Cover Grace Jones, the headliner for Ombak Festival 2024
Grace Jones, the headliner for Ombak Festival 2024
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Whether you come for the beats, bites, or bonding, this year’s Ombak Festival is set to redefine your idea of the ultimate weekend getaway
Returning after a standout debut in 2024, Ombak Festival continues to evolve, showcasing a thoughtfully curated blend of world-class acts and Southeast Asia’s rising stars. Scheduled for September 12 to 14, this year’s festival promises a vibrant gathering, set against the stunning backdrop of Johor’s coastline, uniting global icons and regional talents for a weekend unlike any other.
Read more: A food lover’s guide to Desaru Coast, Malaysia
Simply Red marks its exclusive Asian performance in celebration of its 40th anniversary. Joining them are funk legend George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, the soulful Joss Stone previewing her latest album, and the dynamic electronic duo Flight Facilities, fresh from their Coachella performance and performing for the first time on Malaysian soil.
Simply Red
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However, what makes the Ombak Festival particularly compelling is its dedication to spotlighting Asean talent. Malaysia’s very own Joe Flizzow, SonaOne, and Ismail Izzani will ignite the crowd with their vibrant hip-hop performances, while indie fans can sway to the dreamy melodies of Thailand’s Phum Viphurit. Adding further depth are Singapore’s indie-rock favourites The Pinholes, Indonesia’s vibrant Diskoria, and Cambodia’s spirited Vanthan, each bringing their distinctive regional flavours to the festival.
See also: Desaru Coast: Southeast Asia’s latest apex of luxurious health and wellness
Above The food served from a variety of restaurants at the music festival
The food served from a variety of restaurants at the music festival
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Yet Ombak isn’t just about music—it’s a holistic experience that seamlessly blends culinary artistry, interactive creativity, and engaging family-friendly activities. Gastronomic enthusiasts can relish sophisticated dishes crafted by Sazón Tapas & Grill’s Andrew Walsh or savour locally inspired dishes from Carbon KL’s Smoke & Fire and Flavours of Johor, highlighting the region’s rich culinary tapestry.
Above Scenes from Ombak Festival 2024
Scenes from Ombak Festival 2024
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Art lovers, meanwhile, will find ample inspiration through expertly curated workshops and vibrant installations. Segaris Art Center returns with block printing workshops in collaboration with local students, while Pasar Seloka’s bustling bazaars offer handcrafted treasures and unique keepsakes. Additionally, interactive upcycling workshops and playful mahjong lessons by All Tiled Up provide enriching creative outlets for all.
Don’t miss: From basements to Baz Luhrmann soundtracks: The Cardigans revisit their rise to stardom
Above Attendees from Ombak Festival 2024
Attendees from Ombak Festival 2024
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Families are equally catered to through Ombak Kids, a dedicated programme featuring whimsical experiences such as the LEGOLAND Speed Building Challenge, kitemaking with Go Fly Kites, and the unforgettable spectacle of giant puppets Meera & Fiz, which were beloved favourites at last year’s festival.
Above Top view of Desaru Coast
Top view of Desaru Coast
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As Desaru Coast prepares for another year of extraordinary entertainment and community-building, the festival’s bold ambition to solidify its status as Southeast Asia’s premier cultural event is clear, setting the perfect stage as Johor gears up for Visit Johor and Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
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Images: Desaru Coast
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Sim Wie Boon is the general manager of Tatler Malaysia. Previously the print and digital editor, Sim hails from the land of the hornbills, Sarawak. Sim is now based in Kuala Lumpur and brings more than a decade of experience in the media industry as a journalist and broadcast producer.
As a self-proclaimed geriatric millennial, he appreciates the finer things in life, from savouring a sip of single malt whisky to relishing in the deliciousness of char siew. While reminiscing about the indie-sleaze era, Sim now finds solace in the soothing tunes of ambient music, staying active through running and occasionally succumbing to the addictive world of doom scrolling.
Follow him on Instagram or Threads at @simwb
