If you’re a social media fiend, I’m sure you know all about the internet’s current hot topic: Coachella 2024! With great performances by world-class artists, everyone is suffering from post-Coachella depression. Look, if anyone gets the music festival hype – it’s me. It’s no secret that I suffer from concert addiction. Having gone so far as to fly overseas for a chance to see my favourite artists, I’d never judge you for that. Thankfully, Coachella isn’t the only big music festival on our roster this year, so from one live music addict to the other, let me do you the favour of running through the other festivals taking place this year. 

Before we get into that, let’s start with some honesty. The hardest part about flying to attend a music festival is, no doubt, finding accommodation. I was lucky to stay with a friend when we attended We The Fest in Jakarta last year. But from what I heard, the accommodation search was a nightmare – especially for first-time visitors to the country.

The last thing you want is to sober up from the festival high because you have to find a way to your accommodation. So, in addition to collating a list of festivals, we’ve taken the extra step to help you—my dearest reader—find the best, most convenient accommodation options! You’re welcome! Enough with the chit-chat; let’s get to it!

Rainforest World Music Festival

The festival kick-starting our list is actually a lot closer to home than I thought it’d be, and that is none other than the Rainforest World Music Festival! The festival in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, will see 68 international artists across 15 countries and 63 local Malaysian artists. The festival is not like others you’ll see on this list because it’s entirely centred around shining a light on the ethnic musical acts by indigenous artists – niche, I know, but if this is your vibe, it sounds like a great time!

Since its inception in 1998, the festival’s fanbase has grown to a whopping 12 million fans, which is a crazy feat! With headliners like Kitaro, Dato Zainal Abidin and Belle Sisoski – just to name a few – the night will be one you never forget as you dance the night away under a blanket of stars and take in the majestic view of Mount Santubong.

Anyone who has ever been to a festival will tell you that it’s more than just the acts; it’s the vibe. A good festival has a ton of booths and activities you can try, and of course, this is no exception. The Rainforest World Music Festival has curated workshops, cultural and craft displays, and food stalls all on-site to keep you entertained as you wait for your favourite act to take the stage!

🗓️Date: 28 June to 30 June 2024

💲Price:

You’re still in luck, for we are smack in the middle of the Early Bird ticket sales, so you can still secure your spot at this event at the cheapest price! Just head to the festival’s official website or Instagram page for more information on this unique music festival! 

Accommodation

Now, Kuching is no Johor Bahru – not as many of us frequent the state, so I understand the hesitation in booking your tickets. But as promised, we’ve got you covered! One of the best accommodation options for this festival is The Ranee Boutique Suites. The suite is located in the heart of Kuching and just a one-minute walk from the Kuching Waterfront and China Street, so you already know how to kill time while waiting for the festival to start – you are still a tourist, after all!

The rooms in the suite are where past and present intersect—with a gorgeous rustic interior design almost reminiscent of a Kampung house and a sleek modern twist. The Ranne Boutique Suite is an amazing choice! Here, you can kick your shoes off and relax before and after the festival for maximum fun! To check them out, head to Booking.com’s official website! Have fun!

Summer Sonic

For all my frequent festival goers, this name should be familiar to you. The next festival on our list is Summer Sonic – the iconic and ever-popular music festival that takes place in both Osaka and Tokyo! Summer Sonic has been making waves since 2000, and even after 24 years, it’s clear that this festival is only growing in popularity and relevance! I mean, the first headliners for this festival were Green Day and Blues Explosion – if that isn’t iconic, I don’t know what is.

The lineup for Summer Sonic is absolutely insane. Are you ready? International artists like Måneskin, Aurora, Bring Me The Horizon, PinkPanthress, Laufey, and Tyla will perform in Osaka and Tokyo on alternating days! These are just a few of the big names making their way down to the festival—just from the lineup alone, I know it’s going to be an unmissable and unforgettable experience!

🗓️Date: 17 August to 18 August 2024
📍Location: 

• Tokyo: ZOZOMarine Stadium & Makuhari Messe
• Osaka: Expo’70 Commemorative Park

💲Price: 

Given the sheer number of performers across genres and languages, there’s something for everyone. I guarantee there won’t be a moment where you’re bored. The real dilemma here is which performers you’ll be going for, but that’s a problem for future you. The first step is getting there. For more information on this phenomenal festival, check out Summer Sonic’s official website or Instagram page!

Accommodation

I can already foresee the surge in demand for accommodation for tourists attending Summer Sonic and the ensuing headaches that follow. 

For this one, I would recommend staying at the Daiwa Roynet Hotels – Chiba-chuo in Tokyo and Osaka-Kitahama in Osaka! Given how big the artists are, I would advise against driving or getting a taxi back – just imagine getting stuck in a dreaded traffic jam; no thanks! Luckily, both hotels are located within walking distance away from train stations. Japan is known for its top-notch public transport system, so you’ll be back in no time! Overall, the Daiwa Roynet Hotels checks all the boxes for the perfect accommodation.

Rolling Loud

If you’re a fan of Hip Hop, this is a festival you should be very excited about! Introducing: Rolling Loud – which will be held in sunny Pattaya, Thailand! Rolling Loud debuted last year in 2023 and was a massive hit among international fans, with huge international performances by names like Travis Scott and Cardi B to regional trailblazers like BIBI, Jay Park and Thailand’s very own: MILLI.

Testament to how famous this festival is, Early Bird tickets have already sold out; a crazy accomplishment in itself, given that the lineup has yet to be announced. Yes, you read that right. People have already flocked to secure their tickets without knowing who will be performing. Honestly, I get it. After its successful first year, I feel it deep in my bones that this year’s Rolling Loud will somehow top last year’s. 

I have never been one to endorse VIP tickets to any concert or festival, but I’ll make an exception this one time. This year’s Rolling Loud VIP benefits are out of this world! Besides the front-row viewing experience, VIP ticket holders will also have access to a ton of cool experiences. Namely, access to Bunny’s Bae Bar, where you can get free makeup touch-ups – In the infamous Thailand heat, that’s Godsent! VIP benefits also include access to the private merch showroom, Club VIP – where the party continues with a DJ and Karaoke sessions – as well as RL’s tattoo shop, where you can immortalise the night!

🗓️Date: 22 November to 24 November 2024
📍Location: Legend Siam, Pattaya City

Unfortunately, that’s all the information we have on Rolling Loud right now, but they have been teasing the lineup on their Instagram page! So turn on your post notifications, because you wouldn’t want to miss out on this one.

Accommodation

It’s time to consider your accommodation options. One standout choice is The Sunset Village – located between Pattaya’s bustling cityscape and the open sea’s endless expanse! 

What sets Sunset Village apart is its unparalleled access to pristine private beaches. Before you hit the festivals, lounge on the powdery sands, caressed by the gentle sea breeze, with the melody of the waves playing in the background!

Clockenflap

The last festival on our list is Clockenflap—an extraordinary music festival held in Hong Kong! Its previous edition was held just a few months ago, in December 2023, but it’s already time to mark your calendars. Clockenflap is the largest outdoor music festival in Hong Kong, putting it in a league of its own!

Last year’s artist lineup included names like YOASOBI, Swae Lee, and BBNO$—just to name a few. With artists from all over the world, Clockenflap really disregarded the concept of borders and made sure to include as many names from as many countries as possible. Looking at the montage of how much fun everyone had at the festival made me feel a tinge of FOMO—safe to say, I’ll be keeping my feelers out for more news on Clockenflap!

🗓️Date: 29 November to 1 December 2024

If you thought there was little information about Rolling Loud, I hate to break it to you, but there are even fewer details about Clockenflap. But the early bird catches the worm, so make sure you watch their Instagram page and wait for more information to be released!

Accommodation

Just because we don’t know much about Clockenflap doesn’t mean we can’t be ready for it, right? So, if the lineup for Clockenflap includes names you would love to see, our accommodation option is none other than Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong! Located just a 10-minute stroll from the festival venue, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is the perfect option. The name Mandarin Oriental drips with class and luxury—which is exactly what you deserve after head-banging and jumping around.

Let’s take a second to appreciate the amenities that Mandarin Oriental has to offer. With easy access to a steam room, jacuzzi, and sauna at the spa, guests can talk about pampering themselves! On top of that, there’s an indoor heated swimming pool in the fitness centre. As if that all wasn’t enough, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong also offers traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic treatments that will leave you feeling like a brand new person! It doesn’t get better than that!

Whether you’re drawn to the rhythmic beats of the Rainforest World Music Festival, the electrifying atmosphere of Summer Sonic, the hip-hop vibes of Rolling Loud, or the global sounds of Clockenflap, there’s a festival waiting to ignite your passion for music and adventure. Pair that with our top picks for accommodations, and your festival experience will be unforgettable. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories and immerse yourself in the magic of live music!

Visuals courtesy of Clokenflap and Booking.com.