The New Year may have passed, but the party’s not over! Here are Asia’s hottest upcoming festivals for you to party on
While everyone is busy winding down from the New Year high, I’m getting pumped up for more celebrations in the rest of the world. But no need for red-eye flights to Coachella or Glastonbury, because Asia has its very own line-up of impressive festivals.
Whether you’re a music junkie or culture vulture, these fests are worth taking a trip for. Travel by day, revel by night – these are definitely going into my long weekend calendar!
Java Jazz Festival
When: Mar 6-8
Where: Jakarta International Expo, Indonesia
This international festival has attracted dozens of big-name artists from around the globe, while also showcasing pockets of regional talent. Imagine swaying to the crooning of artists under the Yamaha Music Project, then jumping wildly to the pop beats of Jessie J.
The three days are packed full with performers throughout the Expo, and even more artists will be announced soon. Considering the price of its tickets, this festival looks like a big bargain.
Tickets available from 440,000 Rupiah at www.JavaJazzFestival.com
Future Music Festival Asia
When: Mar 13-14
Where: Changi Exhibition Centre, Singapore
A carnival of music just around the corner? Oh, goody! FMFA will be bringing in world-renowned acts, including electronic powerhouse The Prodigy, British DJ Fatboy Slim and Swedish DJ Avicii.
Look out also for some of our regional talents, like Singapore’s Andrew T and Nez, and Malaysia’s Bottlesmoker and Bud Culture.
Tickets available from $148 at www.FutureMusicFestivalAsia.com
BaliSpirit Festival
When: Mar 31 – Apr 5
Where: Bali, Indonesia
Most of our experience with festivals involves throwing ourselves into the party and burning out all our energy in the name of fun and feeling young. Well, this is a different type of festival that will leave you buzzing with recharged spirit.
Deep in the lush lands of Bali, you can take lessons from health and wellness experts from around the world, and mingle with other participants with the same calm state of mind. It’s a beautiful experience that will leave you physically and spiritually energised for months to come!
Tickets available from US$25 at www.BaliSpiritFestival.com
Fuji Rock Festival
When: July 24-26
Where: Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Delicious raw fish and novelty vending machines aren’t the only great things that have come out of Japan. The Fuji Rock Festival is one of the biggest concerts thrown in the country, and the 2015 edition is knocking my socks off.
It will feature headlining acts Muse and The Foo Fighters, alongside equally explosive artists like Johnny Marr, Of Monsters and Men and Ryan Adams. Even if I had to survive on cup noodles just to pay for my flight and tickets here, it’d be worth it.
Tickets available from 16,800 Yen at www.FujiRock-Eng.com
Songkran
When: Apr 13-15
Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Ever wanted to gear up with fully-loaded Super Soakers and engage in a massive water war? The Thais are way ahead of you! Stemming from the Buddhist tradition of sprinkling water over Buddha statues for purification, Songkran has evolved into a three-day country-wide water fight.
Amidst cultural performances and music, locals douse each other with sparkling jets of water under the scorching tropical heat. What a combination of old practices and modern amusement!
Participation is free, just come equipped with a water gun (or two, or three)!
By Pamela Chow
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