Borneo Jazz Festival – All You Need To Know
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Zainal Abidin performing at Borneo Jazz 2018 |
Once known as the Miri International Jazz Festival, the festival brand had evolved to capture the name Borneo Jazz Festival. It provided a more international name and feel to it.
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The scene at last year’s Borneo Jazz Festival |
The music festivals involved are the Rainforest Fringe Festival, The Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching, and the Borneo Jazz Festival here in Miri.
Previously, the music festivals were held months apart, where Borneo Jazz was in May, and the Rainforest World Music Festival was in July or August.
What is the Objective of the Borneo Jazz Festival?
With any music festival or event, there is always an objective behind it, and you may be wondering what the purpose of this jazz festival is.
It is an ongoing mission to continue promoting music tourism for Sarawak and collaborating with the local communities.
This is to showcase Borneo through its vibrant people, exotic cuisine and a wide array of indigenous arts and crafts.
For any first-timer to Sarawak, you will be pleased to know that this land is not your typical commercial tourism destination but something you would least expect.
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One of the performers during the last Borneo Jazz Festival in Miri |
Who is the Organiser or Owner of the Borneo Jazz Festival?
The Sarawak Tourism Board has always been the creator and owner of the jazz festival to this very day. It has been part of their portfolio in promoting Sarawak, using music festivals as an avenue for people to visit.
Since 2018, the Sarawak Tourism Board has leased out this project to a well-known jazz club in Kuala Lumpur called No Black Tie. They have successfully run their jazz shows in the capital for many years.
Therefore, since 2018, No Black Tie has been the organiser for the Borneo Jazz Festival, which is still being held in the resort city of Miri.
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Some of the local and international performers at the Borneo Jazz Festival 2019. |
Who Is Performing at the Borneo Jazz Festival 2019?
- Alberto Marsico Trio from Italy
- Chande Rule from the USA
- Clinton Chua from Sarawak, Malaysia
- Fox Capture Plan from Japan
- Ireson from Mexico
- Jasmine Chen from China
- Julian Chan Orchestra from Malaysia
- Kirk Lightsey Trio from USA/Malaysia
- NJWA from Malaysia
- Pete Kallang from Sarawak, Malaysia
- Robo Jupiter from the USA
- Arabyrd from Sarawak, Malaysia
- Asyraf Hardy from Sarawak, Malaysia
- Benzooloo from Sabah, Malaysia
- Zed Peace from Brunei
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Coco Cabana, the official venue for Borneo Jazz Festival 2019 |
Where is the Borneo Jazz Festival Held?
The structure where the jazz festival is held is a traditional wooden structure that can house up to 500 people. The majority of the design was hand-carved wood, which the specialist was brought in to do.
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A glimpse inside Coco Cabana |
Coco Cabana is also minutes from the heart of Miri City, making it easy to access for anyone who is visiting for the jazz festival. There are numerous hotels, restaurants, cafes and other shops located in the vicinity of the area.
In 2018, the official venue was moved to the new place, Coco Cabana, at Marina Bay Miri.
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Ticket prices for Borneo Jazz 2019 |
Where To Buy Tickets To Borneo Jazz Festival?
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AirAsia is one airline with multiple daily flights into Miri City. |
How To Go To Borneo Jazz Festival 2019?
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The location of Coco Cabana in Miri |
Where is Coco Cabana?
Coco Cabana is located at Miri Marina Bay and at the end of Jalan Bandaraya. It is an event venue and function space which caters to many other events in Miri.
The overall structure is a massive wooden architecture building, the main venue for the Borneo Jazz Festival. Surrounding the area, there are a night bazaar, restaurants and even a bistro.
The famous Miri Seahorse Lighthouse is located here, a highly popular location to catch beautiful Miri sunsets.
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One of the split villa units at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club in Miri |
Where To Stay In Miri?
It all depends on how you plan to travel, and as a couple, group or family. Most hotels are located in the central city area, making it easy to get to the venue.
But again, if you are travelling with elderly people, I would recommend you take a taxi or Grab to the venue from the city, as it will cost around RM3 to RM5 one way.
For places to stay in Miri, I am recommending the following accommodations;
Pullman Hotel Miri Waterfront – This is one of the more excellent international hotels in Miri and is suitable for both business and leisure.
Miri Marriott Resort and Spa – This is a five-star resort considered quite close to the venue and suitable for those who want some luxury.
The Roosevelt Studio – A practical and nice budget hotel, which is the closest accommodation to the Borneo Jazz Festival at Coco Cabana.
Meritz Hotel – Located in a shopping mall and convenient for just about anyone. Single, couples of family travellers.
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A sit down jazz session during the festival. |
Borneo Jazz Festival 2019
Date: 19th to 21st July 2019
Venue: Coco Cabana, Marina Bay, Miri, Sarawak
Website: Borneo Jazz Festival
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An actual sunset was taken at Coco Cabana in Miri. |
Conclusion
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