Looking for an unforgettable coastal getaway that’s mished-mashed with culture? Then, you may want to check out the much anticipated Ombak Festival at the award-winning destination of Desaru Coast.
Set to take place from September 13th to 15th, 2024, the festival will have four captivating elements: music and performances, visual arts and crafts, F&B offerings, and Ombak Kids.
Musical acts and performances
Derived from the Bahasa Malaysia word for ‘ocean waves’, the Ombak Festival promises a weekend of vibrant celebration, art, music, and cultural immersion. Festival-goers can look forward to over 50 carefully chosen events and performances over three amazing days and nights, which will take place all around the location.
The Ombak Main Stage will feature 16 hours of electrifying programming, including exclusive performances by pop culture icon Grace Jones, Grammy winner and R&B Hall of Famer Macy Gray celebrating the 25th anniversary of her debut album, and Swedish band The Cardigans performing their global hits for the first time in Malaysia.
In addition to these international headliners, the festival will showcase regional music stars such as Alena Murang, Thee Marloes, Aisyah Aziz, Bunga, and Masdo across multiple stages.
Beyond the Ombak Main Stage, the beach vibes continue with scintillating Nanyang jazz by The Shang Sisters and WVC Jazz, energetic Latin rhythms from Havana Jazz Tumbao, and Afro-Latin beats by DJ Güpson Pierre. Dance the night away with eclectic selections from Disko Santan.
A culinary adventure
Experience the best of Malaysian and international cuisine as top chefs and mixologists take over the kitchens. Savour a sumptuous brunch at Ember Beach Club by Chef Andrew Walsh, or enjoy the contemporary grilling techniques of Carbon KL’s Kitchen Takeover. Dive into the vibrant Latin Street Flavours of Peru by Feliz.
For drink enthusiasts, exclusive Flavours of Borneo Ombak Festival cocktails await, crafted by mixologists from Reka:bar and Vér, perfectly paired with delicious tapas from Chocha Foodstore.
Visual arts & crafts
Art lovers, get ready to be captivated by stunning installations celebrating Malaysia’s rich artistic heritage. Marvel at the fluid metal sculptures of Abdul Multhalib Musa, one of Malaysia’s leading contemporary sculptors, and engage with the interactive Shore Debris Table by artist and photographer Ernest Goh of Ayer Ayer.
Explore two marketplaces while at the festival: a Southeast Asian fashion and lifestyle collection curated by Dia Guild, and local artisanal designs at Lokal Market. Both offer environmentally and socially conscious products that are accessible to everyone.
Ombak Kids: Fun for little ones
The festival’s magic extends to all ages with a unique blend of programs. Imagine Star Wars paired with the Malaysian tradition of wayang kulit. There will also be young artists from Kota Tinggi School who will showcase their eco-conscious art alongside installations from UiTM’s Segaris Art Centre.
Families will love Ombak Kids, offering activities like the Silent Disco Kids edition, Mereka Garden Games, Junglewalla eco-adventures, Flying Kites, and Sailing Jongs.
Ombak Festival stay packages
Experience the Ombak Festival in luxury at Desaru Coast’s world-class 5-star resorts, all within walking distance of the festival sites. Choose from Hard Rock Hotel, The Westin, Anantara, or One&Only Desaru Coast for an unforgettable stay. The exclusive stay package is designed for two adults with a complimentary stay for one child aged 12 and under.
It includes accommodation and breakfast, a festival opening party on September 13th, festival weekend passes, access to Ombak Kids programmes and Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast, and selected food offerings.
Early Stay Packages are also available until July 13th, 2024. Festival Day Passes and 2-Day Passes go on sale July 22nd, 2024.
Resort highlights:
- Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast: Perfect for families, direct access to Adventure Waterpark. Packages start from RM4,500.
- The Westin Desaru Coast Resort: Ideal for couples, with packages from RM5,000.
- Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas: Offers art and culinary experiences starting from RM6,550.
- One&Only Desaru Coast: Features Flavours of Ember Beach Club and unique hospitality packages.
