Masterful music to fill The Ultimate Weekend
The full festival lineup has just been announced, with Grammy-award winner Nile Rodgers & CHIC and British DJ Quantic being the latest acts to join the party. Nile Rodgers needs no introduction, as a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame as well as the winner of a Lifetime Achievement Grammy. He’ll be gracing the Ombak Festival main stage on 15 September with his disco band CHIC which he co-founded in 1972 and has been making waves (pun intended) since.
Pop culture icon Grace Jones will also be headlining Ombak Festival in an Asia-exclusive performance, where her audacious and riotous style will enthrall guests. Before her 14 September set, Swedish global music sensation The Cardigans will take to the stage to perform their hits, which took the world by storm in the 1990s and early 2000s. Celebrated local artists who will take to the Ombak Festival main stage on 14 September include Masdo, Aisyah Aziz, and Bunga, bringing their musical sound to local and international fans alike.
Headliner Macy Gray, described as “a human kazoo” with her unique vocal rasp and high tones, will captivate on the last day of the festival as the penultimate act. Alena Murang, Joe Flizzow and Alextbh will join her and Nile Rodgers & CHIC on the last day of the festival.
Quantic (also known as Will Holland) will open the festival on 13 September with his DJ set All Q’ued Up at the Ember Beach Club in One&Only Desaru Coast, bringing his signature sound to the Desaru nightlife for one night. On the same night, the Festival Opening Party will take place at The Westin Desaru Coast Resort. Across the festival days, the Sessions Live Stage at Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast will showcase Matilde G, Adrian G, and Sweet Nightmare.
What to do and what to eat
Ombak Festival will be taking over the entire Desaru Coast for three days, spanning across the main stage and Festival Village, as well as in four of the coast’s best resorts: Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, and One&Only Desaru Coast.
Exclusive ticketed events will be taking place in these resorts, such as the Ombak Supper Club with The Stars by Yellow Fin Horse, where highly acclaimed Chef Jun Wong will be curating a special menu for up to 90 guests. The Beachfront Sip & Paint event is another relaxing way to while away the evening as you explore your artistic abilities and creativity against the picturesque Desaru Coast sunset.
Festival-goers can also enjoy more dining options at the Festival Village with Food Fiction by REXKL, which will bring nine F&B stars from their home in REXKL, Jalan Petaling to Johor’s coastline. Outside of the village, Chef Ahsan Ali Qureshi of Qureshi restaurant will be serving up a South Asian storm from the Big Easy Bar & Grill at The Els Club Desaru Coast.
A festival complete with five-star stays
Several Ombak Festival Stay Packages are available for the entire weekend itinerary, with exclusive five-star accommodation options within walking distance of the festival, at four Desaru Coast resorts – Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, and One&Only Desaru Coast.
If you want to be close to the Ember Beach Club during the weekend, opt for One&Only Desaru Coast as your accommodation.
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is one of the options available in the stay packages for immersive art and culinary experiences.
If you're looking for a family-friendly stay, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast is a good choice.
The Adventure Waterpark is perfect for family fun.
The Stay Packages are designed for two adults, with complimentary stay for one child aged 12 and under. All packages are inclusive of breakfast, the Festival Opening Party, Festival Weekend Passes, access to the Festival Village, Ombak Kids programmes, and Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast, as well as selected food offerings from the Ombak Festival dining lineup.
Stay Packages start from RM3,500 and are available for an early bird special rate until 6 August. From 7 August onwards, full rates apply.
Learn more about the festival at ombakfestival.com and secure your Early Stay Packages now!
Photo of Grace Jones, courtesy of Andrea Klarin.