Northstar

16 | www.travelweekly-asia.com PRODUCT Festivals • Events Sarawak's Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is not just an extravaganza of unique indigenous music but also a cultural feast. This year's festival on July 14-16 will see RMWF celebrating its 20th anniversary - a landmark event for the festival and for its organiser, Sarawak Tourism Board (SCB). RWMF, which started in 1998 with just 300 attendees, has grown over the years to an internationally- recognised music event. It has won accolades for its unique brand of music, coupled with showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak. It has been named among the top 25 Best International Festivals by British world music magazine, Let's hear it for the Rainforest World Music Festival By Corinne Wan The popular Rainforest World Music Festival celebrates being 20 and more than just a music festival. Why go to RMWF / Package around these activities • CELEBRATION OF MUSIC, CULTURE AND HERITAGE: World renowned musicians performing alongside indigenous musicians from the interiors of the mythical island of Borneo at the Sarawak Cultural Village (known as a 'living museum') in the foothills of Mount Santubong at Damai Beach with Borneo's pristine rainforests as the back drop – sheer magic. • WORKSHOPS IN TRADITIONAL LONGHOUSES CONDUCTED BY THE MUSICIANS Best part of the festival as you can get up close with the performers and learn from them. • FOOD AND CRAFT BAZAAR: To taste authentic Sarawak cuisine and buy its beautiful handicraft. • FAMILY FRIENDLY: Holistic fun event, with tickets for children and special family packages. (Tickets available online at http://rwmf.net/tickets/). • FUN OPTIONS: Numerous packages are created around the festival such as 'Rainforest Music Getaway 3D2N/4D3N', 'Pre-RWMF Cycling Tour (2D1N)' and 'Post-RWMF Cycling Tour (3D2N)' (details: http://rwmf.net/ packages). • WIDE CHOICE OF ACCOMMODATION: Kuching has many hotels, from budget to luxury, and there are three beach resorts and a jungle resort in Santubong. (details: http://rwmf.net/where-to-stay/) Updates are available online at www.rwmf.net H ong Kong is planning a year-long party to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. It will complement annual events that back its boast of being "the events capital of Asia". The HKSAR Government has also joined hands with local artists, designers and professional groups to beautify the city and bring innovation into daily life. Already, people are appreciating the "Blossoming Stairs" – giant artworks on outdoor staircases – as part of the City Dress-up programme. In July, the Seats • Together public art project will brighten up selected locations with contributions by local talents. More than 300 events are being organised by various government departments and community-organised activities will be staged across the city, in the Mainland and overseas. Hong Kong won't be forgetting its key events that draw big crowds, such as the Hong Kong New Year Countdown celebrations that rack up some of the highest audience numbers, with 334,000 spectators lining the harbour during 2017's spectacular fireworks. The 145,000 visitors during Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2016 featuring wine and food from more than 300 booths from 28 countries, reflect the rise in popularity of all things foodie, with locals and tourists. Art Basel is also a favourite, with 239 galleries from 35 countries taking part this year, and attracting over 70,000 art lovers – a new record. In 2017, Hong Kong Rugby 7s was another sell-out, with 114,146 fans filling the stadium over three days. Rainforest World Music Festival ready to celebrate 20 years of music and culture Photos Credit: Rainforest World Music Festival Kelele of South Africa Songlines, for six consecutive years from 2010 to 2015. Last year's 19th edition saw a record of 18,340 attendees at the Sarawak Cultural Village - about 35km north of Kuching - for the three-day festival. Ticket sales increased by 14% compared to the previous year. SCB promises to make this year's feaitval an "unforgettable experience" by planning more activities around the music, such as holistic and wellness programmes.

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