Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival 2023


Malaysians are blessed with an abundance of cultural heritage, including our music and performance arts. A much-anticipated festival that music lovers look forward to is the Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival, which is set to make its physical return in 2023. 

World music afficionados can start arranging travel plans to attend this three-day music festival, which takes place from 23rd-25th June. It’ll be held at Sarawak Cultural Village, a 17-acre site near Damai Beach, with a whopping total of 199 musicians set to take the stage.


199 musicians from 12 countries


Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival - concert
Image credit:
Rainforest World Music Festival via Facebook 

With its physical comeback this year, the Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) will be headlined by Grammy Award winners, Gipsy Kings, featuring Tonino Baliardo from France. The festival will also highlight music from a range of genres, including traditional, world fusion, and contemporary world.

Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival - Gypsy
Image credit:
@gipsykingsofficial via Instagram

This year’s theme, REFLECTIONS, is an ode to RWMF’s founding back in 1998, when only 300 spectators joined the event. Fast forward to 2023, and the music festival is widely known as an iconic festival that gathers music lovers to enjoy cultural displays and music workshops during the day and main-stage concerts in the evening.

Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival - line up
Image credit:
Rainforest World Music Festival via Facebook 

This year, a total of 199 musicians from 12 different countries will take the stage, including Chatusram from India, Fasylive from the Maldives, and Safi Theatre from Tanzania. Look forward to a line-up of local talents too, including Zee Avi and At Adau, as well as Malaysia-based drummer, Steve Thornton.

Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival - craft displays
Image credit:
Rainforest World Music Festival via Facebook 

Besides enjoying music at the main stage, you can take part in music workshops, and shop for crafts and food at stalls at the festival.


Tickets are now on sale, starting from RM260


Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival - tickets
Image credit:
Rainforest World Music Festival via Facebook 

Tickets for Rainforest World Music Festival 2023 is now on sale, and can be purchased online at the festival’s official ticketing partner, Klook, here. Depending on how many nights you want to jam out to good music, you can opt for a one- or three-day pass.

Prices for tickets are as below: 

  • RM260/pax for 1-Day pass on Friday or Sunday
  • RM290/pax for 1-Day pass on Saturday
  • RM520/pax for 2-Day pass for Friday and Saturday or Friday and Sunday
  • RM650/pax for 3-Day pass
  • RM80/child for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday

Jam to music at the Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival 2023


Sarawak is a state rich with cultural heritage, and its annual Rainforest World Music Festival is something that many look forward to in its capital of Kuching. So, if you’re planning to let loose and enjoy some good live music, snag a ticket to this iconic festival celebrating musical acts and local culture. 

Venue: Sarawak Cultural Village, Pantai Damai Santubong, Kampung Budaya Sarawak, 93752 Kuching, Sarawak
Date: 23rd-25th June 2023
Admission: From RM260. Purchase tickets here


Cover image adapted from: Rainforest World Music Festival via Facebook, Rainforest World Music Festival via Facebook 

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