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A short journey into the heart of Borneo's jungle and witnessing an immersive cultural experience unlike any other
Away from the hustle and bustle of Malaysia, the sounds of the forest come alive in Sarawak, a state on Borneo island. The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) began in 1998 with a small number of followers. For the last 25 years, it has been a giant in the music space. It brings artists from around the world together in the lush rainforests of Borneo. From traditional music to fusion and contemporary music, eclectic performances and cultural events mark this three-day annual festival.
I had the opportunity to see the event in all its glory in 2019. The festival is usually held in June or July at the Sarawak Cultural Village in the foothills of Mount Santubong, near Kuching. Over three days, the village comes alive. A flight to Sarawak and a short drive took me to the venue.
The cultural centre is modelled on a traditional Sarawak longhouse. It is in a forest and makes for a perfect backdrop for the musical bonanza. The venue was packed with hundreds of fans from across the world, often dressed in hues of green to match the surrounding. They exchanged stories and jammed to the soft hums of their guitars.
A unique aspect of the festival is its emphasis on sustainability and conservation. The festival's organisers are committed to reducing the event's environmental impact. They encourage visitors to adopt eco-friendly practices during their stay. In 2019, the organisers installed 20 water dispensers at the venue to prevent waste caused by plastic bottles. Additionally, the festival also partners with local conservation organisations to raise awareness about preserving the rainforest and its biodiversity.
At RWMF, the atmosphere is always electrifying. Why wouldn’t it be? You can partake in many interesting activities. One such is the music workshop in the morning. Here you can get local experts to teach you how to play indigenous instruments. I tried my hand at sape, the traditional plucked lute which was very exciting.
Other than the workshop, there are musical lectures, mini-concerts and jamming sessions. Every evening, the main concert stage is set ablaze with live performances. And if your interests are more cultural, explore the craft displays at the Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar. You can go souvenir hunting and choose from many custom-made crafts from Southeast Asia.
While evenings were hectic, I made the most of my mornings chatting with other travellers over wellness programs and movie screenings. I saw a bunch of visitors make a beeline for tattoo artists at the venue. You could also get inked before heading to the food stalls, teeming with people all day. It will be a miss if you go to RWMF and do not try your hand at the local Malay cuisine.
I found the food a tad expensive within the arena. So, you can head to the food court at Damai Central near the Sarawak Cultural Village and try the Sarawak Laksa. It is a popular spicy noodle soup with rice noodles mixed with the protein of your choice and coconut milk. And it is spicy! Do ask them for a less spicy version if your taste buds are sensitive to heat.
Over 25 years, RWMF has seen many musicians grace the scene. Some of the popular performers include the Indian multi-percussion ensemble Chatusram and Tanzania’s Safi Theatre, which performs improvised traditional ngoma music. In 2019, the venue was separated into several areas such as the Ingenious Stage, Theatre Stage, Jungle Stage, etc. Here festival attendees interacted with performers and artists all day. At the Big Tent, we saw British-born Jamaican reggae artist Macka B's electrifying performance.
During the three days there, we saw diverse performances by artists. Staak Bisomu from the Bidayuh community of Sarawak gave us a glimpse of their unique rituals and customs. Sangtam Naga, an ethnic tribe from Nagaland, showcased the rich ancestral traditions of their tribe, led by their guru Shiromong Sangtam.
While each performance differed from the next, one thread tied them together — RWMF. It is a celebration of our cultural richness and diversity. Each person there brought a little of their country with them. Needless to say, I took home a little of Sarawak with me.
While RWMF offers a plethora of experiences, it is essential to bear in mind a few things while making your itinerary. Malaysia is a liberal Muslim nation but there are certain ways you must respect their culture. Ensure that you pack modest clothing for the festival. Especially in Borneo, you must cover your shoulders and knees.
The weather is as unpredictable as it gets. From sunny mornings to rainy evenings, it is essential to pack for temperamental weather. Additionally, the forest floor can get muddy. So pack a pair of trekking shoes, rain jackets and ample sunscreen. The beach is a short distance from the venue. So, if you fancy a dip, pack your swimwear.
Overall, the Rainforest World Music Festival is a unique and unforgettable event that celebrates Borneo's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is a testament to music's power to unite people and bridge cultural divides.
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