The Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 is set to take place from June 26 to 28, 2026, bringing its signature mix of global music and cultural exchange back to the Sarawak Cultural Village. Located at the base of Mount Santubong, the venue once again provides a striking natural setting for what has become one of the region’s most recognized music festivals. The event was recently ranked among the top festivals worldwide by the Transglobal World Music Chart.
Tickets went on sale on March 13, 2026, with early bird rates available for a limited period. One-day passes are priced at RM235, while three-day passes are available at RM635. Purchases can be made through the festival’s official site and Ticketmelon, with installment options offered via platforms such as Atome, Grab PayLater, and Shopee PayLater.
Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, described the festival as more than a performance series, pointing to its role in bringing together different musical traditions and cultural perspectives in a shared space.
This year’s headline acts reflect a wide range of influences. Dato’ M. Nasir opens the festival on June 26. With a career spanning more than four decades, he is known for combining traditional Malay elements with contemporary arrangements, alongside lyrics that often explore philosophical themes.
On June 27, The Commodores featuring Thomas McClary are scheduled to perform. The group remains closely associated with classic funk and soul, with songs such as “Easy,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Brick House” continuing to draw audiences across generations.
The closing night on June 28 will feature Incognito, led by Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick. The band is recognised for its groove-driven sound that blends soul, jazz, and funk, with well-known tracks including “Always There” and “Still a Friend of Mine.”
More artists are expected to be added to the program, with over 200 performers from 12 countries set to take part across the three days.
While the evening concerts remain the main draw, much of the festival’s character comes through during the day. Across the grounds, more than 50 workshops and smaller sessions take place, where musicians share the background of their instruments, demonstrate techniques, and often collaborate in more informal settings.
A new addition this year is a gastronomy showcase centered on the BIMP-EAGA region, bringing together culinary traditions from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The program introduces a food element that reflects the cultural links between these neighboring regions, offering visitors a broader experience beyond the music.
Environmental efforts also continue to play a role in the festival. Programmes such as Green Ruai, Green Warriors, and the EcoGreen Planet initiative support conservation work, including tree planting in areas like Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary, Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, and Piasau Nature Reserve. Since 2023, more than 6,000 trees have been planted, with the target of 10,000 expected to be reached ahead of schedule.
The festival also continues to highlight Sarawak as a destination for cultural and nature-based travel, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond.
If you’re curious about what it’s like to attend, I’ve shared my experience from last year’s festival HERE.
With its mix of international performers, cultural programming, and ongoing sustainability efforts, the Rainforest World Music Festival continues to draw both returning visitors and first-time attendees to Sarawak each year.
For more information, visit the official Rainforest World Music Festival website HERE.
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