PUBLISHED June 15th, 2023 09:00 am | UPDATED July 25th, 2024 03:54 pm
Amidst the urban hustle and bustle of Singapore, we are no strangers to day festivals, expos, and concerts. A camping music festival, however, is a novel concept for our sunny island. This year, set your sights on the Sunda Festival – a two-day musical bonanza celebrating music, art, nature, and the region’s spectacular talents. This first-of-its-kind event, scheduled from 30 September to 1 October 2023, promises an immersive and electrifying experience.
A Festival Uniting Regions
Drawing inspiration from the geological history of the region, Sunda Festival takes its name from the Sunda tectonic plate that lies beneath Singapore and its surrounding areas. This connection to the tectonic plate underlines not only the festival’s roots in the local landscape but also its mission to showcase the creative undercurrents of the region.
The concept of Sunda Festival is further influenced by ‘Sundaland,’ a prehistoric landmass that once connected the Southeast Asian islands to the Asian continental mainland. In line with this vision, the festival aims to foster a harmonious connection between the diverse and vibrant music and creative scenes across the Asia-Pacific region.
Singapore-based music and party collective, Ice Cream Sundays (ICS), partners with Florian Melinette, the Hong Kong-based founder of FuFu Creative and co-founder of Shi Fu Miz Festival. This alliance forms the bedrock of Sunda Festival. Their mutual passion for quality music, artistic expression, and unforgettable cultural experiences harmonises to curate this event for all-ages.
An Eclectic Line-Up
Sunda Festival brings together an incredible collection of DJs, live bands, electronic acts from Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Australia, Japan, and Singapore. Anticipated performances include Japanese live electronic music maestro Kuniyuki, rising selectors Munir (ID) and Di Linh (VN), Thai live performer Chalo, and local favourites Dean Chew and Kaye from Darker Than Wax, as well as future-soul whiz FZPZ.
The recently announced second wave of artist line-up showcases heavy-hitters like Tokyo’s illustrious dance music lynchpin DJ Masda, renowned Berlin-based Australian selector Merve, and Indonesian future-jazz trio Batavia Collective. We’re also super thrilled about Toni Yotzi’s techno grooves from Melbourne, and the unique synth sounds of Bottlesmoker from Bandung, Indonesia. Other must-watch acts include Bali’s resident DJ Dita from Potato Head, and DJ Elaheh from Bangkok’s acclaimed record label More Rice.
Camping & Accommodation: An Oasis within a Festival
Music aside, Sunda Festival amplifies the experience by offering on-site camping facilities, a host of workshops and activities, plus a food and drinks programme highlighting local flavours. Here’s what to expect:
There are three types of accomodation on festival grounds, starting from the basic Huts with fan (no bedding, S$200), which accommodate six people and come with a fan; you need to bring your own sleeping bags. Huts with fan (with bedding, S$300) houses six, with mattresses, pillows, blankets, and fan included. Huts with aircon (with bedding, S$400) provide air-conditioning and bedding for six people.
Alternatively, opt for a pre-pitched Tent (S$120) for a traditional camping experience with your friends. Just remember to bring along camping gear, floor mats, and sleeping bags.
Prefer not to stay onsite? Each Sunda Festival ticket includes free one-way shuttles that will transport you back from the festival grounds to a convenient and accessible location. This way, you can easily join in the festivities without worrying about transportation.
Ticketing Information
As a special treat for City Nomads readers, you can enjoy a 10% discount on 2-Day Advance and Last Chance tickets by using the code CITYNOMADS. But hurry, this offer is limited to the first 50 people.
Sunda Festival 2023 takes place from 30 September – 1 October at Sarimbun Scout Camp, 70 Jalan Bahtera, Singapore 719921. 2-Day tickets start from S$78 and can be purchased via Eventbrite. Attendees under 21 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Kids under 12 years old can join for free. Please note, camping tickets do not include the festival tickets.
All photos courtesy of Sunda Festival and Artwork by Natasha Hassan.