Sarawak's Rainforest World Music Festival Is Back This June! Here's What To Expect
Book your leave. Call your kaki. This jungle fest is happening from 20 to 22 June.
Cover image via Rainforest World Music FestivalThe Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is back this June, and it's bringing all the noise, rhythm, and rainforest magic with it
Held at the Sarawak Cultural Village under the majestic gaze of Mount Santubong, this three-day celebration of music, culture, and rhythmic chaos returns from 20 to 22 June — and it's shaping up to be one of the most epic weekends on the Malaysian festival calendar.
Now in its 28th edition, the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is still going strong. What began in 1998 as a humble world music gathering has grown into one of Asia's most iconic festivals, and it's evolved with the times, too.
There were virtual and hybrid editions in recent years, but in 2025, it's back to its roots: live, loud, and deep in the heart of the rainforest.
You'll be dancing to 20 international acts, including Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay
This year's lineup is stacked with 20 music groups from all over the globe, bringing together over 200 performers. Expect everything from Afrobeat to bamboo flutes to sounds you've literally never heard before.
And yes — Al McKay's Earth, Wind & Fire Experience is headlining. From September to Let's Groove, this is the kind of throwback that'll have your mum, your bestie, and the random auntie next to you all vibing together.
Also on the must-watch list: Otyken, a genre-bending group from Siberia that fuses indigenous throat singing with electronic folk. Sounds niche — until you hear it and go, "Woi, this bangs".
Image via Rainforest World Music Festival 2025
Image via Rainforest World Music Festival 2025
Image via Rainforest World Music Festival 2025
Image via Rainforest World Music Festival 2025
Here's a look at the lineup for all three days:
It's not just about the music; there'll be workshops, food, culture, and crafts galore
One of RWMF's underrated gems is the daytime workshops. You might learn to play the sape, jam with a group from Madagascar, or join a dance circle in a bamboo longhouse.
There's also a cultural bazaar filled with handwoven crafts, beads, soaps, and of course, Sarawak street food — ayam pansuh, umai, and things you didn't know you could grill on a stick.
Image via Rainforest World Music Festival
Image via Rainforest World Music Festival
Image via Rainforest World Music Festival
You can get day passes or go full festival mode with a three-day ticket
Image via Rainforest World Music Festival 2025
Image via Rainforest World Music Festival 2025
RWMF offers:
- 1-day passes: Perfect if you just wanna catch a specific headliner
- 3-day passes: Best value if you're planning to go all out
Grab yours now via Ticket2U and book your stay. There are shuttle services to and from Kuching city to make your trip easier. Check rwmf.net or their official Instagram for more info.
