Rainforest World Music Festival 2011

Unexpectedly, I went to the Borneo Rainforest World Music Festival 2011 @ Kuching last week. An unexpected (all paid for) invitation from a friend’s friend! It was quite an exhausting experience, but it was one I’ll never forget. There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere at the festival ground of Sarawak Cultural Village. The three days packed with magical music-workshops, mini-concerts and action-packed nightly shows. I’ve got to admit this Festival has definitely put Sarawak on the world map. I was quite astonished to see number of tourists congregate this place just for the festival. It is truly a place where people regardless of their ethnicity, cultural backgrounds and music interest come together to have time of their lives. And, seeing people from all walks of lives, different shapes and colors is simply entertaining and gives that feeling of being in my own habitation. And I realize number of things that we all had in common at the festival is the love for music, party, booze and all other foolishness comes along with it.

We had two-day pass with entry into all of the music workshops. The first day we looked around all the craft stalls, into some of the longhouses, attended number of music workshops, watched number of mini-concerts and mostly just walked around the cultural village. In the evening, we sat on the concrete/grass ground overlooking the main stages for the actual performances. Unfortunately, we had to leave early (on both days) and missed out some of the performances especially the Blue Canyon Boys from USA on a first day and Kissmet the Bhangra guys from UK on last day. Well, I was just way too tired.

All in all, I had awesome time at Sarawak. It is a place of mystery, exotic adventures, hornbills, friendly people, orang utans and some fun. I’m definitely coming back next year.