Simply Red and Joss Stone Among the Headline Acts at Ombak Festival 2025 at Desaru Coast

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There are music festivals, and then there is Ombak Festival. Framed by the breezy shores of Johor’s Desaru Coast in Malaysia, Ombak Festival isn’t just about big-name performances — it’s a three-day celebration of music, flavours, art, and family fun that promises “The Ultimate Weekend.”

From 12 to 14 September 2025, Ombak Festival returns for its second edition. After its breakout debut last year, the seaside festival is back, bigger and bolder, with a programme that blends international icons with Southeast Asian talent, alongside culinary showcases, immersive art, and dedicated kids’ activities. It’s Malaysia’s answer to the world’s great destination festivals, but with a distinctly regional soul.

A Star-Studded Line-Up with ASEAN Soul

Music lovers are in for a rare treat. British pop-soul legends Simply Red will take the stage for an exclusive Southeast Asian performance as part of the band’s 40th anniversary tour. The line-up also features funk pioneer George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Grammy-winning songstress Joss Stone, and Australia’s much-loved electronic duo Flight Facilities, making their long-awaited Malaysian debut.

Catch Grammy-award-winning singer Joss Stone at Ombak Festival.

But what sets Ombak apart is its embrace of ASEAN talent. The festival shines a spotlight on artists from across the region: Malaysia’s hip-hop king Joe Flizzow, with frequent collaborators SonaOne and Ismail Izzani; ska veterans Gerhana Skacinta; Thailand’s dreamy indie sensation Phum Viphurit; Singapore’s retro-funk outfit The Pinholes; Indonesia’s groove masters Diskoria and Tanayu; and Cambodia’s multi-instrumentalist Vanthan. Together, they create a dynamic cultural mix where global names and regional stars share the same stage — a rare convergence that underscores Ombak’s mission to be ASEAN-forward.

Beyond the Music: Food, Art and Experiences

Ombak Festival is as much about lifestyle as it is about live performances. Festival-goers can indulge in gastronomic delights with Andrew Walsh’s Sazón Tapas & Grill, bringing a creative twist to Spanish flavours, or head to Carbon KL, where the focus is on smoky fire-kissed dishes and a celebration of Johor’s culinary roots.

Fire-grilled culinary delights from Carbon KL await festival attendees at Ombak Festival.

For those craving more than food, the arts programme is equally rich. Highlights include block printing workshops by Segaris Art Centre, eco-friendly upcycling activities led by Pulau Pulao, and a bustling Pasar Seloka marketplace filled with artisanal finds and handcrafted treasures. For a playful cultural spin, All Tiled Up invites visitors to learn the art of mahjong — a nod to both tradition and contemporary cool.

The atmosphere is not only festive but interactive, designed for festival-goers to get hands-on, discover new creative expressions, and take home more than just memories.

A Festival for All Ages

Unlike many festivals that cater solely to adults, Ombak makes room for the whole family. Ombak Kids offers a full programme of activities that are imaginative, educational, and just plain fun. Children can look forward to the LEGOLAND Speed Building Challenge, kite-making with Go Fly Kites, and playful garden challenges by Mereka Games.

Families can look forward to activities such as kite-making at the festival. Photo © Ombak Festival

Stealing the spotlight are the giant puppets Meera & Fiz, 10-foot figures inspired by Johor folklore, created by Thailand’s Nice Monster puppetry studio. These whimsical characters became a surprise hit in 2024 and return bigger than ever for 2025. The Funfair of Forgotten Futures, a carnival-style experience, adds to the magic — making Ombak not just family-friendly, but family-fantastic.

Part of Ombak’s appeal is its location. Desaru Coast, a 4,000-acre integrated resort on Johor’s southeastern shoreline, offers the perfect setting for a festival-meets-vacation experience. Imagine waking up in a luxury resort — whether it’s the Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, or Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas — and then strolling just minutes to the festival grounds. Between shows, you can retreat to the beach, explore the surrounding attractions, or simply soak in the sea breeze before diving back into the energy of the crowds.

The destination itself has been gaining international recognition, listed among TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places of 2021. With Malaysia gearing up for Visit Johor and Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Ombak Festival is a timely showcase of the country’s creative and cultural energy.

Tickets and Details

Early bird tickets are now on sale at ombakfestival.com and Ticketmelon. Passes are priced at RM200 for Friday (12 Sept), RM300 for Saturday (13 Sept), and RM300 for Sunday (14 Sept). A two-day pass for Saturday and Sunday costs RM550, while the full three-day experience is RM650.

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About Author

Kong Ling is a Singapore-born journalist, travel author and food blogger. She roams far yet remains rooted in her island home, chronicling culture, food and travel for more than two decades.

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