International visitors say RWMF’s ‘healing’ atmosphere sets it apart from other festivals

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By Amanda L

KUCHING, June 28: Ask international visitors what makes the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) different from music festivals elsewhere, and the answer goes beyond the performances.

For many attending this year’s festival, it was the easygoing atmosphere, genuine hospitality and the chance to experience music surrounded by the Bornean rainforest that left the strongest impression.

Festival goers from the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland described RWMF as a refreshing change from the large-scale festivals they were used to, with many saying it felt more like a community gathering than a concert.

For Rachael Neilson from the United Kingdom, finally making it to RWMF marked the end of a five-year wait.

She had spent years trying to fit the trip around work before finally getting the opportunity to visit Sarawak.

“I can’t even describe it.

“It’s in the rainforest, I’m in Borneo, seeing these amazing musicians from all around the world. It’s unbelievable how good it is,” she told DayakDaily.

Among the highlights for Neilson were a performance by Mongolian-Japanese group NAMGAR and a workshop by Thailand’s ASIA7.

But it wasn’t just the music that stayed with her.

“Every single person I’ve met is one of the friendliest people. It’s been really, really welcoming,” she shared.

Neilson noted that locals were always willing to explain their culture, traditional attire and food, making her feel at home throughout her stay.

Compared with festivals she had attended elsewhere, she described RWMF as “wholesome”, “natural” and even “healing”.

“If work allows, I’d definitely come back,” she added.

Australian visitor Sara de Vries knows exactly why she keeps returning.

This year’s festival marked her second consecutive RWMF and third trip to Kuching.

Asked what keeps bringing her back, her answer was immediate.

“The rainforest… this… and the people.

“It’s very relaxed. Everyone’s so friendly. It’s amazing,” she said.

Rather than planning every performance, de Vries explained that she prefers to wander around the festival and discover artists as she goes, allowing each visit to unfold naturally.

She also admired the pride Sarawakians take in sharing their culture with visitors.

“I think the people here are very proud and open, and I love that. They’re proud to share it, and they’re so giving,” she observed.

Another pleasant surprise was the food.

“I did not expect to love the food so much. Sarawakian food is amazing,” she admitted, describing the local cuisine as an unexpected highlight of her trip.

For de Vries, the festival’s biggest draw is its atmosphere.

Instead of feeling overwhelming, she said RWMF creates a space where people can relax, strike up conversations and quickly become friends.

Irish visitor Ruairi Fallon McGuigan was attending RWMF for the first time during his first trip to Sarawak, although it was his second visit to Borneo after previously travelling through Indonesia.

Interested in learning more about Dayak history and culture, he said he planned to spend time exploring local museums during his stay.

Having heard about RWMF through friends who attended in previous years, McGuigan said he enjoyed not only the music but also the arts and cultural activities, including batik painting.

“Yeah, it’s amazing. Beautiful,” he remarked.

He also praised the hospitality and local cuisine, describing both as highlights of his visit.

Looking back on his three days at the festival, McGuigan said what stood out most was how different RWMF felt from festivals back home.

“Festivals where I come from are very different — there’s a lot of drinking and they’re quite riotous, not so family-friendly.

“This is the first festival I’ve been to that isn’t like that. It’s family-friendly, just chilled, with a really smooth atmosphere,” he reflected.

Although each visitor came from a different part of the world, they all pointed to the same qualities that made RWMF memorable: music that brings cultures together, the beauty of the rainforest, and the warmth of the people who call Sarawak home. — DayakDaily

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