London, May 2025: Tourism Malaysia is excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), taking place on 20th – 22nd June 2025, at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching - the capital city of Sarawak, located on the lush, biodiverse island of Borneo. Nestled between rainforest-clad mountains and the South China Sea, Kuching offers a vibrant cultural backdrop for this iconic celebration of global music and heritage.
Now in its 28th edition, the festival continues to unite world music lovers, performers, and global travellers in the heart of Borneo’s stunning rainforest—an immersive celebration of sound, culture, and connection, with sustainability at its core.
Under the theme "Connections: One Earth, One Love," the festival aims to unite cultures through the universal language of music. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Mount Santubong - a lush, jungle-clad peak near the South China Sea - the Rainforest World Music Festival offers a truly atmospheric backdrop for its celebration of sound. This year’s festival will feature over 180 performers from 20 countries, showcasing a diverse array of musical genres and traditions.
Global Acts, Local Talent, and Sustainable Tourism:
In keeping with its legacy of cultural celebration, the 2025 RWMF will showcase an impressive range of performances, including both international acts and homegrown talent.
In keeping with its legacy of cultural celebration, the 2025 RWMF will showcase an impressive range of performances, including both international acts and homegrown talent.
Notable acts include:
- Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay (USA): A tribute to the legendary funk and soul band, led by seven-time Grammy Award winner Al McKay.
- Otyken (Russia/Siberia): An Indigenous Siberian band known for their throat singing and traditional instruments like the khomys, vargan, and morinhur.
- At Adau (Malaysia): A Sarawakian group blending traditional Bornean sounds with contemporary energy.
- Kuntaw Mindanao (Philippines): A Filipino ensemble known for their vibrant performances.
- La Chiva Gantiva (Colombia/Belgium): A band fusing Afro-Colombian rhythms with rock and funk.
- Seppuku Pistols (Japan): A Japanese punk band bringing high-energy performances.
- Sinaran Collective (Malaysia): A Malaysian group known for their fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds.
- Buddha Beat (Malaysia): A Malaysian band blending reggae and traditional elements.
In addition to evening concerts, the festival offers daytime music workshops, cultural displays, and food stalls, providing attendees with a comprehensive cultural experience.
Staying true to its roots as one of Asia’s most environmentally-conscious festivals, RWMF 2025 continues to weave sustainability into the heart of its programming. From waste management and ethical sourcing to climate education and community partnerships, every element is designed with purpose. At the centre of this commitment lies The Green Ruai — an immersive sustainability hub where festival-goers can engage in hands-on workshops, explore thought- provoking exhibits,and calculate their personal carbon footprints. More than just an eco-zone, The Green Ruai is a place of learning, reflection, and reconnection — where indigenous wisdom meets environmental innovation.
Sarawak – A Cultural and Ecotourism Paradise
Sarawak is renowned for its captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity. Known for its lush rainforests, limestone caves, and unique biodiversity, the state offers visitors a chance to experience its pristine landscapes through activities like trekking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. Beyond nature, Sarawak’s rich heritage is woven into every facet of its culture, showcased in its indigenous traditions, dances, and cuisine.
Sarawak is renowned for its captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity. Known for its lush rainforests, limestone caves, and unique biodiversity, the state offers visitors a chance to experience its pristine landscapes through activities like trekking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. Beyond nature, Sarawak’s rich heritage is woven into every facet of its culture, showcased in its indigenous traditions, dances, and cuisine.
Mr. Sulaiman Suip, Director of Tourism Malaysia London, shared the importance of RWMF for Sarawak and Malaysia: “The Rainforest World Music Festival is an incredible platform to showcase not only the cultural richness of Sarawak but also the spirit of inclusivity and diversity that defines Malaysia. The festival brings together musicians from all corners of the globe while celebrating local talent, allowing the world to discover Sarawak’s rich heritage. Through this event, we continue to promote Sarawak as a must-visit destination and encourage sustainable tourism that benefits both the local community and visitors alike. Importantly, it also serves as a celebration of all that Malaysia has to offer, inspiring greater awareness and visitation in the pivotal lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026.”
With last year's edition attracting a record 26,000 festival-goers, the aim is to surpass that number in 2025, solidifying RWMF's reputation as a premier cultural event in Southeast Asia.
Tickets:
Tickets are now available, with prices starting from RM283 (approximately £50 for a one-day pass and RM765 (approximately £137) for a three-day pass. Children's tickets (ages 3-12) are available at RM80 (approximately £14), and entry is free for those under three. To book: https://rwmf.net/
Tickets are now available, with prices starting from RM283 (approximately £50 for a one-day pass and RM765 (approximately £137) for a three-day pass. Children's tickets (ages 3-12) are available at RM80 (approximately £14), and entry is free for those under three. To book: https://rwmf.net/
Where to Stay:
Sarawak offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all preferences and budgets—from eco-friendly rainforest lodges and boutique heritage hotels to luxury beachfront resorts. Travellers can also opt for one of the many homestays available in indigenous villages across the region, offering a unique opportunity to experience local traditions, cuisine, and daily life. These community-run stays play an important role in promoting eco-tourism and supporting sustainable livelihoods. Whether staying in the heart of Kuching or within a tranquil rural setting, visitors are warmly welcomed with genuine Malaysian hospitality and a chance to connect deeply with Sarawak’s rich cultural landscape.
Sarawak offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all preferences and budgets—from eco-friendly rainforest lodges and boutique heritage hotels to luxury beachfront resorts. Travellers can also opt for one of the many homestays available in indigenous villages across the region, offering a unique opportunity to experience local traditions, cuisine, and daily life. These community-run stays play an important role in promoting eco-tourism and supporting sustainable livelihoods. Whether staying in the heart of Kuching or within a tranquil rural setting, visitors are warmly welcomed with genuine Malaysian hospitality and a chance to connect deeply with Sarawak’s rich cultural landscape.
Book Now:
Cove 55 is a luxurious private boutique hotel at the foot of Mount Santubong. Located half an hour from the park-filled city of Kuching – the location of the RWMF - this luxurious boutique retreat features lush gardens, pristine white exteriors and a 30-metre infinity swimming pool suspended directly above the South China Sea. Surrounded by jungle and the endlessly shimmering ocean, this perfectly manicured hideaway is the perfect place to retreat after enjoying the musical festivities. Luxury Escapes is offering a 7-night package at Cove 55 for £2,775 including return flights with Malaysia Airlines into Kuching Airport, Via Kuala Lumpur. Price includes accommodation in a Garden Room based on 2 adults sharing a room, on a Half Board basis. To book: www.luxuryescapes.com. For more information: https://cove55.com/
Cove 55 is a luxurious private boutique hotel at the foot of Mount Santubong. Located half an hour from the park-filled city of Kuching – the location of the RWMF - this luxurious boutique retreat features lush gardens, pristine white exteriors and a 30-metre infinity swimming pool suspended directly above the South China Sea. Surrounded by jungle and the endlessly shimmering ocean, this perfectly manicured hideaway is the perfect place to retreat after enjoying the musical festivities. Luxury Escapes is offering a 7-night package at Cove 55 for £2,775 including return flights with Malaysia Airlines into Kuching Airport, Via Kuala Lumpur. Price includes accommodation in a Garden Room based on 2 adults sharing a room, on a Half Board basis. To book: www.luxuryescapes.com. For more information: https://cove55.com/
Getting There:
Getting to Kuching is easier than ever, with official airline partners Malaysia Airlines and Firefly offering up to 20% off flights to Sarawak. Use promo code MHRWMF25 (Malaysia Airlines) or FYRWMF25 (Firefly). Book until 22nd June 2025, for travel period: 14th – 29th June 2025.
Getting to Kuching is easier than ever, with official airline partners Malaysia Airlines and Firefly offering up to 20% off flights to Sarawak. Use promo code MHRWMF25 (Malaysia Airlines) or FYRWMF25 (Firefly). Book until 22nd June 2025, for travel period: 14th – 29th June 2025.
To secure your tickets and learn more about the Rainforest World Music Festival, visit: https://rwmf.net/
For more information on travelling to Malaysia, please visit: www.malaysia.travel
For more information on Tourism Malaysia, please visit: www.tourism.gov.my
For more information on Sarawak, please visit: www.sarawaktourism.com
Image Credits: Sarawak Tourism Board
For more information on travelling to Malaysia, please visit: www.malaysia.travel
For more information on Tourism Malaysia, please visit: www.tourism.gov.my
For more information on Sarawak, please visit: www.sarawaktourism.com
Image Credits: Sarawak Tourism Board
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About Tourism Malaysia: Tourism Malaysia, officially known as the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, operates as an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. Tasked with the comprehensive promotion of Malaysia as a prime tourism destination, Tourism Malaysia has established itself as a prominent entity within the global tourism landscape. Its efforts have borne fruit, with Malaysia attracting a significant influx of tourists, registering an impressive 26.1 million arrivals in 2019 alone. This places Malaysia firmly among the ranks of the world's leading tourism destinations.
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For more media information visit: https://www.tourism.gov.my
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C/O ATW Travel Marketing
Jess Hopton - PR Director
Email: jess@atwtravelmarketing.com
For high-resolution photography and additional information, please visit our press centre or contact us:
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