It’s the ultimate weekend of music, food, art, and Ombak Kids fun, along with headliners Simply Red, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and more

Nestled along the glistening shores of the South China Sea in Johor is Desaru Coast, a multifaceted international destination spanning a sprawling 4,000ac along a stunning 17km stretch of golden sands. From 12 to 14 September 2025, a spirit of celebration will fill the air as its highly acclaimed Ombak Festival returns for the second consecutive year, larger in scale and richer in experience.

It’s set to be the ultimate weekend, celebrating music, food, art, fun, and community, imbued with a Malaysian flair for every kind of festival-goer, including adults and children. The Ultimate Weekend will represent the best of ASEAN by uniting global icons with regional talents, all in one breathtaking destination.

Powerful performers

Last year’s crowds were wowed by a glittering roster of international headliners, and this year, a fresh wave of superstars will take the stage. British soul and pop band Simply Red will appear for an exclusive Asian performance as they celebrate their 40th anniversary. The legendary band is fronted by singer Mick Hucknall, known for his distinctive voice and fiery red hair. Next up is George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic, a pioneering collective that revolutionised funk music and created the influential P-Funk movement of the 1970s. Look forward to a high-energy, theatrical show with outlandish costumes as they create a full-blown funk party.

Grammy-award-winning soul singer Joss Stone will be putting on a powerhouse performance as she offers a preview of her upcoming 2025 album. Rounding up the list is EDM duo Flight Facilities, fresh off Coachella, who will be making their Malaysian debut performance. Join them during their DJ set to celebrate their genre-blending, feel-good music.

Ombak Festival will also be bringing together 29 of the best in ASEAN talent. Representing the state is Johor-born Joe Flizzow and friends, SonaOne and Ismail Izzani. Other homegrown performers include bands such as The Filters, Kyoto Protocol, and Golden Mammoth. From Thailand, neo soul singer Phum Viphurit, who first rose to fame with his viral hit Lover Boy, will take to the stage, as will Singapore’s The Pinholes and Indonesia’s Diskoria and Tanayu. More Southeast Asian acts are set to be announced soon to ignite the three stages—Main Stage, Studio Ombak, and Village Stage.

Culinary craft

Beyond the live music are gastronomic experiences waiting to be savoured, including Spanish fare from Sazón Tapas & Grill by Andrew Walsh, who was behind the former Michelin-starred restaurant Cure in Singapore, and is a returning crowd favourite. And what’s a beach party without a barbecue? Kuala Lumpur’s Carbon brings Smoke & Fire in a showcase of the art of grilling featuring cutting-edge techniques and local flavours.

Art immersion

More than a feast for the senses, the festival is also a celebration of art through expertly crafted exhibits that highlight cultural narratives, traditional techniques, and contemporary expressions that draw from Malaysia’s rich artistic legacy and Johor’s creative spirit. Visitors can wander through the Pasar Seloka to discover artisanal finds, handcrafted goods, and one-of-a-kind keepsakes at the vibrant marketplace. Then, see if you have the luck of the draw with a mahjong lesson from All Tiled Up.

Play parade

Although many festivals tend to focus on adults, this one is designed for the whole family, offering the ultimate weekend escape and getaway with the inclusion of the Ombak Kids segment. The highly popular, specially commissioned Meera & Fiz by Thailand’s Nice Monster puppetry studio returns to enchant the little ones. Based on Johor’s folklore, the puppets, at 10ft high, will tower over guests. Meanwhile, one of the country’s most beloved theme parks will present a build-and-play experience—the Funfair of Forgotten Future by the LEGOLAND Speed Building Challenge. In addition, Kiddocare, the festival’s official childcare partner, offers professional minding services by trusted Kiddocarers throughout the event to allow parents to enjoy the festival with complete peace of mind.

The Segaris Art Center is once again collaborating with local schoolchildren to showcase art techniques. This year, they’re focusing on block printing. Also returning due to popular demand are kite-making lessons with Go Fly Kites and super-sized garden games by Mereka Games.

Enchanting stays

For a seamless festival experience, book a stay at one of Desaru Coast’s five-star resorts, which are all within walking distance of the festival village, grounds, and stages. After dancing the day away, return to the comfort of your lodgings at either Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, and The Sirēya Desaru Coast, soon to be rebranded in 2026 as the Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast.

Ombak Festival 2024

Ombak Festival is a not-to-be-missed Southeast Asian music, arts, and lifestyle festival, with the Desaru Coast as its picturesque backdrop.