The Rainforest World Music Festival is an annual three-day event in Sarawak, Borneo, featuring bands and performers from literally every corner of the world. From local native chants and African dance to American folk music and percussion groups – the ever-evolving lineup each year at the festival combines culture with the opportunity to dance and sweat with over 20,000 people from around the world!
Started in 1997, the Songforest World Music Festival was voted by Songlines as one of the 25 best music festivals in the world. Unlike other festivals where musicians are swept up to hide behind the scenes after their performances, you are likely to see the stars walking around, participating in intimate jam sessions during daily workshops, and simply enjoying the show together with their fans.
Already a bargain ticket price includes a full day of demonstrations, workshops, and fun before the sunset shows begin. Two stages keep the nighttime action going without the usual intermission as the bands change.
- First, see other great things to do in Malaysian Borneo.
Festival workshops
The Rainforest World Music Festival is not just about seeing the great bands perform on stage. Unlike typical music festivals, visitors can attend free workshops set up in longhouses to enjoy educational sessions with the artists. When the artists take to the stage at night, you will feel that you know them, their instruments and their musical traditions a little better.
- Visit the official Rainforest World Music Festival site for a list of artists and a schedule of daily workshops.
Both entertaining and educational, the workshops range from percussion to Sarawak culture and local dance; Many include audience participation and you may even be invited to play an instrument!
The workshops take place throughout the afternoon in three different places between 2 pm and 5 pm
Sarawak Cultural Village
The Sarawak Cultural Village is the perfect place for an outdoor festival. The green setting between the South China Sea and nearby Mount Santubong really adds to the atmosphere – it’s worth taking the time to get there early and explore the Sarawak Cultural Village. A circular walk winds between wooden houses built in the style of local indigenous groups; Statues and artifacts are on display.
See the official website of Sarawak Cultural Village.
Important tips to enjoy the festival
- No food or drink is allowed at the festival; Bags are checked.
- A wide variety of food, snacks and drinks are sold within the festival. The only alcohol available is beer and wine.
- The only ATM is located in Damai Central, just outside the festival entrance. The ATM usually runs out of cash, so bring enough money from Kuching.
- A 7-Eleven minimart, pharmacy, and small shop are available in Damai Central, just outside the festival’s main gate.
- Pets are not allowed inside the festival.
- The place itself is worth exploring before the music starts. Get there early to see cultural exhibits, demonstrations, and the many workshops that are included in the admission price.
- Bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a waterproof bag for your camera – the rainforest often lives up to its name with unexpected downpours!
- Seats tend to fill up quickly during late-night performances. You can bring your own mat to sit on the grass.
- If the heat inside the longhouses gets too hot, try attending a workshop in the comfortable, air-conditioned theater.
- Real permanent toilets are available in various buildings; You are not doomed to hot, portable toilets!
Rainforest World Music Festival schedule
The Sarawak Cultural Village opens to the public at 10 am for people who want to explore the manicured gardens, do some shopping, and enjoy food before the festival begins. The workshops start around 2 pm and are spread over at least three different locations within the town. Everyone takes a break around 5 p.m. to prepare for the band’s performances that start around 7:30 p.m.
The day of the festival ends around midnight; the last shuttle bus for Kuching leaves at 1am
Get tickets
You can buy tickets at the gate or save some time in the queue by purchasing tickets in advance at the Visitor Information Center in Kuching. Tickets can also be purchased online (http://www.ticketcharge.com.my) for an additional fee of RM3 (US $ 1), however you will still need to exchange the official receipt for a wristband at the festival entrance .
Both one-day and three-day passes are available for the festival. Three-day passes must be purchased in advance, they may be sold out and are not available on the day of the festival.
Prices for one day tickets:
- Adults: RM 140 (approximately US $ 35)
- Children under 12 years old: RM 70 (approximately US $ 18)
Prices for three-day passes purchased in advance:
- Adults: RM 320 (approximately US $ 81)
- Children under 12: RM 140 (approximately US $ 36)
Note: To ensure authenticity, never buy tickets on the street or from unofficial representatives outside the festival.
Arriving at the Music Festival
The Rainforest World Music Festival is held at the Sarawak Cultural Village, approximately 45 minutes from Kuching, the capital of Sarawak in Borneo.
Both Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines offer cheap flights from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kuching (KCH); Book as early as possible to get the best rates.
- See some tips for finding cheap flights to Borneo
Arriving at the Sarawak Cultural Village
There are a variety of transportation options available from Kuching to the festival; Public buses are the cheapest option. Hotels can provide their own transportation to and from the festival.
Contact the office located at the Sarawak Tourism Complex located in the sprawling building at the bottom end of the shoreline or check the official RWMF site (http://rwmf.net/) to find the shuttle pickup points at Kuching as they may change from year to year.
The last public transport returns to Kuching around 1 AM. M. Do n’t miss out or you could face an expensive taxi ride!
Full disclosure
As is common in the travel industry, the writer received free airfare, accommodation, and entry passes in order to review the festival. While you have not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy.
