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Now that you have gathered all your willing buddies, handed your leave form to your HR lady, booked your flight tickets, paid for your accommodations, bought your 3-Day passes and is counting down the days (read PART 1 here on planning for your RWMF trip). You are excited and pleased that you got everything sorted out so soon. Heck you even managed to save money from all the early booking discounts and deals. Congrats because you have now extra dough to spend on more booze (ok that's just my friends) or some awesome rainforest festival souvenirs or even for all the yummy food you are going to eat in Sarawak.
Before you head to RWMF : What To Wear and What To Bring
- Wear appropriate footwear. Slippers or flip-flops are the smartest choice. Preferably an old pair that is comfortable or one that is inexpensive. This is because you will be walking/standing alot, there might be rain which equals mud everywhere and yes, there is a chance you may lose a pair while dancing.
- As for attire - keep it as simple, light, comfortable and decent. What you rather not wear : jeans, anything white, maxi dresses, your expensive jewelry, skintight clothes you wear when you go clubbing, heels (see above) or your birthday suit as we want this event to be PG rated.
- You can bring a mat or foldable chair to the festival to rest your weary feet. But for us who are not local may find it a tad hard to bring it all the way from home. My favourite spot for when i am tired but still want the concert atmosphere is right behind where the sound crew is located. There are these steps where the rock formations are and sitting there gives you a great overall view of not only both stages but the whole crowd as a whole.
- Bring enough cash. Not too much or too little. There is no atm machines in the venue or nearby. Credit cards are of no use as everything is cash basis. So in essence you would just need some cash and an ID in case.
- Other things to bring (optional) : Camera, hat, sunblock, sunglasses, small umbrella, disposable rain coat/poncho, tissue and wet wipes, hand sanitizer, plasters/band-aid, a towel and an extra change of clothing if possible.
- Be prepared for the rain. You may have your raincoat for yourself but not for your things. A good tip is to put your handphone into a clear zip lock bag. That way you can still see and use your phone without it getting wet. You can do the same with your money and essentials too. If you are bringing a bag whether a handbag/backpack, bring along a large clear garbage bag and put the entire bag into it to keep it dry. Looks silly carrying it around but it will work.
- Attend as many daytime workshops as possible. You will not regret it nor would you want to miss it. I cannot express how amazing the experience can be.
- Buy all the awesome CD's from all performers. Each year, the performers would bring some of their albums (even T-Shirts) with them to be sold. It is only available at the merchandise stall right at the venue entrance. However you need to be quick as it runs out fast as there is usually very limited quantities. So if you hear a group you absolute love that night, it's best you start running to the stall.
- Check out the arts and craft bazaar at the Melanau House. Good if you are looking for souvenirs. There is also awesome sape player who performs there too.
- The best place to chill out during downtime between 5pm to 7pm includes in and around the lake area as it is the coolest spots, food court if you want to grab dinner and have the fans cool you down or my other favourite spot would be Damai Beach. It's a little tricky to get in but it's a beautiful place to chill.
- Stay safe always.
- Respect the forest and other festival goers there by not littering or being insensitive or disrespectful. Let's play it civil people.
- Don't ever drink and drive. The roads to and fro Santubong can get dark and dangerous. Be responsible and take the shuttle bus.
- Be friendly and smile. Its fun to just mingle around too whether you are sitting by the lake or at a workshop event. You will never know who you may meet and trust me, i had met some every interesting people from all over the world at the festival.
- Make sure you enjoy your experience truly. Take your time to just soak up all the wonderful sights & sounds, the festival energy, the rich culture and the beautiful surroundings of Santubong.
