Borneo Beats: The 2025 Rainforest World Music Festival & Sarawak's Cultural Calendar
The call of the wild is about to be harmonized with global rhythms as the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) returns to the enchanting Sarawak Cultural Village from June 20 to 22, 2025. More than just a 3-day concert, RWMF is one of Southeast Asia's most spectacular and immersive cultural experiences, drawing visitors into the heart of Borneo's natural beauty beneath the imposing Mount Santubong.
Under the theme “Connections: One Earth, One Love,” the 28th edition of the RWMF is poised to deliver a diverse and star-studded lineup. Headliners will include the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, Siberian Indigenous group Otyken, and Sarawak's very own homegrown heroes, At Adau, known for fusing the traditional Sape (boat lute) with modern beats. Beyond the main stage performances, the daytime is filled with interactive workshops, cross-cultural jam sessions, and demonstrations, offering a rare chance to engage directly with artists from across five continents.
RWMF is perfectly timed to coincide with Sarawak’s most significant cultural event: Gawai Dayak. This harvest festival, celebrated annually on June 1st and 2nd, 2025, marks the end of the rice harvest season and is a time for thanksgiving among the Dayak ethnic groups (Iban, Bidayuh, etc.). Tourists visiting in June can experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Gawai celebrations, including traditional ceremonies, costumes, and the famous Ngajat dance, before heading to the RWMF later in the month.
Beyond these highlights, Sarawak’s 2025 calendar is packed with events that showcase its rich heritage, solidifying its status as a must-visit destination for cultural enthusiasts. Other major events include the Borneo Cultural Festival in Sibu in July and the Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Festival in December, demonstrating that authentic and immersive experiences await travelers year-round in the Land of the Hornbills