The cultural wave grows stronger as Ombak Festival returns to Desaru Coast with an expanded celebration of ASEAN talent and global artistry.
Imagine standing at the edge of a beautiful, crystal clear coastline, watching waves approach from the horizon. An endless rhythm of pure energy moves toward the shore through the medium of the ocean. Each wave is a messenger carrying force from distant winds and storms. The ocean is a conductor of invisible forces, transforming air into motion and motion into impact. It’s a fitting image for what’s happening at Desaru Coast this coming September: the Ombak Festival (from the Malay word for “ocean wave”) is back.
Following a breakout debut last year, drawing crowds from across the region, the Ombak Festival returns to the Desaru Coast from September 12 to 14, 2025, with an expanded vision still rooted in its Southeast Asian identity.
“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,” says Karina Ridzuan, Director of the Ombak Festival. “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.”
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Global Icons, Regional Soul At The Main Stage
The festival’s musical program promotes cultural curation, balancing international star power with regional representation. Headlining the Main Stage are global icons that span generations and genres.
Simply Red brings their timeless spirit in an exclusive Southeast Asian performance that celebrates their 40th anniversary. They’re joined by funk legend George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic; Joss Stone, who offers a soulful preview of her upcoming album; and the Australian electronic duo Flight Facilities, who make their long-awaited Malaysian debut.
Of course, the soul of Ombak Festival lies in its celebration of Southeast Asian talent. There will be 29 regional acts that showcase the dynamism of the regional music scene. Joe Flizzow, SonaOne, and Ismail Izzani represent the best of Malaysian hip-hop and rap. They will be joined by veteran Gerhana Skacinta. From Thailand, the dreamy indie-pop of Phum Viphurit complements the beautiful coastal scene. From Singapore, there will be indie quartet The Pinhopes, and from Indonesia, there will be Diskoria.
The programming extends beyond the Main Stage. Studio Ombak and Village Sound will host additional acts, ensuring that every corner of the festival pulses with energy. Cambodia joins the regional celebration with Vanthan adding their unique flair.
But this is just the beginning. More Southeast Asian acts will be announced in July, promising an even richer tapestry of regional sounds.
How Ombak Festival Goes Beyond the Music
The Ombak Festival’s commitment to curating the ultimate weekend extends beyond musical performances. Their culinary program is a love letter to regional flavors, with top chefs showcasing Malaysian and broader Southeast Asian ingredients. Festival-goers can experience Sazón Tapas & Grill by Andrew Walsh, while Carbon KL brings Smoke & Fire. The Flavors of Johor promises to provide an exceptional spread celebrating the finest local flavors, grounding the international experience in authentic regional cuisine.
The arts program, meanwhile, combines traditional techniques with contemporary expression through immersive installations and hands-on workshops. Pasar Seloka will host a marketplace filled with artisanal finds and handcrafted treasures. Pulau Pulau offers upcycling workshops and DIY classes that require nothing but imagination.
The whole family can find activities to enjoy, even the youngest festival-goers, who have a dedicated program through Ombak Kids. Crowd favorites include the 10-foot festival puppets Meera and Fiz, figures from Johor’s rich folklore. There will also be the Funfair of Forgotten Futures, LEGOLAND Speed Building Challenge, and kite-making lessons with Go Fly Kites, as well as super-sized garden games.
The Gathering Tide of the Ombak Festival
The sophomore edition of the Ombak Festival has particularly significant timing given Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, a rotation of the 10-nation bloc representing over 650 million people. Just as waves gather energy from the friction of air and ocean, ASEAN culture finds strength in the productive tension between local identities with regional and global reach, between tradition and innovation. The festival’s program, with global icons sharing the stage with regional talents, and with the immersive displays of cultural talent in its various forms, is a live demonstration of this philosophy.
Presented by Desaru Coast, the Ombak Festival also benefits from a setting that embodies its own metaphor. Located along the southeastern Johor coastline, the natural backdrop features actual waves breaking against the shore, while cultural waves gather momentum. Every performance and every ocean wave echoes the understanding that the most beautiful and dynamic forces, both in nature and in culture, are born from the meeting of different elements in meaningful harmony.
The Ombak Festival will be held from September 12 to 14, 2025, at the Desaru Coast, Johor, Malaysia. For more information, you may visit https://www.ombakfestival.com/.
Photos courtesy of Ombak Festival
