Advertisement

The best music festivals in Malaysia

This handout picture, released by the Sarawak Tourism Board on July 13, shows Zee Avi performing on stage during Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching, Malaysia's Sarawak state. Zee's path to musical stardom began five years ago in her bedroom with a second-hand guitar, a clunky old laptop and a YouTube account

Of the 25 international ones the country plays host to, here are four that have received much praise and love from fans for their exciting line-ups and cool ambience. And you can still catch some of them before the year ends.

Rainforest World Music Festival

This event put Sarawak on the world music map. Attracting more than 20,000 fans over the past 16 years, it features a wide range of performances and genres, from traditional to world fusion to contemporary world music. Typically held at the Sarawak Cultural Village, the three-day festival also holds daytime workshops and evening concerts. The last Rainforest World Music Festival happened from June 28 to 30; next year it will be from June 20 to 22.

KL International Jazz Festival

On September 14, this world-class annual festival in Kuala Lumpur will have top-notch musicians like Grammy Award-winning Lee Ritenour and Jessy J, plus local jazz acts like KL Jazz Project and UM Big Band, performing live. It’s a great follow-up to the inaugural event in 2012, which bagged the “Country Brand Award” – plus 10 additional awards for the international artistes – at the Brand Laureate Best Brands Awards 2011-2012. Get your tickets at S$23.30 (RM60).

Sundown Music Festival Asia
Over 6,000 fans cheered for their favourite pop and rock musicians from around Asia at last year’s Sundown Festival in Singapore. This year, though, the ultimate beach music experience will be held at Gold Coast Morib Resort Beach Front in Selangor on October 11 and 12. The line-up includes EDM artists and DJs Matt Lange, James Zabiela, Michael Woods, Jaytech and Marco Bailey, among others. Prices from S$60 (RM153).

Rockaway Festival
Now on its fourth year, the Rockaway Festival is setting up two standalone shows on September 28 and October 17 in Kuala Lumpur. The first features US heavy metal legends Lamb of God alongside local acts Tempered Mental and Deja Voodoo Spells. The second brings in UK metalcore band Bring Me the Horizon, post-hardcore band Enter Shikari, and Japan's Crossfaith with Malaysia's own Massacre Conspiracy. Prices from S$51 (RM130).