival 2025! It promises to be an absolute blast! Plus, don’t forget to snap up your Early Bird Tickets while they’re still available! We’ll see you at the festival!
Brought to you by Sarawak Tourism Board
