This year marks the 14th year that the Borneo Jazz Festival is being held in Miri, Sarawak, and it is also the second time that the event is taking place at Coco Cabana by the Esplanade.
The Borneo Jazz Festival is one of Malaysia's pioneer jazz festivals that has seen hundreds of jazz musicians from all over the world perform here in Miri.
Borneo Jazz 2019 also takes place from 19th to 21st July, which will see numerous local and international artists take the stage for the 14th year.
Borneo Jazz Festival 2019 - All You Need To Know
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| Zainal Abidin performing at Borneo Jazz 2018 |
This festival has been and still is the brainchild of the Sarawak Tourism Board; in 2018, it was outsourced to a local Malaysian jazz club called No Black Tie, and this is the second year that they are doing it here at Coco Cabana in Miri.
2019 also saw the Sarawak Tourism Board launch the "Three Festivals One Destination" campaign, where three notable music festivals will be held back-to-back from 5th to 21st July and from south to north Sarawak.
The music festivals involved are the Rainforest Fringe Festival, The Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching, and the Borneo Jazz Festival here in Miri.
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| The scene at last year's Borneo Jazz Festival |
The plan was to coincide all three festivals around the same time, where visitors to Sarawak could possibly attend all festivals during their visit here.
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.
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.
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 |
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. |
As usual, there will be a creative mix of jazz performers and artists for the Borneo Jazz Festival in Miri, and for this year, the performer list is;
- 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 |
The event is held at Coco Cabana at Marina Bay in Miri City, Sarawak. This is an event space by the famous Miri Seahorse Lighthouse and is home to many other events.
The venue was chosen last year as a new venue for Borneo Jazz, and this time it is by the seaside with no obstructions.
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.
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.
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 |
Previously from 2006 to 2017, the Borneo Jazz Festival was always held at the ParkCity Everly Hotel, which is about 10 minutes drive from Miri City.
In 2018, the official venue was moved to the new place, Coco Cabana, at Marina Bay Miri.
Where To Buy Tickets To Borneo Jazz Festival?
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 |
You can buy tickets from the official Borneo Jazz website or at the event's door. However, you will be entitled to an early booking discount when you buy early.
Ticket prices vary from one-day tickets to the entire three-day ticket passes. This means that if you are a jazz lover, it is recommended you take the three-day ticket pass, which is much cheaper.
How To Go To Borneo Jazz Festival 2019?
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| AirAsia is one airline with multiple daily flights into Miri City. |
There are a few ways, depending on where you are coming from. You may be coming in via road for locals or expatriates in the area, and those out of Borneo will have to fly in.
Flying into Miri - If you come to Sarawak, you will have to fly directly into Miri City. There are numerous direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Miri, so you will connect via Kuala Lumpur if you are from another country. Airlines include AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines.
Driving to Miri - If you live in Brunei or Sabah, your best option would be to drive to Miri, as it will take no longer than two hours one way. Those from Bandar Seri Begawan or Kota Kinabalu can do so, and best to leave much earlier to avoid the immigration lines.
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.
Where To Stay In Miri?
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| The location of Coco Cabana in Miri |
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 |
There are many hotels, resorts, and even budget accommodations found all over Miri, and this provides many options for visitors coming to attend the Borneo Jazz Festival.
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.
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.
Jinhold Service Apartments - This is suited for those who prefer something like Airbnb, an apartment-style stay.
Amigo Hotel - This one is a budget style hotel in a shop lot area, which is very close to Coco Cabana. This will be a great place with convenience if you are not fussy.
Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club - If you love jazz and golf, this is the place to stay. It is Miri's best golf resort too.
Miri City Homestay - This one is super budget-friendly, simple, and suitable for budget travellers. It is located quite near to the venue as well.
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| A sit down jazz session during the festival. |
Date: 19th to 21st July 2019
Venue: Coco Cabana, Marina Bay, Miri, Sarawak
Website: Borneo Jazz Festival
*For complete detailed information, I recommend visiting the official website of the Borneo Jazz Festival above, as they have the artist breakdown and much other valuable information.
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| An actual sunset was taken at Coco Cabana in Miri. |
If you have heard about the Borneo Jazz Festival and want to experience this, you should start planning ahead for your flights, accommodation and tickets.
Unlike other music festivals, this festival showcases a unique side of jazz and is not your typical concert-style event.
I hope that you make it to the Borneo Jazz Festival 2019 and that this article has come in handy for you. If you have questions, please ask in the comment form below and see you there.