Have you ever thought about taking your very first flight and landing in a place that changes everything? That was me on June 19, 2025. I was one of the trivia quiz winners heading to Malaysia RWMF 2025, and the timing didn’t help. My semester finals were right around the corner. I almost said no. But I decided: why miss a once-in-a-lifetime chance?
Convincing my teachers to reschedule finals was step one. Step two was showing up at the telco office at 7 PM with five others, signing our NOCs, and feeling that first spark of excitement. That night, at 2:05 AM, I boarded my first-ever flight with trembling hands and a racing heart. I was about to dive into my first time flying abroad, exploring Kuala Lumpur, Kuching. And also experiencing the iconic Rainforest World Music Festival.
This is my honest Kuala Lumpur travel story, full of Malaysia travel tips you won’t find in brochures. It’s packed with emotion, genuine moments, and a guide to the RWMF experience that I lived firsthand.
Preparations Before Traveling for Malaysia RWMF 2025
Planning your trip to the Malaysia RWMF 2026? Here’s a quick checklist to make your travel smooth and stress-free:
✅ 1. Apply for Malaysia eVisa
If you’re traveling from a country like Bangladesh or India, you’ll need an eVisa.
Apply online through the official portal:
👉 Malaysia eVisa Application Portal
✈️ 2. Book Your Air Ticket
To make immigration easier, book round-trip flights with the same airline and under one PNR (booking number).
This helps when you have connecting domestic flights, like KL to Kuching.
🏨 3. Confirm Your Hotel Booking
You must show a valid hotel reservation during immigration.
Look for places near KLCC in Kuala Lumpur and Santubong or Kuching city for festival access.
🎟️ 4. Buy Your RWMF Pass Early
Grab your Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 ticket in advance — they sell out fast!
Get them here:
👉 Official RWMF Website
📲 5. Fill Out MDAC Before Boarding
Before boarding your flight to Malaysia, you must submit the MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) at least 3 days before arrival.
Submit here:
👉 MDAC Registration Form
When I Almost Said No to Malaysia RWMF 2025
When I found out I was one of the winners of the trivia quiz contest, I didn’t jump up with joy right away. Instead, I felt a small pinch of bad luck. The event dates clashed with my semester finals at university. I sat there thinking, Should I miss a once-in-a-lifetime chance just because of exams?
It didn’t take long for the answer to come.
I reached out to my course teachers and convinced them to let me sit for Set B of the finals. Once I got the green light, I told myself, That’s it , I’m boarding that plane.
By 7 PM, I reached the telco office along with the other winners. We signed our NOCs, posed for a quick photo session, and started to get to know each other. There were six of us, all buzzing with nerves and excitement, plus representatives from the telco and event management team.
We left for the airport around 10:30 PM.
Check-in was smooth, but immigration took ages. Some of us had fresh passports with no travel history. I remember standing there, clutching my passport, heart pounding, wondering if I’d be stopped. But finally, we made it through.
After clearing immigration, we rested a bit in the lounge. That’s when it really hit me , This is happening. I’m flying abroad for the first time. We boarded the plane about 20 minutes before takeoff. The flight was delayed by 15 minutes, but honestly, I didn’t care. I was too busy trying to hide my excitement.
Once we were in the air, the cabin crew served a warm meal. I know it might sound silly, but that tray of food felt special. It wasn’t just about the taste. It was my first in-flight meal, and it marked the start of something I had only dreamed of before.
Day 1 in Kuala Lumpur – From Nasi Lemak to Sky Deck Dreams
We landed in Kuala Lumpur at 8:05 AM local time. Tired, but still riding the high of our first-ever flight. Immigration was smooth this time, way smoother than Dhaka. I guess when you have all your documents , return ticket, hotel booking, domestic flight to Kuching, and the event pass for Malaysia RWMF 2025 , things fall into place.
After collecting our baggage, we walked out to smiling faces and flower garlands. Representatives from the event management company greeted us like family. It was a small gesture, but it made us feel seen, valued. Like our journey was truly beginning.
Our first stop? A local eatery not far from the airport. I still remember that breakfast , paratha, egg, and a glass of cold watermelon juice. Simple, yet comforting. I was tired, but I could already feel that we were somewhere different.
After breakfast, we headed straight to the hotel to drop off our luggage. We were staying at Corus KLCC, right in the heart of the city. But there was no time to lie down. With just one day in KL, the schedule was tight.
Our first proper outing in the city was to Suria KLCC Mall. It was big, bright, and modern , filled with shops and people and smells of food that made you hungry even when you weren’t. But the real magic waited outside.
As we stepped out from the back of the mall, the Petronas Twin Towers stood there in full daylight. It’s strange , you’ve seen a thousand photos of it, but seeing them in real life is different. I stood there for a while, letting my eyes take in every curve and shine. They weren’t just buildings. They were symbols of a city that knew how to rise.
Lunch was booked at Madam Kwan’s, right inside the mall. I ordered their signature Nasi Lemak , and wow. Coconut rice, sambal, fried anchovies, boiled egg, peanuts. It hit me like a hug from someone you didn’t know you missed. Every bite had warmth, flavor, a little kick , and I felt like I was being officially welcomed by Malaysia.
We returned to the hotel for a quick freshen-up, then got ready for the highlight of the day , KL Tower SkyDeck.
By the time we reached the tower, the sun had already dipped behind the buildings. It was early evening, and the city lights had started to glow softly beneath us. When I stepped onto that glass floor and looked down at the glittering streets, it hit me. My legs wobbled a bit, but I stood there, breathing in the moment. This wasn’t just a cityscape. It was a reminder , You’re here. You made it.
After the visit, we grabbed a quick snack, and by the time we made it back to the KLCC Fountain Show, it was past 9 PM. The towers were lit up like stars. The fountains danced with lights and music in perfect harmony. It didn’t feel like a city anymore. It felt like a scene from a movie. And I was in it.
Dinner was somewhere nearby, nothing fancy, but it didn’t matter. What mattered was the feeling. Sitting with people who were strangers just hours ago, now laughing like we had known each other for years.
And that’s how my very first full day abroad ended. Not with fanfare, but with peace. The kind of peace that tells you , this is just the beginning.
🌆 Also read: Best Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur at Night
Day 2 – The Call of Borneo and the Sound of Home
I woke up that morning still feeling like I hadn’t really slept. Maybe it was the excitement, or maybe my brain just couldn’t process everything I had seen the day before. KL had surprised me , not just with its towers and views, but with how fast it became part of my memory.
We got up around 8 AM and started packing slowly. There was no rush in our steps, but there was a buzz inside. We were about to leave the skyscrapers behind and step into something raw, something wild. Kuching, in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, on the island of Borneo.
By 10 AM, we were sitting at the hotel’s buffet lounge, and believe me , it wasn’t just any breakfast. It was proper. Fresh fruits, pastries, local hot dishes, juices , fancy, filling, and thoughtful. Just like every other meal the event organizers had arranged for us. Nothing was half-done in this trip.
At 11 AM, we checked out of Corus KLCC, stealing one last glance at the Petronas Towers through the window. Then we headed back to KLIA for our flight to the island side of Malaysia.
Kuching Isn’t Just a Flight Away , It’s a Whole New World
The flight from KL to Kuching was just under two hours. Same airline, same group, but the vibe? Totally different.
The moment we touched down, we realized something unexpected , Kuching has its own immigration. Yep, even though it’s still Malaysia, Sarawak runs its own checkpoint. So, we had to queue again, show our passports, return tickets, hotel booking, and event pass. No drama, no stress , just one of those things you need to be prepared for.
Once outside the airport, everything slowed down. Literally. The roads weren’t crowded. No skyscrapers. No glass malls. Just trees, low-rise buildings, sleepy clouds, and something in the air that felt softer. The whole place felt like it hadn’t been rushed in years.
And then, it happened , the azan.
Loud. Clear. Echoing across a quiet Kuching afternoon. It stopped me in my tracks. In KL, I hadn’t heard it even once. But here, in a state that’s not even Muslim-majority, the sound rang out like a familiar voice calling from home. I didn’t expect to feel anything… but I did. It just hit different.
🌿 Check out: Sarawak Travel Guide – What to Know Before You Go
First Night at Malaysia RWMF 2025: Beats, Lights, and Otyken’s Magic
After arriving at The Culvert Hotel Resort and freshening up, we hopped on the hotel shuttle straight to the festival grounds. Getting the entry bands was smooth, and once inside, I immediately started grabbing videos and photos. There were my first real moments capturing the vibe of the Malaysia RWMF 2025.
The festival site was alive , colorful stalls, smiling faces, and music floating through the air. We moved toward the concert field and caught a few amazing performances. Then it was time for dinner, which we had inside the festival grounds , again, buffet style, full of local flavors.
The night’s real highlight? Otyken , a Siberian folk-pop band. Before winning this trip, I’d never heard of them. After some quick research, I knew they were the ones to watch. And wow, they didn’t disappoint. Their powerful beats and throat singing blew me away. They weren’t just playing music; they were telling stories with every sound.
After the first night of Malaysia RWMF 2025 concert, we took the quick 5-minute shuttle back to the hotel. Close enough to feel like a home base but far enough to escape the city noise.
Day 3 – Into the Caves, On the River, and a Taste of Sarawak
Our third day in Malaysia , and second full day in Kuching , felt like three trips wrapped into one. We had done the big city. We had felt the drumbeats of Malaysia RWMF 2025. But today? Today was for exploring the raw side of Sarawak , the caves, the rivers, and the flavors I didn’t even know I was missing.
We had our breakfast buffet at the hotel before 10 AM. The same thoughtful spread as always, with fresh fruits, warm dishes, and that calm resort vibe that never got old.
Then we were off , straight to the Fairy Cave. It started with a climb up concrete stairs, but once inside, the light dimmed and the path turned mysterious. The rock formations rose around us like ancient sculptures. It wasn’t just a cave , it was a cathedral of stone, and walking through the darker trails inside gave me chills. Every step echoed, and it felt like nature had built this just for those willing to wander a little deeper.
After that, we made our way to the Wind Cave. Less dramatic, but still special. The air was cooler, and small bats fluttered in the shadows above. Compared to Fairy Cave, this was a gentle walk , more about soaking in the calm than seeking out thrill.
Lunch came next at a local hotel, and yes , it was another buffet. I don’t think we ever had a basic meal this entire trip. The event team made sure we were always full, always fed, and always smiling.
Then came a bit of fun , the Upside Down House. Light, silly, and perfect for some creative photos. After the caves, this was the refresh we didn’t know we needed.
From there, we walked a short distance to board the Royal Kuching Cruise. The boat glided across the calm river as the evening light bathed everything in gold. The majestic Sarawak Legislative Assembly building stood tall in the background , a perfect frame for photos. There were welcome drinks and cakes, and even cultural performances onboard. It felt like a floating celebration , one of those moments where you realize you’re right where you’re meant to be.
The sun dipped low, and with hearts full (and phone galleries fuller), we strolled into Merdeka Plaza for some light shopping. Souvenirs, snacks, little things to carry the trip home.
Dinner? That was another highlight. We went to a Thai seafood restaurant, and the table filled up fast , deer meat, fried squid, tofu, shrimp, crispy chicken, warm soup. It was the kind of dinner where everyone just kept passing plates and smiling with full mouths. Sarawak didn’t just serve food , it served flavor with memory.
We returned to the hotel with tired feet but happy hearts. No rush. No noise. Just a soft jungle night and the sound of waves nearby.
Day 4 – The Final Day at Malaysia RWMF 2025: Tribe, Rhythm, and Goosebumps That Stay
By the time the sun rose on our fourth day, none of us wanted to think about leaving. But before the end, we had one more full day of magic to soak in. And honestly? It turned out to be the most emotional one yet.
That morning, we gathered around the lounge and made a small request to Apu , the founder of the event management team. She had been guiding us like family since day one.
“Can we get a little time for some shopping?” we asked half-hopefully.
She smiled and said, “Morning’s free. Just be back by 12:30.”
That was all we needed.
We quickly hired a six-seater and headed back to Merdeka Plaza. Last night, everything had been a blur , lights, new places, new smells. But now? We knew where to go, what to grab. Souvenirs, chocolates, maybe a fridge magnet or two.
It wasn’t even about what we bought , it was about locking the memory into something we could touch later.
We got back to the hotel, freshened up, and made our way to the Sarawak Cultural Village, home to Malaysia RWMF 2025 , this time, not just for the concert. We were here to explore everything the festival had hidden behind the music.
And what a world it was.
There were stalls lined with handmade crafts, tribal snacks, and colorful fabrics. These pieces of Borneo’s culture were so beautiful, they felt too special to simply capture in photographs. And then, like a twist of fate, we bumped into the Otyken girls , yes, those Otyken girls , and managed to get some photos with them. I didn’t even have time to feel starstruck. Everything was moving fast, but somehow felt slow. You know that feeling?
Then we went deeper , into tribal performances, a wood carving workshop, and even a calming yoga session under the trees.
Some of our group decided to head back to the hotel for a break. But I stayed.
How could I leave? This was the last day. The last time I’d hear live tribal beats echo across the rainforest.
I didn’t want to miss a single heartbeat of it.
Later, we regrouped with the rest of our team. Before heading into the concert grounds for the final show, we had dinner at a local hotel restaurant. Fried rice, crispy chicken, brinjal, cold juice, and even gelato for dessert.
It wasn’t a fancy dinner, but it was warm, satisfying, and tasted like a reward.
Then, it was time.
The concert field was buzzing. You could feel it , in your chest, under your feet, in the quiet glances people exchanged. The final night of the festival had begun.
Tal Fry from India came on first , delivering music that didn’t need lyrics to speak. It was poetic, fluid, and powerful. A mix of rhythm and emotion that stirred something unspoken in all of us.
And then, At Adau, the beloved local band from Sarawak, stepped onto the Malaysia RWMF 2025 stage. The moment they started, the energy shifted. You could tell they weren’t just performing , they were pouring their land, their stories, and their soul into the stage.
It was hypnotic. The kind of performance that doesn’t just stay in your memory , it lives in your bones.
And finally, in one unforgettable moment, all the artists from the past three days returned to the stage together. Different flags, different languages, different instruments , but one heartbeat.
There were no fireworks. No confetti. Just music. Raw, real, shared.
Some songs had no lyrics , just melodies and rhythms that tugged at places inside me I didn’t know were there.
These are the kinds of moments YouTube can never deliver. You have to be there. To feel the air shake. To get goosebumps not because it’s loud, but because it’s true. We walked back to the hotel in silence. Not the awkward kind. The kind that wraps around you when you’ve just witnessed something sacred , something that’ll stay with you far longer than your ticket stub.
Day 5 – A Soft Goodbye, With a Promise to Return
The final morning in Kuching arrived too soon.
We woke up early but didn’t rush. For the first time in days, there was no packed schedule. No van honking below. Just a gentle chance to breathe.
Breakfast was warm, and the buffet , like everything else on this trip , didn’t disappoint. This time though, we took things slow. Plates filled with food, chatter a bit quieter. We were all trying to soak in the last few hours.
After breakfast, we finally explored The Culvert Resort properly. It had been our base for three nights, yet we hadn’t really seen it. Between rushing to the festival and collapsing into bed each night, the place remained a mystery.
But now? Now we walked through the leafy paths, peered into hidden corners, and stood near the beach , waves rolling gently, as if telling us not to go.
By 12 PM, it was time to check out. Our bags were packed, hearts a little heavier.
At Kuching International Airport, check-in went smoothly. Since we didn’t have to collect our luggage in KL and it would go all the way to Dhaka, that was a relief. One less thing to worry about.
We had lunch at the airport, relaxed a bit, and boarded our flight. The goodbye to Kuching wasn’t loud , it was quiet, thoughtful. Like the city itself.
After landing in Kuala Lumpur, we had a solid 6-hour layover before the Dhaka flight. A few of us went out to a nearby restaurant to rest and freshen up. I was especially excited , three of my Bangladeshi friends, who live and study in KL, came to meet me. We couldn’t meet during my first day in the city, so this was a perfect chance.
Final Thoughts , Travel with Heart and Respect
As my plane took off from Kuala Lumpur, I looked down at the patchwork of lights and forests below and thought about everything I had experienced. Malaysia wasn’t just a place on the map anymore. It was a feeling , a mix of firsts, friendships, music, and quiet moments that settled deep inside me.
But with all the beauty and culture comes responsibility. When we travel, we become guests in someone else’s home. It’s up to us to respect the land, the people, and the traditions that make places like Kuching and Kuala Lumpur so special.
One simple but powerful way we can all help? Never litter. Leave no trace of ourselves behind except footprints and memories. The forests, rivers, streets, and festivals deserve to stay clean and vibrant for the generations to come , and for travelers who will come after us.
If you’re thinking about your own trip to Malaysia, or any other incredible place, remember this: travel isn’t just about taking. It’s about giving back , through kindness, respect, and care.
So pack your bags, open your heart, and explore , but always travel responsibly.
