World Rainforest Music Festival - Kuching, Borneo

Despite showing all signs of disappointment due to torrential downpours and ridiculous security measures,last night was truly incredible. The rain was coming down so hard that it actually hurt. I suppose it’s not called the rainforest festival for nothing. Entering the cultural village, I was surrounded by friendly faces who seemed more than interested in my unique appearance. You know you look different to the norm when random people stop you for photos. I was happy to oblige. Apparently, I look so "different" that I also managed to feature in the See Hua daily paper, and there's a photo of me being frisked at the door. People talked freely, and there was no sense of “attitude” from anyone except from some strange looking European dude that kept giving me the evils. Maybe he didn’t like the fact that I was having so much fun.

From New folder

From New folder

From New folder

The performers were amazing. I was more than impressed by one group in particular, Layatharanga, an indigenous group hailing from India. A seven piece band, the music is primarily focused on traditional percussion. They started off the night with a haunting flute piece; a lilting and exotic sound that wove a beautiful tapestry of their homeland. The ambience was incredible, and audience participation and morale was at its peak. At first I thought that there were dry ice machines pumping away in the background for atmosphere, but on closer inspection I realised that it was mist coming off Santubong mountain just behind the stage.

From New folder

Layatharanga did an acapella piece that was incredible in its coordination and its complexity, based on traditional carnatic rhythms. Later on they charmed us with an amazing blend of funk, bossa nova, reggae, and traditional Indian music all rolled into one, and it was fascinating to hear such a sound. I had the opportunity to catch up with the band after the show, and they are all very down to earth guys that genuinely love what they do, and love sharing their passion with the world.



Other notable acts of the night included Reelroad’b, an eccentric folk group from Russia who fused folk melodies with the typical dark Russian sense of humour, and Watussi, a rock group from Australia with Columbian heritage. The crowd was pumping, and people in the pit were clearly having a great time. I can’t speak for those that preferred to view from afar, as I’ve never been one to not grab the proverbial bull by the horns and get stuck in there. There was one group, however, that made me feel like slitting my wrists. The Bisserov sisters, from Bulgaria. I’m sorry, Madams Bisserov, but your open throat singing was a bit of a joykill. Besides that slight musical difference, I felt that the selection of artists was top notch.




The sporadic torrential rains combined with lots of happy revellers made for a muddy mess in front of the stage. It looked like a bunch of angry rhinos had a football match. The people I met were so friendly, and more than happy to have their photos taken. People came up to me and commented on my tattoos and asked me to take photos for them. There was also a gorgeous French girl that came out of nowhere and asked me if she could kiss me. I didn’t see the harm in helping her out. Thanks, random girl. You made my night. There were a bunch of crazy young kids from Liverpool that had come prepared in bikinis and boardshorts, and they got themselves absolutely covered, head to toe, in mud. Not surprisingly, they were given a wide berth by other party goers. I didn’t see any other Media people actually in the pit besides myself. The others had a tad more pedestrian approach about things and preferred to stay safe, out of the mud. To each his own, I suppose.


Anyway, the musical workshops are beckoning, and my stomach is rumbling, so I shall continue on my merry way, and will update the blog with photos and more content when there’s less happening.