Information added on Rainforest world music festival 2024 – Lineup, Tickets, new promo video and more 🙂 Read on if you are gonna be a part of this epic music festival this year from 28-30th June 2024.
So even though I visited RWMF in 2017, I have updated my post with relevant information for 2024.
Guide to Booking a Last Minute Trip to Kuching for RWMF
Are you on a short trip to Kuching just for the festival or have just a few days left before you fly? Well, worry not, with this handpicked list of tours and hotels, you are covered. This will be your base city for Satang Island so be sure to book and plan now.
Must Try Kuching Tours
Bako National Park Tour – Absolute must visit, read my post about Bako here.
Semenggoh Orangutan Centre
Sarawak Cultural Village Tour
Top Hotels in Kuching
Hornbill’s Nest – Best budget stay with cozy rooms
Citadines Uplands Kuching – Superb fully serviced apartments. Read my full review here.
Merdeka Palace – Good location and fancy stay in heart of Kuching
As a first time attendee at the Rainforest world music festival 2017, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a cultural world music scene. However, the music, ambiance, vibrancy and the lively crowds totally sold me on the RWMF in Kuching . So much so that I wanted to share the awesomeness of this event with all my readers through my in-depth rainforest world music festival review.
This unique and interesting music festival brings indie musicians with their ‘rarely heard of’ indigenous instruments, from remote parts of Borneo and the world into the limelight. With performers from Cape Verde, Tahiti, Mongolia, Guinea, Spain, Hungary, China and more.. you can enjoy a world of cultural and musical experiences as well as interactive workshops, local cuisines and even souvenirs.
RWMF has been going on for 20 long years so they are obviously doing something right. With an attendance of over 20,000 music and festival lovers this year, it was bigger and better than ever before.
Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 Information
This year RWMF 2024 is taking place from 23-25th June so you better mark your calendars and book you flight to Sarawak. Click here for pre-sale and door sale RWMF ticket prices and full programme for 2024 – https://rwmf.net/our-programme/.
This years promo video is also pretty epic. The unique “Awakening of the rainforest” theme has given #RWMF2024 a bigger boost and I am confident the event will see bigger crowds this year.
Rainforest world music festival 2024 has an amazing line up of artists from across the globe – Grace nono, Oyme, Balkanopolis, Alberto Marin, Shanren and tons of more interesting acts. Click here for performers list for rainforest music festival 2024.
If you are on a crazy tight budget, just apply to become a rainforest world music festival here. Not only do you get free passes to RWMF 2024, but also free tshirts and meal allowance.
Its pretty apparent that I have not just one but seven reasons for you to visit this musical extravaganza so without further ado, here goes.
Why You Must Attend the Rainforest World Music Festival 2024
Rainforest Ambiance
Okay so this one is pretty self explanatory – the ambiance is seriously kick ass. Imagine this, a huge ground with water bodies, green paved paths – all leading to two full blown stages, which are surrounded by jungles!
Plus, it does rain in the rainforest and it did on two days during the festival. Everyone was ecstatic and dancing in the rain to the tunes of Sape, nose flutes and the likes. I have never seen a “cultural” festival to be so lively – I actually felt like I was at a rock concert.
By the way, where else in the world can you attend a music festival amidst mountains, rainforests and beach? I think there is no such place as Sarawak and the best location to host this event!
Traditional Music
Yes! The traditional lute of upriver folks who live in the longhouses, called Sape creates such a magical sound…and so do the 20 or so odd other traditional instruments which I have never seen, heard or even heard of in my life!
You can feel goosebumps on your skin when you hear the sounds these instruments (which mind you, you never even knew existed) create and the fervor with the crowd swaying to the tunes, all adds up. This is truly an unforgettable musical journey in the jungles of Borneo.
I was simply amazed by the performers and went gaga over the Cape Town band – Abavuk, Hanggai from Mongolia and Bitori from Cape Verde, among others. To be very honest, I prefer listening to bands I already like and enjoy but the festival opened my eyes to a new array of music altogether. In short, if you love music, you will love RWMF.
Wellness Workshops
A unique twist to the festival are the daily wellness workshops. You can enjoy a fun-filled ‘healthy’ festival with various interesting free programs like – Hatha Yoga, Vibrational meditation, Zumba, Silat moves. Budokon Yoga, Yin yoga or Homa therapy. Each having it’s own USP and health benefits. This could give you a good flavor of what each has to offer and you can pursue it later on as well, if you feel inclined to do so.
Learn to Play Indigenous Instruments or Sway to Them
Not only can you watch these artists perform on stage, but also get some pointers on how to play the nose flute and other indigenous instruments.
You can also up your dance moves by learning dances from different countries and of various styles. Want to learn how to dance like a gypsy? Check! How about learning the Welsh Clog Dance? Check!
RWMF has a jam packed schedule full of interactive learning workshops, jamming sessions, drum circles.. apart from the daily performances. What’s not to like?
Making Dying Traditions Trendy and Fun
I loved the whole concept and idea behind the rainforest world music festival which is to ensure our old musical traditions and cultures don’t die. For example how many people do you know who can play the Moon lute or the Mandolin vs how many play the guitar? You see how our traditional instruments can long be forgotten and there will be no one left to pass this knowledge if the current artists are not encouraged.
This festival provides that much needed platform for these indigenous artists from across the globe to showcase their talent. It was also very surprising to see how many youngsters were performing as well as following this event. It was just like any other fun music festival with funky attires, tattoo stalls, ample people watching opportunities and a lot of young crowd. Basically the youth are the future, so by making them believe that a playing a nose flute is just as cool as playing the drums, makes all the difference.
Local Cuisine to Tantalize your Taste Buds
With a wide array of traditional Sarawakian food as well as fast food stalls, there is no dearth of options for food lovers at the event. My favorite was the Budaya restaurant which served delicious lunch and dinner buffets for RM 65.
International Audience
Seeing that around 30% of the total attendees were international, goes to show on what scale this festival takes place. I even saw many expats and met people from other Asian countries as well as peninsular Malaysia. The crowd was simply amazing and totally beyond my expectations.
Video of walking around the Rainforest world music festival 2017
Official Promo video for RWMF2017
Practical Tips for RWMF goers
Well, I would say just like any other festival – be prepared. Carry your own lawn mats/chairs/inflatable bean bags if you wish or just stand/sit on the grass.
You are allowed to carry one small bottle of water but no other outside food/drinks or drugs – Yes, you will be thoroughly checked.
Since you are in a “rainforest” remember it can pour anytime. Carry your rain jacket and umbrellas and wear waterproof footwear or flip flops. You can also buy rain ponchos at venue. That being said, if you are at a rainforest music fest, you need to get drenched. So get ready to have some fun and dance in the rain to music you have probably never heard before – but are surely gonna love.
Booking info for RWMF
I am sure you are now convinced you need to make it for Rainforest World Music Festival 2024, right? I know I would love to go back. So for all bookings, event dates & updates, pre-ticket sales, lineup and all info, visit their official website – http://rwmf.net/ and 2024 program info is here – https://rwmf.net/our-programme/.
Where to Stay if you are attending RWMF
Well, since it’s a bit away from Kuching city, it is ideal to stay closest to location which would be in one of the three Damai resorts. However, they tend to fill up fast and get super busy during these dates. I would suggest getting an unlimited shuttle bus pass and staying in the city center as you can enjoy other attractions of Kuching (my favorite being Bako national park) too while you are at it.
Plus, there are so many lovely hotels in the city, including the one where I stayed – Merdeka Palace Hotels & Suites , which was simply wonderful. Loved the location as it was 5 mins walk from the waterfront and just opposite the popular Merdeka plaza mall. Don’t take my word for it though, here’s a pic of my cozy room with warm decor to help you make up your mind before you book.
Where to Stay in Kuching, Sarawak?
Kuching has all sorts of accommodation from private room rentals for long term or short stay options for tourists (which we will cover here).
Budget stays and Hostels in Kuching
Sunset homestay – Highly rated accommodation offering mixed dorms for travelers.
QuiikCat – Private rooms close to the waterfront, without breaking the bank.
Hero hostel – One of the best rated centrally located hostels in Kuching.
Hornbill’s Nest Kuching – At 5 bucks a night, dorms here are cozy clean and comfortable.
Mid-Range Hotels in Kuching
The Lime tree hotel – One of the top-rated properties in Kuching, with a rooftop lounge and a short walk from the waterfront.
Dorset Boutique hotel – Cozy rooms in the heart of Kuching city.
Luxury accommodation in Kuching
Hilton Kuching – Located in the bustling Kuching waterfront, Hilton is a class apart with its stunning pool and 6 in-house dining options.
Citadines Uplands Kuching – This was my choice of stay in Kuching so I can highly recommend these fully serviced apartments. Read my full review here.
Imperial suites Kuching – Fully serviced cozy apartment hotel in Kuching.
How to Reach RWMF
Since this is located at Sarawak cultural village in Damai beach, 40 mins from main Kuching city center, RWMF offers a 3 day unlimited shuttle pass for RM 80. You can also buy point to point one way tickets for RM 15 each.
I flew to Kuching with Malindo Air from Delhi and would recommend this airline if you are flying from any of their destinations. You get ample leg space, in-flight entertainment, meals and 30 kg baggage limit. Basically all perks of a full service airline at groundbreaking LCC rates.
Special Thanks to Asmaul from Tourism Malaysia and Suresh from Malindo Air for taking good care of us and spoiling us with amazing local cuisine and cruises!
Disclaimer – I was a guest of Sarawak & Malaysian tourism boards and Malindo Air flew me to experience the epic Rainforest world music festival 2017.
This alongside regular visits to Indian jungles in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger, fueled her zest for adventure, nature and wildlife.
Now she is a renowned travel blogger, outreach expert and has worked with over 500 travel brands in the last 15 years.
- A Pair of Rose Finches in Sikkim (Assam Lingzey) - September 7, 2024
- Crafting Your Private Luxury Villa Experience in Thailand - September 2, 2024
- How to Plan a Perfect Weekend Getaway Trip with Friends - August 29, 2024
Lovely article.
Happy you enjoyed the festival and may it lure you back to Sarawak sometime soon.
Oh I am definitely coming back to Sarawak 🙂 Where r u from Kevin?
Cant wait for this year’s RWMF, definitely will make my way there and join the hype!!! Thanks for the great post, Jo!
Its a lot of fun, you will love it, Danns.
Hey Jo…they just published “some” of the bands playing this year on the Rainforest World Music Festival site rwmf.net. I suspect that “more to be added”…but an interesting line-up. No tickets yet 🙁 they say they will be available in April.
I noticed, looks neat. Have fun at #rwmf2018
Hi Jerry – check now, its all up on their page with early bird prices ending 30th april.
It’ll be my first rwmf…despite being a local,i did not even know of its existence untill last year.. looking forward to it and thank for the tips buddy
Are u from Kuching? Yup u must check it out 🙂 have fun.
Nope.. im from JB… local as in Malaysian i mean
Great Pics Jo! This will be my first visit to Kuching & the fest. Plan to stay in city close to the waterfront as there’s the Fringe Fest at the same time. Visiting from Bangalore, India
Wow Satie. sounds fab. you will love it. Do let me know how it went. Whats fringe fest? Also check out the Monkey bar while you are in Kuching and other fun things – https://www.wanderwithjo.com/things-to-do-in-kuching/
just purchased tickets. I found out about it in 2016 when i was living in cambodia. now I live in hanoi. if anyone wants to meet up, my whatsapp is +420773461916 -Brett
Have a blast Brett
All geared up for RWMF 2018….looking forward to thia new experience… Thanks Jo for the tips
Waiting for your views/review of RWMF 2018
Here’s the Google drive link to the schedule for the festival
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vPm76Wt0CtN0kVR4-m-93vtHyq9lE0q5/view?usp=drivesdk
Enjoy! Hope to see you all there!
Thanks for sharing the RWMF 2018 schedule – super useful.
Hi I have sent you a mail. Please check and respond ? thanks
Already did babe. how was rwmf?
One day pass or 3 days pass for newbie to rwmf? It is different day, different activity? Thank you so much if can reply.
Hi Sy, Just like every other festival, the lineup each day is different. So its totally your call 🙂 if you are short on time or just need a flavor of RWMF 2019, then try a day pass.