Rainforest World Music Festival 2025

Visiting Malaysia in June? If you haven’t planned yet, you should attend the RWMF, which will be held from June 20-22, 2025. If you’re new to the Rainforest World Music Festival, don’t worry because we’re outlining everything for you. So, before you get pulled into another itinerary, clear your day because you’ll be attending the RWMF 2025.

What Is The Rainforest World Music Festival?

The RWMF is precisely what it sounds like; every year, thousands of visitors gather in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, to unite over their mutual love of music, arts, and culture. The RWMF spans three days, is held annually at the Sarawak Cultural Village, and features activities such as music concerts, workshops, cultural displays, art exhibitions, and food stalls.

How Much Does It Cost?

The RWMF hosts are encouraging tourists to apply as early as possible, with reasonable ticket pricing. A single-day pass costs RM283 (approximately USD66) for adults and RM80 (around USD18) for children aged 3 to 12. If you plan to stay longer, a three-day pass costs RM 765 (approximately USD 180) for adults. Kids under 3 can enter for free, making it a great option for families traveling with young children.

How Do You Get There?

All you need to do is take a direct flight to Kuching, and you’ll get there. If you prefer, you can also opt for alternative routes, although they’ll take longer. Another benefit of flying there is a potential up to 20% discount on flights to Sarawak, available through Malaysia Airlines and Firefly’s partnership. Just use the promo code MHRWMF25 when booking through Malaysian Airlines and use FYRWMF25 when booking through Firefly to unlock the offer.

Theme For The Rainforest World Music Festival 2025

The name RWMF pretty much gives away the surprise, but there’s still more to explore when it comes to the festival themes. Each year, the festival adopts a new theme, with this year’s being “Connections: One Earth, One Love”. We’re taking a deeper look into this so you don’t have to:

Music

Naturally, the heart of the RWMF is the music, but not just any music. What makes RWMF truly special is its diverse lineup of indigenous, traditional, and contemporary world music performers from around the globe. You’ll hear everything from ancient tribal rhythms to modern fusion sounds, all set against the lush backdrop of the Borneo rainforest. It’s intense, energetic, and one-of-a-kind, so bring your dancing shoes (and maybe some ear muffs for the front row).

Art

The arts and crafts market at the RWMF is as global as the music. Artisans from Malaysia and beyond, including Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and other parts of the world, come together to showcase their ethical, handcrafted creations. From traditional crafts and indigenous artworks to modern digital installations, there’s something to catch every eye. Many artists host hands-on workshops where you can learn techniques like bead-making, woodcarving, and painting.

Culture

While the RWMF proudly celebrates Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and traditional roots, its main highlight is bringing together people, cultures, and communities from around the world through the shared language of music and storytelling.

We don’t just mean watching locals come together, but also indigenous tribes who make Malaysia’s charm come to life tenfold. The RWMF features a range of activities, including storytelling, fiery and exciting rituals, enigmatic dances, and musical performances by people of diverse ethnicities, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich diversity of life and culture. It’s also an excellent way for youngsters to connect to older generations, bridging the gaps that might have formed along the way.

Nature

Sustainability has always been at the heart of the RWMF, and that commitment continues to grow each year. One standout feature is the Green Ruai, first introduced in 2024, which has now expanded into a larger interactive space showcasing eco-friendly innovations and sustainable practices. Set against the lush backdrop of Sarawak’s rainforest, the festival encourages visitors not only to enjoy nature but also to protect it. A portion of every ticket sold goes toward RWMF’s tree planting initiative, with a goal of planting 10,000 trees by 2027.

Community

At its core, the RWMF is about bringing communities together. It’s where different cultures meet, connect, and celebrate side by side. While you’ll get to experience Sarawak’s own ethnicities and traditions, you’ll also find yourself surrounded by people from all over the world. From music lovers to cultural explorers, the crowd is as diverse as the performances. It’s a place where rhythms, stories, and shared experiences unite everyone, regardless of their origin.

Who’s Headlining?

Let’s talk about the most exciting prospect: who’s going to headline the RWMF? The list is long, but here are some notable mentions, including both local and international performers.

Local Highlights

At Adau, Sarawak, Malaysia

Among the standout headliners is At Adau, a pioneering Sarawakian world music band known for blending traditional sape and Orang Ulu percussion with modern instruments. Their sound reimagines Dayak and Orang Ulu music in a fresh, global way, staying rooted in tradition while reaching new audiences. If you’re looking to experience Sarawak’s musical heritage with a modern twist, you should not miss this one.

Meruked

Meruked is a six-member band from Kuching known for their atmospheric instrumentals and emotional depth. Their track Kining Posah explores personal growth and resilience, offering a sound that’s emotional and deeply rooted in Sarawak’s identity.

Buloh Berkocak

Buloh Berkocak is a Sarawak-based group known for its energetic performances and strong cultural roots. Formed by Narawi Rashidi, their famous song “Moon” gives you a real feel for the sound of the region, which is bold, rhythmic, and showcases cultural heritage.

Buddha Beat ft. Sinaran Collective

Buddha Beat is a genre-fusing music project by Cole Yew, combining Chinese bamboo flute with electronica, trip-hop, and psychedelic rock. Their track Maha Kaya is a calm yet harmonious piece that draws you in slowly.

International Highlights

The Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay

Get ready for a serious throwback, one of the headline acts this year is Al McKay’s Earth, Wind & Fire Experience. Led by the original Earth, Wind & Fire guitarist himself, the band brings the same high-energy funk, soul, and R&B grooves that defined a generation. With authentic performances of the group’s most iconic hits, it’s a must-see for longtime fans and anyone who appreciates timeless, feel-good music.

Otyken, Siberia, Russia

A Russian Siberian Indigenous music group, Otyken, is one of the top trending bands in the world, and this year, it’s taking centre stage at the RWMF. The ten members use traditional instruments like morinhur/horsehead fiddle, vargan, and khomys to create an exciting blend of music like never before.

Kulāiwi (USA)

Yet another U.S. group, Kulaiwi, is a Hawaiian trio that links musical harmony with traditional values and ancestral hues, offering a glimpse into their culture and tradition. This is a must-see performance, and you are going to love it absolutely.

La Chiva Gantiva (Chile/Belgium)

Originating in Brussels and expanding its reach to Sarawak, La Chiva Gantiva draws its roots from Colombia, Belgium, Chile, and Vietnam, creating some of the most sensational and exhilarating music the world has to offer.

N’famady Kouyaté (Guinea/Wales)

Sharing indie, jazz, and funk influences and adding them into a West African mix, N’famady Kouyaté is one music group you’ll be begging to hear over and over again. Just wait for their exciting and soulful headliner.

How Sustainable Is It?

The RWMF takes place in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, and sustainability is central to its operation. The Green Ruai initiative, first introduced in 2024, now collaborates closely with local NGOs to host interactive workshops that focus on eco-friendly practices and cultural education. The festival has a strict zero-single-use plastic policy and promotes sustainable procurement practices across all vendors. Visitors will also find carbon footprint calculation stations on-site, helping them understand and reduce their environmental impact. A portion of the ticket proceeds supports an ongoing tree-planting initiative, with a goal of planting 10,000 trees by 2027. So when you attend, you’re directly contributing to long-term environmental efforts on the ground.