“When music echoes through the rainforest, it’s not just sound. It’s a connection to something deeper.”
the hiplife asia
This July 19 to 21, the Rainforest World Music Festival returns to the heart of Sarawak, promising not just a lineup of global music, but an unforgettable journey of culture, nature, and soul. With the theme “Connections: One Earth, One Love,” this year’s festival invites you to reconnect with rhythm, with the planet, and with one another.
Enjoy Live Performances by World-Class Artists
Step into a musical dream surrounded by the emerald canopy of the rainforest. Over 180 performers from 20 countries will take the stage, delivering a breathtaking blend of traditional, world fusion, and contemporary sounds. From the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, to the mesmerizing energy of Otyken from Siberia, and the proud, powerful rhythms of Sarawak’s very own At Adau, each performance becomes more than just a show. It becomes a moment etched in memory.
Participate in Daytime Music Workshops
Let your curiosity lead you into the vibrant world of interactive workshops. Learn the heartbeat of ancient drums. Discover vocal styles passed down through generations. Touch instruments you’ve only heard in stories. These sessions are more than lessons — they’re intimate, hands-on experiences that reveal the soul behind the sound.
Explore Cultural Displays and Craft Stalls
Wander through winding lanes of handmade beauty. Watch as artisans breathe life into woven textiles and traditional crafts. Try on intricate costumes. Witness cultural rituals up close. The festival grounds become a living museum of Sarawak’s rich heritage, filled with stories carved into wood, spun into cloth, and stirred into pots of local delicacies.
Experience the Green Ruai Sustainability Zone
Take a quiet pause in the Green Ruai and let the Earth speak to you. Here, you’ll find a space devoted to environmental awareness — where workshops, exhibits, and interactive installations open your eyes to sustainable living. Learn how to track your carbon footprint, take part in zero-waste practices, and see how a festival can exist in harmony with nature.
Join the Sunset Drum Circles and Night Performances
As the day fades and the sky turns gold, gather with fellow festival-goers at the communal drum circles. Let your hands find rhythm alongside strangers who feel like old friends. Then, as night settles in, make your way to the main stage. The air shifts. The lights rise. And the rainforest itself begins to sing, becoming part of a global concert under the stars.
Taste Local and International Cuisine
Let your taste buds travel as much as your feet. The food village is a fragrant wonderland filled with Sarawakian specialties, exotic flavors, and comforting bites from around the world. Whether you’re craving spicy laksa or warm pastries, every dish is a story, and every bite feels like coming home.
Immerse Yourself in the Rainforest Setting
The venue itself is magic. Nestled at the foot of Mount Santubong, the Sarawak Cultural Village wraps you in nature’s embrace. Gentle streams, towering trees, and soft forest trails create a breathtaking setting that doesn’t just host the festival—it elevates it. Even in stillness, the rainforest hums its own song.
Family-Friendly Activities
Families will find a welcoming world crafted for joy and connection. Children can explore interactive zones and creative activities while parents relax in the open spaces. The atmosphere is warm, open, and easy to enjoy together, making every shared moment feel special.
Support Sustainable Tourism
To deepen your experience, consider staying nearby in community-run homestays or eco-lodges. You won’t just be resting your head. You’ll be supporting local livelihoods, learning more about indigenous culture, and becoming part of a tourism model that gives back to the land and people of Sarawak.
A Festival That Stays With You
The Rainforest World Music Festival is not just a weekend of music. It’s a sanctuary of sound, culture, and spirit. It is where the pulse of drums blends with the whisper of leaves. Where strangers connect over songs sung in different languages. Where art and sustainability are not separate conversations, but part of the same, powerful narrative.
You don’t just watch performances here. You feel them move through you. You don’t just visit. You return home changed, carrying with you the echoes of connection, unity, and love. Whether you come for the music, the culture, the food, or the forest, you will leave with something far greater.
Because this isn’t just a festival. It’s a feeling that lingers.
“We don’t just listen to music here. We feel it. We live it. And we carry it with us long after the forest falls quiet.”
the hiplife asia
