“There’s a whole lot of rhythm going round,” sang George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic as they closed Ombak Festival 2025 with a psychedelic explosion of grooves, party energy, and outlandish costumes that turned the stage into an intergalactic mothership of funk. And there certainly was at the recent three-day festival, or the ‘Ultimate Weekend’, as it was dubbed. Far from the typical frenzy of a music festival, it was truly a celebration designed for the whole family. Desaru Coast, a premium integrated resort destination set along Johor’s pristine eastern coastline, acted as the backdrop for the festival, allowing attendees to slip away to the beach between activities.
After landing at Senai International Airport, I was whisked away on a 70-minute drive to The Westin Desaru Coast Resort—one of four resorts in the area and my lodgings for the next three nights. A seaside haven, it combines modern comfort with wellness-focused amenities, all just steps from the seashore. It also allowed easy access to the stages on the festival grounds, which was a mere 10-minute walk away.
A Journey Of Sound
International Headliners
The festival celebrated both global icons and emerging talents, giving attendees the chance to discover artists outside their usual Spotify playlists. I became a fan of Malaysian singer-songwriter Ismail Izzani as he crooned his pop R&B ballad Sabar, pleading for his sweetheart not to cry. I was also captivated by the smooth vocals and retro-inspired blend of soul, R&B, and Motown influences of Australian artist Don West, as I watched his performance from the comfort of my hotel balcony.
ASEAN Talents
Mick Hucknall, the frontman of Simply Red, delivered hit after hit for the band’s exclusive 40th anniversary set, including Stars and If You Don’t Know Me By Now, with impressive energy for a 65-year-old. However, the artist who truly blew me away was Joss Stone and her soul-stirring rich vocals, who looked ethereal as she danced barefoot onstage and threw sunflowers to a lucky few. Johorean Joe Flizzow also got everyone to their feet as he rapped his new song, Concierge, with crisp diction and rhythmic precision. Then, indie king of Southeast Asia, Phum Viphurit, charmed the crowd with his boyish good looks as he played the electric guitar.
Exploring Beyond The Stage
Attendees could explore the Riverside Festival Village and make their way to the Main Stage, encountering the Ombak Stage and the picturesque Village Stage, set beside a small stream, along the way. Here, one could encounter various arts and culture experiences, such as lively drum rhythm sessions with The Coast Drum Circle, where music novices tried their hands at djembes and tambourines. At the Pasar Seloka, visitors could shop for unique, high-quality goods from emerging artisans and indie brands. Through another showcase, one could learn more about Malaysia’s Orang Asli population, such as their various dialects.
Kids could also discover pockets of fun throughout the Riverside Festival Village, including a giant version of congkak, inflatable playgrounds, and a paper chain jellyfish craft station. Families also seized the perfect photo opportunity with the beloved 10ft tall puppets, Meera & Fiz, who made a return from last year’s Ombak Festival.
Blissful Bites
In between sets, festivalgoers opted for street food favourites like pisang goreng, sweet treats, and burgers from Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast at stalls that kept the energy high between performances.
There were also gourmet offerings throughout Desaru Coast, such as Sazón Tapas & Grill by Andrew Walsh, who is behind the one-Michelin-starred restaurant Cure in Singapore. This was hosted by the Ember Beach Club at The Sirēya Desaru Coast (soon to be rebranded in 2026 as the Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast). Here, guests savoured umami-rich Seafood & Squid Ink Paella, lifted by fresh, nutty notes of pesto, in private cabanas as they watched the sun set. Those who wanted to hone their culinary skills also took part in Muar Bites by Chef Sid, who taught guests how to prepare authentic Mee Bandung Muar. His best tip? Add in ground Marie biscuits.
During the festival, families lounged on picnic mats, savoured artisanal bites, and immersed themselves in the live performances beneath the open sky. It was more than just a gathering but also a seamless celebration of music, gastronomy, art, and community, set against a truly breathtaking backdrop. As I boarded my flight home, I knew I would be back for Ombak Festival 2026, an experience I was already yearning to relive.
Photography by Sunlee Khan
