KUCHING: The 29th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) officially opened at the Sarawak Cultural Village on Friday, welcoming thousands of visitors and more than 200 performers from 13 countries for a three-day celebration of music, culture and sustainability.
Held from June 26 to 28, this year’s festival carries the theme “Regenerations: Roots & Rhythms”, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage while embracing creativity, innovation and responsible tourism.
The opening ceremony was attended by Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who toured various attractions and activities across the festival grounds. His visit showcased how RWMF continues to combine culture, environmental awareness, local community participation and tourism into one internationally recognised event.
Speaking during the opening, Abdul Karim said the Rainforest World Music Festival has become one of Sarawak’s strongest international tourism platforms over the past three decades. He said the festival has successfully brought people from around the world together through music while promoting appreciation for culture, heritage and environmental responsibility.
He added that RWMF is more than just a music festival because it also introduces visitors to Sarawak’s traditions, food, crafts and natural beauty. According to him, initiatives such as Green Ruai and the E-Penambang showcase demonstrate how traditional heritage and modern innovation can work together to create meaningful tourism experiences.
One of the major attractions during the minister’s walkabout was Green Ruai, which carries the theme “Roots of Change, Future of Sustainability”. Located near Rumah Gasing, the area serves as a dedicated platform promoting environmentally friendly ideas, renewable energy solutions, waste management and community-based sustainability projects.
Visitors also explored DBKU’s E-Penambang display at the Sarawak Cultural Village lake. The initiative presents an eco-friendly version of Sarawak’s traditional river transport, combining cultural heritage with green technology while educating visitors about sustainable practices.
Apart from sustainability showcases, festivalgoers were treated to a lively programme of music workshops, cultural demonstrations, wellness activities and interactive sessions throughout the day. These activities allowed visitors to engage directly with performers while learning about traditions from different parts of the world.
The festival features an impressive line-up of international and regional performers representing world music, soul, funk, Afro-fusion, Nusantara traditions, Basque folk, Mongolian music and contemporary Southeast Asian sounds. The diverse performances further strengthen RWMF’s reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s leading cultural festivals.
Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak Tourism Board, Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, said this year’s theme reflects the festival’s continuous growth as it approaches its milestone 30th anniversary next year.
She explained that “Roots” symbolises the traditions, knowledge and heritage passed down through generations, while “Rhythms” represents renewal, creativity and the evolution of music through collaboration and cultural exchange.
According to her, the theme is reflected throughout the festival, not only through performances but also in workshops, storytelling sessions, traditional crafts, local cuisine and sustainability programmes that encourage visitors to experience living culture.
The highlight of the opening night was a much-anticipated performance by Malaysian music legend Dato’ M. Nasir. His performance captivated thousands of fans gathered beneath the rainforest surroundings, delivering timeless songs and meaningful storytelling that celebrated Malaysian music and cultural identity.
Beyond the concerts, visitors can enjoy more than 50 workshops and activities throughout the weekend, including dance classes, artist sharing sessions, traditional craft demonstrations, family-friendly programmes and community activities.
Food lovers are also treated to the Rainforest Flavours programme at the Global Village Pavilion, organised by the Culinary Heritage and Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS). The programme features traditional dishes and culinary heritage from Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the rich food culture of the BIMP-EAGA and ASEAN regions.
Around 50 food and beverage vendors are also operating throughout the festival grounds, serving Sarawak favourites, local delicacies, international street food, barbecue dishes, desserts, tropical fruits and vegetarian options.
Environmental responsibility remains one of the festival’s key priorities. RWMF 2026 continues implementing the ISO 20121 Event Sustainability Management System through initiatives such as Green Ruai, the Green Warriors Waste Management Programme, recycling activities, EcoStations and the EcoGreen Planet Tree Planting Initiative.
Since 2023, more than 6,000 trees have been planted across Sarawak under the EcoGreen Planet programme in collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation, with the target increasing to 10,000 trees this year.
The festival is supported by various government agencies, corporate partners and sponsors, including Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, TVS, Astro Radio and several organisations that contribute to the festival’s success and international reach.
As the Rainforest World Music Festival continues over the weekend, visitors can expect more outstanding performances, cultural exchanges, sustainability showcases and unforgettable experiences. The festival once again reinforces Sarawak’s reputation as the Gateway to Borneo and one of Asia’s leading destinations for cultural tourism, bringing together people from around the world through the universal language of music.
