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Published: July 26th 2008
The Rainforest World Music Festival is a public party with a family reunion feel. Even the Malaysian Prime Minister attended this year. It was a shame it rained so hard the night of his visit. The rain hardly deterred the crowd, many of whom danced up to their knees in mud on the two nights following the downpour. Visitors rubbed shoulders with performers from around the world at mealtimes and in the jamming sessions that took place after hours.
Here are links to videos of some of the groups that I enjoyed this year:
The West African kora played by Yakhoub Sissoko This session was my favourite of the whole three days: one man with an instrument which simultaneously sounded like a harp, a guitar, a drum.
A drumming workshop, with drummers from across S Asia.
Hiroshi Motofuji, the most extrovert, high-octane drummer I have ever seen.
The melodic Middle-Eastern Adel Salameh, who provided a welcome change of pace.
Oikyotaan - an Indian band with a big sound, great rhythm and tremendous stage presence.
From the Congo, rhythm and vitality that stole the show.
The centre of Kuching is an attractive mix of the old and the new, with colonial buildings, shophouses, and the riverfront carefully preserved and drawing lots of tourists. The
Kuching
The Fairview Guest Houseperipheral areas are attractive, with modern buildings and lots of parklands. The city has excellent museums. The pictures here are my favourites from visits in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008. First some images from the festival ... then old Kuchibng ... colourful Kuching ... around Kuching ... some shopping ... What a place!
Travel Notes
In Kuching I always stay at The Fairview Guesthouse, tel 082-240017. It is run by Eric and Annie and sits in an old-style garden near the centre of town. A room for three with ensuite is RM90 per night. There is a family-style kitchen, old garden, safe parking and a great welcome. Their website is informative about what to do during a visit to Kuching. They will often be able to provide transport and always be able to organize it.
For the festival staying in Kuching is often the only option. Shuttle buses (40 mins) operate to the Cultural Village at Damai Beach. There are two resorts on the beach: The Damai Beach Resort c US$150.00 (book twelve months in advance) and the Permai Rainforest Resort, from US$5.00 (book six months in advance). These two resorts share the same private beach and are the only way of staying within walking distance of the festival.
How I’ve been
I had a wonderful time. I was happy to stay again with Annie and Eric at the Fairview. It was great to link up with Robert and Deidre there. And fantastic that Mani, Anusha, Frank and Pushbah were staying downtown too. A shame I couldn’t upload the video clips directly to Travel Blog; the other site seems to accept the slow Brunei upload speeds more easily.
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Lady
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va-cay
Gillian, thanks so much for sending the pictures. I have enjoyed browsing through them so much.