Rainforest World Music Festival 2025

Peeking out above the logo of the Rainforest World Music Festival is the faint outline of a musician playing the sapé – a boat-shaped lute played by the Orang Ulu, Kayan and Kenyah people of Sarawak, Malaysia. The unofficial emblem of the festival, the sapé’s sound and form have become ubiquitous at the event, which was born in 1998 with a mission to put Sarawak and its unique music and traditions on the map.

After a record-breaking edition last year, the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) returns for its 28th edition in 2025. An iconic date on Sarawak’s tourism calendar, the festival is a three-day musical extravaganza situated in the heart of Borneo’s tropical rainforest on the Damai peninsula, about 35km north of Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, which is the largest state in Malaysia and is located on Borneo, the third-largest island in the world. This year, expect some of the most exciting artists yet with a line-up hailing from 20 countries and the aim to welcome 30,000 visitors and beat last year’s record attendance.

Otyken

On the festival’s lasting appeal, RWMF CEO, Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor, tells us: “It is more than just a music festival – it’s a celebration of cultural diversity, sustainability and the unifying power of music, set against the stunning backdrop of Sarawak’s rainforest.”

The Location

One of the reasons RWMF has become such a globally renowned event is not only for its music programme, eco-conscious initiatives and deep connection to tradition, but also for its unique location. Sarawak spans over 120,000 square kilometres, and is home to hugely diverse landscapes ranging from soaring mountains, stunning sandy beaches and fascinating ancient cave systems to some of the oldest rainforests on the planet. Whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, wildlife or gastronomy, Sarawak really has something to offer everyone. Its capital, Kuching, is a bustling but charmingly hospitable city known as ‘the City of Cats’ that boasts a wealth of culinary treats and visitor attractions. UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Niah National Park and Mulu National Park, alongside Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, where you can witness the majestic but sadly endangered orangutan, are also conveniently accessible.

What to Expect

Over the years, the festival has won a multitude of awards and with good reason. When first entering the festival site at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV), it’s impossible not to feel in awe of the lush and verdant surroundings with the lofty Mount Santubong overlooking all festival proceedings, a constant reminder of this country’s breathtaking natural offerings. The SCV is a 17-acre open-air living museum that showcases the cultural traditions of the many local communities. During the day, activities include interactive workshops, talks and demonstrations around the lake within various longhouses which replicate the traditional buildings of Sarawak’s myriad Indigenous communities. These relaxed workshops provide an ideal opportunity for festivalgoers to get up close with the musicians and their instruments and perhaps try out their sapé-playing skills or play in a drum circle. An outreach programme also aims to increase awareness about mental health issues and healthier lifestyles with daily yoga and Zumba sessions. Dotted around the lake are arts and crafts stalls where local artisans promote their Indigenous craftsmanship, alongside plenty of opportunities to sample local dishes.

At Adau

The Music

Then, of course, there’s the extensive musical programme that takes place across three different stages and showcases international artists as well as local music. This year’s headliners are: The Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, the latest incarnation of the US funk institution, led by former Earth, Wind & Fire musical director Al McKay; Indigenous Siberian group Otyken, who are breaking all the rules with their mix of folk instrumentation, pop hooks, throat singing and dance culture; and At Adau, a group from Sarawak itself who have become a festival favourite thanks to their innovative take on Indigenous Malaysian music – they will make history as the first-ever Sarawakian artist to headline RWMF.

Other artists performing this year include Chilean tropicálistas La Chiva Gantiva, Guinea’s balafon sensation N’Famady Kouyaté, Chinese group Manhu, New Zealand’s breakout ‘haka-soul’ star Rob Ruha, The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band, as well as others from India, Japan, Morocco, the Phillipines and an exciting selection of local Malaysian artists. Various ticket options are available – from one-day passes up to the three-day pass which guarantees the full RWMF experience – so that festival-goers can tailor their visit to fit their individual travel requirements.

Sustainability

The festival’s principal organiser, the Sarawak Tourism Board, is committed to responsible tourism. Their ecoGreen Planet tree planting initiative, funded by a portion of ticket sales and sponsorships, aims to offset the carbon emissions generated during the festival, supporting environmental conservation and sustainability. The goal is to plant 10,000 trees by 2027, and so far, 3,700 trees have been planted – including 1,700 trees in Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary and 2,000 trees in Bukit Lima Nature Reserve. Free shuttle buses and an increased number of water stations underline the festival’s commitment to promoting responsible tourism. Ultimately, their key goal is for festivalgoers to enjoy the music and culture while embracing local nature.

More Than A Festival

Asked why RWMF is special, CEO Sharzede declares: “What sets RWMF apart is its ability to bring together Indigenous musicians, global artists and festivalgoers in an immersive experience that goes beyond performances.” As former artistic director of RWMF Jun Lin Yeoh says, “Once you have drunk the waters of Sarawak, you’ll always come back!” It is certainly true that a visit to the festival leaves a lasting impression and creates an unforgettable bond with Sarawak’s innumerable delights. Words by Jo Frost

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Find out more: rwmf.net