Jungle Beats in Borneo: Sepilok Jazz Festival 2025
Every September, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok, Sandakan, transforms from a nature reserve into a stage alive with music. On 5–6 September 2025, the Sepilok Jazz Festival returns for its fourth edition, offering two unforgettable nights where world-class jazz blends with the sounds of the Bornean rainforest. Picture saxophones echoing through the trees, a cool night breeze, and the shared energy of music lovers gathered in one of Sabah’s most enchanting natural settings.
The Festival Atmosphere
Unlike concerts in city venues, Sepilok Jazz takes place in the middle of a rainforest. The setting makes every performance feel intimate and unique. The crowd is a mix of locals, families, and international travelers, all enjoying the relaxed atmosphere together. The program runs from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM each evening, giving guests plenty of time to settle in, savor local food, and soak up the music under the stars.
The festival is also known for its lively finale. Each night often closes with a jam session led by the performers, a spirited highlight that brings artists and audiences together in one joyful celebration.
A Festival with Heart
Jazz fans will be thrilled to see Ernie Watts, a While the music takes center stage, the festival has always carried a deeper purpose. It is organized by FOSTER (Friends of Sea Turtles Education & Research), a local NGO working to protect endangered sea turtles. Proceeds from ticket sales support conservation projects, including efforts on Libaran Island. By attending, festival-goers contribute directly to the preservation of Sabah’s marine life.
Adding to the experience are local stalls and community booths around the venue. Guests can learn about conservation work, browse handmade crafts, and enjoy Sabahan dishes prepared by the official caterer, Mango Garden Restaurant. It is a chance to enjoy good food, meaningful stories, and music all in one setting.
The Line-up
This year’s line-up promises an exciting blend of international legends and regional stars. Jazz fans will be thrilled to see Ernie Watts, a two-time Grammy-winning saxophonist, sharing the stage with Singapore’s “King of Swing” Jeremy Monteiro in a special birthday celebration performance.
Adding to the international flavor are Seoul Fizz from South Korea and Germany’s Flèche d’Or Swing Quartett, each bringing their own style of jazz to the rainforest stage. From Malaysia, audiences can expect powerful performances from Zizi Safira, Sonny B & Wan G, Appy Tot, Cris Aban, and HelloPapa, along with rising talents from the Bakat Sepilok Jazz competition. The variety ensures a program that flows from smooth ballads to energetic swing, creating something for every listener.
Why It Matters for Travelers
The Sepilok Jazz Festival has quickly become one of Sabah’s cultural highlights. Its third edition in 2024 welcomed over 1,500 guests, a mix of locals and international visitors who were drawn to the idea of jazz in the jungle. The combination of world-class music, a rainforest backdrop, and community spirit makes it unlike any other festival in the region.
For travelers, the location adds even more value. Sepilok is also home to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, both within easy reach of the festival grounds. This means visitors can combine a cultural evening of music with daytime wildlife encounters, creating a well-rounded Bornean adventure.
Looking Ahead to 2026
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While this year’s edition promises two nights of magic, we at Tour East are already looking ahead. We are planning to feature the Sepilok Jazz Festival in our 2026 package options, creating opportunities for travelers to experience this unique blend of music, culture, and conservation together with Sabah’s natural wonders.
Even if you are unable to attend in 2025, there will be more chances to join this growing celebration. At Tour East, our promise is simple: We Connect You in Asia. By adding Sepilok Jazz to our future journeys, we hope to connect more travelers with the rhythm, culture, and beauty of Borneo.
Tour East – We Connect You in Asia.
Images courtesy of © Avasi Web