KUCHING: Set against the natural backdrop of Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV), the Borneoland Music Festival aims to elevate Kuching as a rising destination for global EDM (electronic dance music) tourism.
The festival, scheduled for Dec 31, hopes to build a strong identity as Sarawak’s next major tourism product, similar to the internationally acclaimed Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF).
According to Borneoland Music Festival managing director Nurhisam Asaludin, this year’s edition will centre on EDM as the core attraction for the 2026 New Year’s Eve celebration at SCV.
“What makes this festival unique is its setting, surrounded by nature and Sarawak’s distinctive cultural landscape,” he said to reporters at the Borneoland Countdown Festival 2025 press conference at Star on Stage, Jalan Borneo, on Monday (Dec 1).
Organised by Solaris Sky Company with Astana Global Resources, along with partners Mycomm Entertainment and Rhythm Revolt Entertainment, the event is expected to draw thousands of local and international festivalgoers.
Five international headliners will take the stage, including Blasterjaxx from the Netherlands, a powerhouse EDM duo known for performing at Tomorrowland, Ultra, and EDC. Also performing are Dutch hardstyle DJ AVAO, Germany’s heavy-bass DJ ACINA, Australian DJ Dimatik, and DJ DNA from Sydney, known for pioneering the “Psy-Style” sub-genre.
A total of 12 local acts, including BigKhai, CHONKY, INTAN, NERDYX, Hello Nasty, Danny and dpaul, will also energise the Borneoland stage.
Nurhisam said the festival aims to bring more than entertainment, with hopes of spurring economic activity in Kuching’s hotels, transport, retail, and service sectors.
“Our vision is for Borneoland Music Festival to grow into a tourism product like RWMF. With SCV’s natural and cultural surroundings, it carries its own identity,” he said.
The organisers also plan to list the festival under Sarawak’s official tourism calendar and make it an annual event.
Unlike previous editions held in open urban venues, the SCV setting promises a more immersive experience.
“Once visitors enter, they’ll walk through cultural villages and forested paths, surrounded by traditional elements before reaching the main stage. The atmosphere feels more natural, more Bornean,” he said.
On safety, he assured that security is a priority.
“We’ve appointed private security vendors and consulted the Royal Malaysia Police. Medical teams, the People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA), and Civil Defence personnel will also be present throughout the event,” he said.
A paid shuttle van service will be provided for convenience.
Although the main target audience is those aged 18 to 35, Nurhisam believes the festival can attract a wider crowd.
“I’ve seen people in their 40s and 50s attending EDM shows. We’re confident this festival will be lively and will appeal to tourists seeking nature-infused EDM experiences,” he added.
With its blend of culture, nature, and electronic creativity, Borneoland Music Festival is poised to become a fresh iconic event, positioning Sarawak on the global music tourism map.
