Music fans are flocking to Sarawak’s Rainforest Festival in 2025 for its globally recognized music lineup, featuring 184 performers from 20 countries held at the Sarawak Cultural Village near Kuching. The event attracts around 30,000 attendees, showcases diverse genres, and highlights Sarawak’s cultural heritage and traditions among its 34 ethnic tribes. Daytime workshops, craft displays, and local cuisine complement evening rainforest concerts, offering an immersive cultural experience and promoting sustainable tourism. Further details explain its growing international impact.
Held annually at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching, Malaysia, the Rainforest World Music Festival will return from June 20 to June 22, 2025, drawing attention to Borneo’s unique cultural and ecological landscape. The event is located on the Damai peninsula, approximately 35 kilometers north of Kuching, and takes place in the heart of Borneo’s tropical rainforest.
Surrounded by lush greenery and the region’s natural beauty, the festival’s venue offers a distinct backdrop that distinguishes it from other music events worldwide. The Sarawak Cultural Village serves as a 17-acre living museum, offering festivalgoers an immersive experience of local cultural traditions. Accessibility is a priority, with a range of accommodation options located nearby, ensuring convenience for local and international attendees.
Established in 1998, the Rainforest World Music Festival has grown from a modest gathering into a globally recognized celebration, now aiming to attract around 30,000 visitors in 2025. Last year’s edition saw record-breaking attendance, and organizers are preparing for even greater numbers this year. With more than 34 ethnic tribes calling Sarawak home, the festival reflects a rich tapestry of traditions and cultural heritage.
The festival’s mission is to promote Sarawak’s unique music and traditions on the world stage, and it continues to serve as a platform for cultural exchange and preservation.
Celebrating Sarawak’s rich musical heritage, the festival fosters global cultural exchange and safeguards local traditions for future generations.
The 2025 edition will host 184 performers from 20 different countries, with 20 music groups presenting a diverse array of genres, including traditional music, world fusion, and contemporary world music. This broad representation highlights both the cultural diversity of Sarawak and the global nature of the festival.
Activities extend beyond concerts, as attendees can participate in daytime music workshops, observe cultural and craft displays, and sample local Sarawakian cuisine at various food stalls. Evening main-stage concerts occur within the rainforest setting, providing a unique concert experience.
The festival contributes notably to tourism in Sarawak by drawing attention to its cultural and natural attractions, and it actively supports sustainable tourism practices. By showcasing indigenous music and crafts, it plays a role in cultural preservation and eco-tourism.
Ticketing information and early bird deals are available on the official site, rwmf.net, and the event’s proximity to multiple lodging options further enhances its accessibility for attendees.
