The Rainforest World Music Festical is touted as Borneo's largest music event (Photo: Rainforest World Music Festival)
For the first time ever, Sarawak’s most iconic musical and cultural festivals will be taking place back to back this month. Gathering more than 100 performers from across the globe, the festivals will see a plethora of workshops and performances held from July 5 to 21 in Kuching and Miri, a perfect getaway for music aficionados. With an emphasis on environmental preservation, all three festivals will enforce a no-plastic ruling, banning the entry of all plastic water bottles throughout the events.
Rainforest Fringe Festival
A prelude to the upcoming music festivals, the Rainforest Fringe Festival is bringing together the best of Sarawak’s music, art, film, photography, food and culture to the heart of Kuching. Discover the diversity of East Malaysia through thoughtfully curated indigenous film screenings, cultural exhibitions, musical theatre shows, delicious local food and informative talks on Borneo’s melting pot of cultures that will be held all over the town.
Kuching City. July 5 to 12. Free admission. See here for more info.
Rainforest World Music Festival
Aiming to land more than 20,000 festival-goers, the Rainforest World Music Festival is touted as Borneo’s largest music event. Featuring cultural and musical sessions, food and craft bazaars, wellness workshops and jaw-dropping performances, the three-day weekend will see a line-up of returning musicians, as well as newcomers from around the world, including India, Mauritius, Indonesia, Jamaica and Estonia.
Sarawak Cultural Village, Damai Beach Resort, Kampung Budaya Sarawak, Kuching. July 12 to 14. RM140, RM230, RM345. Buy tickets here.
Borneo Jazz Festival
Entering its 14th year in the sun-soaked coastal city of Miri, the Borneo Jazz Festival features a stellar line-up of traditional and contemporary jazz genres from local and international artists hailing from Italy, Mexico, Austria, Japan, America, China, Brunei and the Netherlands. Expect a wild dash of energy as the festival transforms Miri’s entertainment hub into a full-blown beach party, and join in the celebration as the winners of the festival’s music and DJ talent search are announced.
Coco Cabana, Lot 2260, Jalan Bandaraya, Miri. July 19 to 21. RM128, RM228, RM338. Buy tickets here.
