Cover Phum Viphurit is set to perform at Ombak Festival (Photo: Instagram/@phumviphurit)
Phum Viphurit is set to perform at Ombak Festival (Photo: Instagram/@phumviphurit)
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Ombak Festival returns this year for a bigger and bolder celebration of music, creativity, and culture
A coastal weekender that celebrates the arts in all its glory, Ombak Festival returns following a breakout debut last year. Set to take place from September 12–14, the festival expands its lineup with spotlights on regional talents in music, performance, arts, food, and more.
It’s a celebration infused with distinct Malaysian flair. Once again, the festival is presented by Desaru Coast—the award-winning destination resort and home to five-star resorts that are all within walking distance of the festival village, grounds, and stages.
“For our second year, building on our intentionally diverse ethos, we are going bolder in vision, broader in scope and bursting with Southeast Asian soul. The play this year is to intrepidly represent the best of ASEAN by uniting global icons with regional talents to stage an unparalleled experience of live music, taste explorations, and artistic expression in one ultimate weekend,” said Karina Ridzuan, Director of Ombak Festival.
Immerse in the music
Get lost in the sounds and watch the stage come alive with the star-studded lineup. Grammy-nominated English soul and pop band, Simply Red, will be celebrating their 40th anniversary with an exclusive Southeast Asian performance at the festival. Alongside the band, the stage is set for funk legend George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, DJ duo Flight Facilities, and the ever soulful Joss Stone who will be playing a preview of her upcoming album.
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True to their nature, the festival isn’t holding back on incredible ASEAN talents.
Thailand’s neo-soul sensation Phum Viphurit will be serenading you with his dreamy tracks while our very own Joe Flizzow, Sona One, and Ismail Izzani are bringing the best of our local hip-hop and RnB. Groove to the fresh sounds of Don West’s coastal soul music, Diskoria’s infectious beats, Gerhana Skacinta ska musical style and be charmed by The Pinholes renditions of funk, soul, and pop.
Tearing up the decks, Singapore’s Blackout Agency with Miss Lil, Sivanesh, Zig Zach, Ouissam, and JonnyVicious. Disko Santan and Golden Mammoth will keep the dancefloors packed, while Keyana, Kyoto Protocol, LZZY, and Masia One & The Jah Jah Army infuse the festival with smooth rhythms and bold performances.
The beats roll on with NADA, Tanayu, The Filters and Cambodia’s Vanthan, all bringing their unique flair to the stage, making every moment spectacular together in a celebration of sound, culture, and pure joy.
Indulge in a culinary adventure
The festival will be a culinary affair to remember, with top chefs all over the region coming to serve and highlight the richness of both Malaysian and ASEAN flavours. Indulge in the exquisite flavours from Sazón Tapas & Grill by Andrew Walsh to Carbon KL’s most delightful grills and an incredible spread from Flavours of Johor that highlights the finest of local tastes.
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A family affair
What sets the festival apart, is the interactive fun for younger festival-goers.
Ombak Kids will be offering an array of family-friendly fun. Let your little ones immerse in the Funfair of Forgotten Future, a build-and-play experience with LEGOLAND Speed Building Challenge, and interaction with the festival’s specially commissioned giant 10-foot puppets, Meera & Fiz by Thailand's Nice Monster puppetry studio.
A crowd favourite last year and both returning due to popular demand, let them experience kitemaking lessons with Go Fly Kites and super-sized garden games by Mereka Games.
Ombak Festival is setting the tone as Malaysia gears up for Visit Johor and Visit Malaysia Year 2026— blending the best of regional talent and hospitality into one mesmerising weekend.
“With iconic acts and culture-defining moments, Ombak Festival 2025 is set to deliver another year of extraordinary experiences in our intimate coastal setting. Driving our ambition is the vision to establish the event as Southeast Asia’s must-attend festival, setting the stage as we build momentum towards Visit Johor and Visit Malaysia Year 2026. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the state authorities and the communities across the Greater Desaru region, whose collaboration was instrumental in bringing Ombak Festival to life,” Karina added.
More musical acts and experiences will be revealed in the next few months—be sure to stay tuned!
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As Senior Lifestyle Writer, Aina writes across the lifestyle vertical, covering wellness, travel, arts and entertainment. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she previously worked at CLEO Malaysia, where she headed the lifestyle, culture and entertainment sections.
