2017 Rainforest World Music Festival

To be honest, I never ever like to attend any events or festivals lately cause I dislike surrounded by large crowds. Not until one of my BFF suggested to have our first ever girl trip by attending the Rainforest World Musical Festival which held in Kuching, Sarawak - it's hard for me to say "No" when it comes to trip with my beloved friends. 

#RWMF2017

The Rainforest World Music Festival is a three-day internationally renowned world music festival held annually by the Sarawak Tourism Board. This event is takes place at the Sarawak Cultural Village, situated at the foothills of the legendary Mount Santubong. This festival has been running for exactly 20 years and I can't believe this is my first time attending one of Sarawak's biggest event when I, myself have been to Kuching like for almost hundred times (I'm both Sabahan and Sarawakian by the way).

#2: Kuching International Airport

WHERE TO BUY THE TICKETS
If possible, don't attempt to buy your ticket last minute at the gate on the actual day cause it would be slightly higher than the pre-sale. Try to buy your entrance ticket from here.

#3: Entrance tickets

HOW TO GET THERE

For your information, Sarawak Cultural Village is located 35km away from the city center of Kuching, which takes about 45 to 50 minutes drive away. Don't worry about the transportation in case you don't drive cause just like last year, the Sarawak Tourism Board is providing free shuttle ride to the festival ticket holders. Cool right? The shuttle pick-up points are Hills Shopping Mall, Riverside Majestic Hotel, Harbour View Hotel and Merdeka Palace Hotel with the first pick-up starts at 9.30am. Be sure to book your accommodation nearby these pick-up points. 

#4: Sarawak Cultural Village main entrance

BE EARLY AS POSSIBLE

Although the world music performances would only begin to perform on the main stage in the evening, but there are plenty of awesome activities for the visitors to enjoy and entertain during the daytime such as the interactive music workshops, cultural and craft displays, mini performance and more. Sounds interesting, right?  

#5: Challenge yourself by crossing the traditional bamboo bridge

One of our favourite sessions is the Sape lessons. Sape, a boat lute shape is a traditional music instrument used by the tribal groups of Sarawak like Kenyah, Kayan, Kelabit, Penan and other ethnic tribes of Orang Ulu community. Sape is believed to be a sacred instrument used to cure the sick people and played for peace and harmony ceremony.

#6: My friends and I are enjoying the Sape lessons.

Another reason why you should come early in case this is your first visit to Kuching, Sarawak is because the venue itself. As mentioned earlier, the event happens in Sarawak Cultural Village and you could take this opportunity to visit and experience various traditional houses in the village. It likes killing two birds with one stone. Immerse yourself into the traditional cultural and heritages of Sarawak in this unique award-winning "Living Museum" and don't forget to leave your footprints in the ethnic longhouses.  

#7: Rumah Orang Ulu


#8: After more than 10 years, I'm back again to Sarawak Cultural Village for the second time.


#9: Traditional costume in one of the longhouses.

Be sure to check out the timetables for the workshops and mini performances which will be held throughout the three days event. Or else, it would be such a waste if you are coming mainly just for the main-stage evening concerts only. 

#10: Theater stage performance by Myanmar


#11: Visitors are even invited to join and dance along.


#12: Are you ready for the main-stage performances?

Alright before I proceed, there are few things I would like to share here which based on my own first hand experience.

1. Wear comfortable attire and shoe. As we all know (confirm know lah), Malaysia is always hot and humid. Hence, wear something that is light and bring along face towel to lap lap (wipe) your sweat especially. And to all the ladies especially who intend posing for Instagram, it is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoe cause the pathways within the ground are uneven. Don't wear high heels for the sake of posing, please! 
2. Bring along umbrella or even disposable raincoats in case of raining. We're being so smart to buy before going for this event cause out of sudden, the sky decided to have a sudden outburst. So luckily leh.
3. Prepare mosquito repellent and mat/blanket. Why? Cause it held in rainforest and you can't avoid all those annoying mosquito while enjoying the performances live. It's better to prevent the risk of getting dengue fever than cure, right? As the music festival is performs in the open space with no proper seats, hence it is advisable to bring along mat or blanket to avoid your butt from getting wet or dirty. 
4. Last but not least, enjoy and experiences the performances by various of creative and unique music artists from all over the world surrounded with the beautiful natural sound of the rainforest. 

#13: Kicked off live by At Adau - a local traditional music band and proud to say, this is our favourite one. 

#14: Second performance before it starts to raining cats and dogs.

The Rainforest World Music Festival, a not-to-be-missed occasion, guarantees a smashing time in the heart of the Borneo Jungle.

As for this year, it would held on 13 to 15 July 2018. So what are you waiting for? Hurry up book your ticket from Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia or even Malindo Air.

#RWMF2018 - You can even purchase your ticket here.

Planning to go Kuching and thinking what to eat there? Here are my full post on Food Must Have When Visit Kuching (click here).