Forget about Coachella – visit these Asian countries for their own brand of carnival cool
The centrepiece of summer, Coachella (along with its quirky fashion sentiments) may have come and gone, but the carnival spirit never truly leaves.
For those experiencing festival envy, here are five anticipated events happening much closer to home.
Photo: Faiz Zaki / Shutterstock.com
1. Rainforest World Music Festival, Kuching, Malaysia
When: 14-16 Jul
Stepping through the foliage, you hear the steady rhythm of a tribal drum beating in the distance. Have you stumbled across an indigenous ceremony? Well, almost. Every year, a musical festival takes over the Sarawak Cultural Village at the foot of Mount Santubong.
Located just outside of Sarawak’s capital, Kuching, the Rainforest World Music Festival is a three-day extravaganza featuring some 20 bands, from traditional to world fusion and contemporary — and is now one of the largest musical events in Malaysia.
Performers come from all over the country, as well as Australia, Colombia, Ireland and Africa.
Daytime workshops are held inside traditional houses, where the performers are often on the floor with the audience. You won’t find the artists hiding backstage; instead, they often roam around the village enjoying the chill vibes.
If you find yourself needing a break from the sound of the didgeridoos, lutes and sitars, wander over to the Food & Village Mart, where local craftspeople sell everything from henna tattoos to jewellery and fabric.
Hankering for some nosh? You’ll find much more than your average festival fare; food stalls hawk the famous local kolo mee (noodle bowl) and sautéed wild fern. Tickets are going from 131.20 ringgit ($42.30) for a one-day adult ticket.
More information at rwmf.net.
ADVERTISEMENTS