Darren YeohFor years, I’d heard the buzz about the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), held annually at the Sarawak Cultural Village. In fact, as a travel writer, I’ve even penned several articles about it in the past. Yet, honestly, I never quite got the hype. In my mind, it was just another concert, albeit one with the unique backdrop of a rainforest.
But in June 2025, attending the 28th edition of RWMF in person finally shattered those misconceptions. What awaited me was a weekend that didn’t just meet my expectations – it blew them out of the water, making it one of my year’s absolute highlights! If you’ve never been, and you’re wondering what it’s really like, this is my personal journey through a vibrant, enlightening, and unforgettable weekend at RWMF.
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My first time at Rainforest World Music Festival
The main highlight of the Rainforest World Music Festival is undoubtedly the daily concerts that take place during the evenings. Held in a clearing within the rainforest, the atmosphere is something special. The diverse lineup features musicians from across the globe alongside incredible local talents.
These aren’t your typical mainstream acts; instead, RWMF showcases groups blending unique cultural sounds, genres, and styles. While At Adau, a popular Sarawakian group, was the only name I recognised from this year’s lineup, I quickly learned that not knowing what to expect is actually the best part of the festival.
When I finally arrived at the concert venue on the first night, the first thing I noticed was the chill vibes of the crowd: people swaying and just generally having a good time. It had a tranquil, peaceful vibe about it. But don’t let that fool you, because the energy at the festival can shift with just a moment’s notice!
Feeling the heartbeat of the rainforest: One Earth, One Love
My favourite moment at RWMF 2025 was when Otyken, a folk music group from Siberia, took the stage. I’d read about their traditional throat singing, thinking I knew what to expect. I was dead wrong. Their music was a whirlwind of fast-paced rhythms, each song electrifying the venue. The best way I can describe it is an EDM rave powered by traditional instruments.
I was particularly captivated by the barrel drum player; every strike sent a tangible pulse through the ground. I felt it in my chest, even! It was then that I realised how the RWMF moniker, “feeling the heartbeat of the forest”, was more than just a catchline!
That performance set the tone for the rest of the festival. Over the next two nights, I was consistently and pleasantly surprised by the incredible music. From the awe-inspiring vocals of Rob Ruha, a Māori musician from New Zealand, to the rapid-fire beats of India’s Tal Fry, every act was a thrilling introduction to a different genre.
Another memorable moment for me was the concert on the final night, as La Chiva Gantiva (a music group comprising members from Colombia and Belgium) had the crowd rocking out in the middle of the rain! For someone attending a music festival for the first time, it was a surreal moment etched in my memory.
The theme of RWMF 2025, Connections: One Earth, One Love, was truly apt. Often, I didn’t understand the language or lyrics, and I suspect most festival-goers didn’t either. Yet, everywhere I looked, people were simply enjoying the moment, forging new friendships through a shared love for music. And the best part? It wasn’t just one age group; families with children and seniors were all enjoying the experience together. It truly showed how music transcends age, language, and cultural barriers – a phrase I’d written countless times before, but this time, I felt it to my core.
Beyond the main stage: Discovering Sarawakian culture
Away from the pulsating music that grips you during the evening concerts, the Rainforest World Music Festival also offers an opportunity for festival-goers to truly immerse themselves in local Sarawakian culture.
The Sarawak Cultural Village is an attraction in and of itself. However, during the festival, the village became a bustling hub of activity, as traditional performances and games, musical classes, and workshops took place throughout the weekend.
I spent my mornings exploring local craft bazaars, sampling artisanal snacks, and discovering unique handicrafts. I even tried my hand at playing the sape, one of Sarawak’s most popular string instruments. As a guitar player, I thought I’d have an advantage – I didn’t! But managing to pluck out a basic tune brought me so much joy. For those serious about learning, dedicated musical classes are available too.
What I appreciated as well was the showcase of local, Sarawakian F&B brands. From locally-brewed coffee and tuak (Sarawakian rice wine) to Bidayuh cuisine, the Rainforest World Music Festival offers a window into the mesmerising culinary world of Sarawak.
Musical workshops with your favourite artists
Speaking of daytime activities, what I absolutely loved about RWMF was the regular music workshops and jam sessions that took place during the weekend. Imagine attending a K-Pop festival featuring the likes of Twice, BTS, or Aespa, where you enjoy their stage performances at night, and then during the day, these same artists can be found just hanging out with the crowd and maybe conducting dance classes.
That would probably never happen, but at RWMF, it’s one of the main highlights! After 2pm, the same artists who perform during the evening concerts at the festival could be found scattered throughout the Sarawak Cultural Village. They were conducting workshops and casual jam sessions either in open arenas or in the long houses.
Imagine my surprise when I was going about the village, and I somehow stumbled into the Iban Longhouse, where I found Otyken (yes, I confess that I am now a fan) hosting an energetic workshop with the crowd, where they introduced us to Siberian folk musical instruments and art. It was also at this point that I realised how many people fell in love with the band because it didn’t take long for the longhouse to be fully packed. It was like a sauna in there!
I also attended a fun jam session with Kuntaw Mindanao, a band from the southern Philippines, where they taught us a traditional dance, and learning more about the haka from Rob Ruha in his workshop. And yes, he taught those of us who were there some basic haka dance moves.
It was amidst these truly unique, intimate encounters that it fully dawned on me: the RWMF isn’t just your average music concert. It’s a vibrant platform for music lovers to connect and for profound cultural exchange through music. You could tell the artists enjoyed their time as much as we did!
Insider tips for your first RWMF adventure
Having lived the RWMF experience, I can confidently say the best way to understand it is to be there. And with RWMF 2026 slated for 26 – 28 June 2026, now’s the perfect time to start planning! To help you make the most of your first visit and avoid some of my own rookie mistakes, here are my insider tips:
1. Bring your own water tumbler
One of the core values of the Rainforest World Music Festival is sustainability. In line with that, and to reduce waste, festival goers are not allowed to bring in any single-use plastic, which includes water bottles. Your bags will be searched upon entry.
Instead, bring a water tumbler and make use of the water stations throughout the festival grounds to refill your tumbler.
2. Bring a mat or foldable chair
This applies more to the Friday or Sunday night concerts, where there is usually a lot more space (the crowd peaks on Saturday). You can set out a picnic mat or unfold a chair, sit down, relax, and enjoy the music. Although chances are you’ll find yourself up on your feet most of the time anyway!
3. Prepare a raincoat
Pretty self-explanatory. Since the concert is held in an open-air stage in a rainforest clearing, it’s best to go prepared for some light rain.
4. Apply sunscreen during the day
This is the thing I forgot. I you’re planning to check out the Sarawak Cultural Village during the day, don’t forget to apply some sunscreen. I say this because my arms and neck got toasty after spending two days under the sun.
5. Arrive early for the evening concerts
This is especially true for Saturday. The evening concerts typically start around 6pm, but the crowd starts to really pour in starting around 6:30pm. If you want a good view, arrive early and secure your spots. It’s a free-standing area, after all!
6. Stay at a nearby resort
During the festival, certain roads have restricted access or are closed to manage traffic. Your best bet is to stay at a nearby resort, like the Damai Beach Resort, which is literally a 10-minute walk away. Otherwise, plan to park elsewhere and utilise the frequent shuttle service to reach the grounds.
See you at Rainforest World Music Festival 2026!
All in all, attending Rainforest World Music Festival 2025 was an unforgettable experience! I never thought I would be someone who’d enjoy music festivals, but RWMF has completely changed my mind. By day two, I was already planning my return for next year (and yes, if anyone on the organising committee is reading this, please bring back Otyken!).
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Dear reader, I cannot stress enough how the Rainforest World Music Festival is a must-see experience, and I hope I’ll see you there next year from 26 to 28 June 2026!
Special thanks to Sarawak Tourism Board for inviting us to Rainforest World Music Festival 2025.
