Let the countdown begin! The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) returns to the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching from June 20 to 22, 2025, marking its 28th edition with the theme “Connections: One Earth, One Love“. This year’s festival continues its mission to celebrate cultural diversity through music while expanding its focus on environmental sustainability.
A Global Soundtrack in the Heart of Borneo
RWMF 2025 is preparing for an even bigger turnout after drawing an impressive 26,000 attendees last year. The spotlight this year will be shining on a diverse mix of global and local talent.
Leading this year’s lineup is The Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, performing the classic hits of the legendary band. Al McKay, a Grammy-winning guitarist and former Earth, Wind & Fire musical director, brings a live ensemble of top Los Angeles session musicians to perform tracks such as September, Boogie Wonderland, and Let’s Groove. If you’re a fan of funky, feel-good vibes, this one’s for you.
The lineup also includes Otyken, an Indigenous group from Siberia. Known for their use of traditional instruments and throat singing, their performance integrates languages such as Khakass, Chulyms, and Dolgans, featuring music inspired by the environment and ancestral traditions.
Sarawak’s own At Adau will make a much-anticipated return to the RWMF stage as one of this year’s headliners. The group blends traditional instruments such as the Sape with Bornean rhythms from the Bidayuh, Iban, and Orang Ulu communities. Their presence underscores RWMF’s commitment to highlighting Sarawakian talent on an international platform.
More Than Music: An Immersive Festival Experience
Beyond the concerts, RWMF 2025 will be offering a full-on cultural immersion. Explore fringe events, hands-on workshops, and, for the first time ever, festival goers will be able to jump into jam sessions at the new open stage. Whether you’re a musician or just feeling the beat, everyone will be welcome to join in. This year the festival will open its gates at 10:00 AM daily, allowing earlier access to performances and fringe activities.
A Festival with a Purpose
Rainforest World Music Festival isn’t just about the music, it’s also about giving back. Under its 2025 theme, RWMF continues to integrate sustainability across all levels of the event:
– A goal to plant 10,000 trees by 2027 as part of a long-term carbon offset program
– Installation of Eco-Stations to encourage recycling and proper waste management
– Elimination of single-use plastics, replaced with biodegradable alternatives
– Provision of free water refill stations
– Shuttle bus service to minimize traffic and emissions
– An expanded Green Ruai space featuring interactive environmental education and personal carbon footprint calculators
Getting to RWMF 2025 Just Got Easier
In partnership with the Sarawak Tourism Board, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly have resumed their roles as the festival’s official airline partners. Festival-goers can access special promotional fares to Kuching by using the promo codes MHRWMF25 (Malaysia Airlines) and FYRWMF25 (Firefly) on selected flights.
Shuttle Service Convenience
When choosing your accommodation, be sure to check where the nearest shuttle pick up and drop off locations are. Shuttle prices are just RM8 each way (RM4 for kids). Your hotel or guest house may also offer festival transportation options, so don’t be shy to ask.
Ready to Join the Celebration?
If you love jungle rhythms, cultural deep-dives, and music under the stars, this festival is for you! Trust me, you’ll have a blast. For tickets go to www.rwmf.net or www.sarawaktourism.com
*All images are the property of RWMF/ Sarawak Tourism Board
See you at Rainforest World Music Festival 2025!
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