Rainforest World Music Festival

The Rainforest World Music Festival is an annual three-day event held at the Sarawak Cultural Village near Kuching, Malaysia. It brings together musicians from around the globe for workshops, cultural displays, craft markets, and evening concerts, all set against the lush backdrop of Mount Santubong.

• Held at Sarawak Cultural Village near Kuching, Malaysia
• Features 18–20 bands from Malaysia and around the world each year
• Daytime music workshops inside traditional houses
• Evening concerts on open-air stages against Mount Santubong
• Awarded among the top 25 international festivals by Songlines magazine

What it is

The Rainforest World Music Festival is a gathering that celebrates the diversity and richness of world music. Each year, musicians from Sarawak, across Malaysia, and countries near and far come together to share traditional, fusion, and contemporary sounds. The festival is known for its focus on traditional acoustic instruments, though modern elements are often woven in. Visitors experience not only performances but also a vibrant atmosphere of cultural exchange, with opportunities to meet artists and learn about the stories behind their music. The relaxed setting and interactive workshops make it a unique event for music lovers and curious travellers alike.

Where it comes from

The festival began in 1998, inspired by a collaboration between Canadian musicologist Randy Raine-Reusch and the Sarawak Tourism Board. Their shared passion for Sarawak’s indigenous music, especially the sape, led to the idea of a world music festival. After a successful showcase of Sarawak musicians at the World Music Expo in France, plans for the festival took shape with support from local cultural groups and the Tourism Board. What started with a small audience has grown into an internationally recognised event, drawing thousands each year and earning awards for its contribution to culture and tourism.

How it is celebrated

The festival unfolds over three days at the Sarawak Cultural Village, nestled at the foot of Mount Santubong. Afternoons are filled with music workshops held inside traditional houses, where artists and audiences sit together, sharing songs, stories, and demonstrations of unique instruments. These sessions are informal and encourage conversation, making it easy to learn directly from the performers. As evening falls, the main stages come alive with concerts featuring a mix of traditional and contemporary acts from Malaysia and around the world. Throughout the grounds, food stalls offer a taste of local and regional Malaysian cuisine, alongside craft displays and cultural exhibitions. The atmosphere is open and welcoming, with artists mingling freely among festival-goers.

Joining in

To experience the Rainforest World Music Festival, head to the Sarawak Cultural Village, about 35 km north of Kuching. The main celebrations take place across the village’s open-air stages and traditional houses, with a relaxed schedule that lets visitors move freely between workshops and concerts. Expect a friendly crowd, easy access to performers, and plenty of opportunities to try local food and crafts. Security is present but unobtrusive, and the festival is well organised for both newcomers and returning fans.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Rainforest World Music Festival, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Rainforest World Music Festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
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• Wikidata recordOpen data

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