Started by two Canadians Randy Raine-Reusch and Robert Basuik in 1997, this 3-days mind-blowing festival is now anually held every July or August in the Sarawak Cultural Village. The best thing is, it is perfect for weekends, because it IS HELD OVER THE WEEKEND!
The village is located in Damai, about 45 minutes from Sarawak's state capital, Kuching. It is one of the region's most popular events that features an international lineup of folk and world music bands. Not only does the festival attract plenty of musicians, but it also features plenty of workshops, a crafts market and variety of local foods to enjoy before the concerts take place after dawn.
Even if you are not a world or folk music fan, the festival should be on your list of things to do if you happen to be in Sarawak around this time. The relaxed ambience of the place and the warm sense of bonding among the guests makes the festival a unforgettable event for every visitor. After sunset the whole village is lit in all different kind of colors and effects, transforming the place into a mystical spectacle for the eyes.
Local vendors selling local cuisine.
Workshop with indie bands.
The concerts take place on 2 different stages located next to each other. This makes it possible to seamlessly switch from one band to the next without any idle setup time. Video screens and speakers are positioned all over the place to make sure that you don't miss any bands while you enjoy your laksa or nasi lemak.
Traditional house of Orang Asli in the cultural village.
Single day tickets for the festival are available for RM 90 along with a 3 day event passes for RM 260. The festival organizes shuttle buses which depart hourly from all the major hotels (Grand Magherita, Gand Continental, Riverside Majestic, Hilton, Harbour View, Merdeka Palace). A return trip is only RM 20. It is highly recommended to use the shuttle buses, as there is limited parking around the festival area. The whole event is cash only so make sure to bring sufficient money for food, drinks, bus fare and CDs.
Appropriately named, the Rainforest Music Festival will likely experience an abundance of rain! An umbrella or raincoat should be in every visitor's bag to weather through the brief showers, but there are plenty of tents and roofed areas to relax under during a shower if you left your umbrella at the hotel. The grounds tend to get a little muddy, especially on the 2nd and 3rd day of the event, so leave the expensive shoes at home and grab some rubber sandals which will match your raincoat better anyways.
Let go all inhibitions, let yourself loose under the liberating raindrops and among the festive voices of the jungle - it truly is an experience to behold!
For more ideas on weekend in and around Singapore, visit weekend.com.sg.
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