KUCHING – The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) has once again placed Sarawak on the global stage, after being recognised as the eighth best music festival in the world. The accolade strengthens Sarawak’s reputation as a leading destination for international cultural tourism.
Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, announced the recognition during a press conference at the Sarawak Cultural Village on Friday.
He highlighted that the achievement reflects the state’s success in showcasing its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and ethnic diversity to audiences worldwide.
“This recognition not only makes Sarawak proud but also shows that our sustainable initiatives to promote local culture globally have yielded significant results,” he said.
Since its inception three decades ago, RWMF has grown from a modest gathering of around 300 visitors into one of the most celebrated music festivals internationally.
It has become a tourism icon for Sarawak, attracting thousands of visitors annually and contributing significantly to the local economy.
The Minister emphasised that the festival’s success demonstrates the Sarawak government’s commitment to preserving the traditions of the state’s 34 ethnic groups while presenting them on the international stage.
He noted that RWMF is more than a music event, describing it as a strategic platform to promote art, culture, heritage, and environmental sustainability.
Tourism in Sarawak has seen strong growth in recent years, generating over RM1 billion in monthly revenue for the past two years.
This surge has been driven by rising visitor numbers, benefiting hotels, transport, food and beverage businesses, and other supporting industries.
International events such as RWMF have played a vital role in boosting economic activity and creating opportunities for local communities.
Ticket sales for RWMF 2026 have remained encouraging despite global challenges, including geopolitical tensions and rising airfares. Approximately 22,000 tickets have been sold, only slightly lower than last year’s 23,000.
The minister noted that this reflects continued strong interest in the festival, which remains a highlight of Sarawak’s cultural calendar.
The Rainforest World Music Festival has consistently drawn performers and audiences from across the globe, blending traditional and contemporary music in a unique setting.
Its recognition among the world’s best festivals underscores Sarawak’s growing influence in cultural tourism and its ability to balance heritage preservation with modern appeal.
