If you are a music enthusiast planning to travel to Sarawark, you do want to note the Rainforest World Music Festival dates. This is an annual event that takes place in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. It brings together music lovers, artists, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world.
This festival offers a unique blend of performances from multiple ethnic groups of Sarawak, cultural showcases, interactive workshops, and a vibrant atmosphere that immerses you in the beauty of nature.
If you haven’t been to the Rainforest World Music Festival, it will be an eye-opening experience for your first time there. In this article, we will introduce this Rainforest Music Festival and tips to make the most of your experience. You wouldn’t want to miss this.
What Is Rainforest World Music Festival?
The Sarawak Tourism Board organizes the Rainforest World Music Festival. It is a 3-day annual event held in Sarawak, Malaysia. It features ethnic and folk musical acts from around the world, such as African tribes, Asian instrumentalists, Cajun bands, and many more.The Rainforest Music Festival was first held in 1998 and has continued since then. It is usually held between June to August at the Sarawak Cultural Village. The event includes a mix of interactive music workshops, cultural displays, mini-concert with the artists, and various food stalls.
The most popular part will be the performances in the evening. There will be several performances on the main stage. A large crowd will gather on the stage to watch the performances.
The festival started with only a few hundred people in 1998. Over the years, it has evolved into a renowned international event, attracting top artists and musicians from various genres and backgrounds. It has received many awards. One of the awards will be the Top 25 Best International Festivals awarded by Songlines Magazines, which they got for six consecutive years (from 2010 to 2015).
Where To Stay?
If attending the Rainforest World Music Festival is your main purpose of visiting Sarakwak, Malaysia. You would want to stay nearby the Cultural Village. There are various places to stay around there, but the room will be booked out pretty quickly during the days of the Rainforest World Music Festival. Do book in advance if you intend to book around the area during the Rainforest World Music Festival.
Damai Beach Resort is one of the best options you can consider. It is a beachside resort with multiple swimming pools. One of the features will be the ‘clifftop swimming pool’, which features a little waterfall and stunning views. From standard rooms to deluxe suites and chalets, it is decorated with traditional Sarawak decor. Besides, you can enjoy a relaxing massage at Sadau Massage & Spa. Their cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, where you can enjoy local dishes and also Western food.
Video Credit: LivingHotel
If you are traveling on a budget, there is a campsite at the Permai Rainforest Resort, which is affordable. If you prefer to sleep in the trees, there are tree houses on stilts where you can stay for the night. The best part about the Permian Rainforest Resort is that they are committed to protecting the Santubong Peninsula Rainforest. The resort is designed in a way to minimize the impact on the natural environment. If you want to be adventurous besides attending the festival, there are many activities for you to do, such as flying fox, kayaking, or even hiking up Mount Santubong.
Nanga Damai Homestay is a good choice if you want to experience a more local side of the area. The rooms are spacious and come with queen-sized beds and private bathrooms. There are also small villas with two bedrooms. It takes about a 20-minute walk to the Cultural Village. The owner does organize tours to take you to explore the rest of the region.
How To Get To Rainforest World Music Festival?
It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Kuching, the nearest city to the Sarawak Cultural Village. If you stay near the Cultural Village, it is possible to walk there. But if you are staying in Kuching, there is usually a shuttle bus service running at different slots during the festival between the Cultural Village and Kuching.
You can also book a taxi to get there. But if you are struggling to book one, you may want to just hop onto one of the shuttle buses. So take note on time for the shuttle bus.
Musical Highlights At Rainforest World Music Festival
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Rainforest World Music Festival is its diverse and captivating lineup of musical performances. This international event brings together artists from around the world. From traditional melodies to contemporary fusions, the music at the festival transcends boundaries and embraces the richness of global music traditions.
The Rainforest Music Festival curates a lineup that showcases a wide range of genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone. You will find a performance that caters to your musical taste. This vibrant mix of genres creates a dynamic and engaging atmosphere unique to the festival.
You will be able to discover artists and musical styles you may not have encountered before at the Rainforest World Music Festival. It serves as a platform for artists to showcase their talents and share their unique cultural expressions.
The performances on stage create an immersive and interactive music experience for the audience. Besides the main stage performances, the workshops will provide an opportunity to learn more about the stories behind the music. It’s a chance to gain insights into the music and connect with the artists on a deeper level.
