The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) returns to Sarawak from 26 to 28 June 2026, bringing together international music, cultural experiences and one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive festival settings. Held at the foot of Mount Santubong, this celebrated Sarawak music festival offers far more than live performances. If you’ve been looking for a reason to visit Sarawak, here are five.

1. Experience a festival unlike any other

Many festivals offer great music. Few can match RWMF’s setting.

Held at the Sarawak Cultural Village at the foot of Mount Santubong, the festival unfolds against a backdrop of rainforest-covered mountains, traditional cultural houses and open-air stages. As day turns to night, performances take place beneath the stars, creating an atmosphere that feels worlds away from a typical city-based music festival.

For many visitors, the setting is as memorable as the performances themselves.

2. Catch international and local music icons

M Nasir (left) and Thomas McClary (right) headline the 2026 Rainforest World Music Festival. (Images by @bangsawanpictures and @wearenationschurch)

This year’s line-up brings together renowned artists from around the world, including Dato’ M. Nasir, The Commodores featuring Thomas McClary and British acid-jazz favourites Incognito.

Beyond the headline acts, the festival also shines a spotlight on female-led performances. South Korea’s Insun Park & Generals blends traditional mask dance heritage with rock influences, while Sabah-born singer-songwriter Straw Lim explores themes of home, identity and belonging through music inspired by her travels across more than 50 countries.

Festival-goers can also catch Mongolia’s acclaimed Namgar, fronted by vocalist Namgar Lhasaranova—once described by The New York Times as “the Björk of Mongolia”—and Thailand’s Asia7, whose lead vocalist Aoy fronts a genre-blending sound that combines traditional Thai and Isan instruments with contemporary influences.

3. Join interactive workshops and cultural activities

RWMF is more than a music festival. Throughout the day, visitors can participate in workshops, demonstrations and cultural activities that offer a deeper connection to Sarawak’s heritage.

This year’s programme includes Pua Kumbu weaving demonstrations, BI’ANNAH beaded tall hat showcases, sape-making sessions and traditional folklore storytelling. Visitors can also learn regional dance forms such as Ngajat Ngalu Temuai, Nyigar Langgi Pingadap, Wek Jongan Selako, Zapin Sarawak and Orang Ulu line dances.

Other highlights include lion dance head-making demonstrations and opportunities to learn about traditional crafts and customs from communities across Sarawak.

4. Discover the best of Sarawak

The festival also makes an excellent starting point for exploring Kuching and the Santubong area.

Spend your mornings hunting down bowls of Sarawak laksa and kolo mee in Kuching before wandering through the city’s heritage streets, waterfront and museums. Closer to the festival grounds, visitors can explore Santubong’s beaches, visit the Sarawak Cultural Village, or venture into nearby nature attractions.

Those extending their stay can also use the festival as a gateway to experience Sarawak’s indigenous cultures, creative scene and renowned food culture—turning a festival weekend into a more meaningful travel experience.

5. Take advantage of flight discounts

Cheaper flights are always a good reason to travel.

Visitors can enjoy up to 30% off flights to Kuching during the festival period using promo code MHRWMF2026 with Malaysia Airlines or FYRWMF26 with Firefly.

Sales period: Now until 28 June 2026
Travel period: 20 June to 5 July 2026

With travel costs reduced, it’s an even better opportunity to plan a festival getaway.

A weekend worth travelling for

Combining world-class music, hands-on cultural experiences and one of the most beautiful festival settings in Southeast Asia, Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 offers far more than a typical concert weekend. Between the music, cultural experiences and time spent exploring Sarawak, you’ll leave with far more than a festival weekend.

Rainforest World Music Festival

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All photos are taken from the Rainforest World Music Festival’s official website, unless otherwise stated.