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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 as it provided a more international name and feel to it.
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| The scene at last years Borneo Jazz Festival. |
The music festivals involved are the Rainforest Fringe Festival and The Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching, and finally 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 objective for this jazz festival is.
It is an ongoing mission to continue to promote music tourism for Sarawak and to collaborate with the local communities.
This is to showcase Borneo through its vibrant people, exotic cuisine and 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 that 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 for Borneo Jazz Festival?
The Sarawak Tourism Board has always been the creator and owner of the jazz festival till 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 had leased out this project to a well known jazz club in Kuala Lumpur called No Black Tie. They have been successfully been running their jazz shows in the capital for many years.
Therefore, from 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 Borneo Jazz Festival 2019. |
Who is Performing at the Borneo Jazz Festival 2019?
- Alberto Marsico Trio from Italy
- Chande Rule from 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 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. Majority of the design was hand carved wood, where specialist were brought in to do.
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| A glimpse inside of Coco Cabana. |
Coco Cabana is also minutes from the heart of Miri City, making it easy 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.
Only in 2018, the official venue was moved to the new place, which is 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 of the airlines that have 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 a event venue and function space, which caters to many other events in Miri.
The overall structure is a massive wooden architecture building, which is the main venue for the Borneo Jazz Festival. Surrounding the area, there is a night bazaar, restaurants and even a bistro.
The famous Miri Seahorse Lighthouse is located here as well, and is a highly popular location to catch the 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 of the hotels are located in the main city area, making it easy yo get to the venue.
But again, if you are traveling 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 places;
Pullman Hotel Miri Waterfront – This is one of the nicer international hotels in Miri and suitable for both business and leisure. Book a room at the Pullman Hotel Miri.[2]
Miri Marriott Resort and Spa – This is a five star resort, which is considered quite close to the venue, and suitable for those who want some luxury. Book a room at the Miri Marriott Resort[3].
The Roosevelt Studio – A practical and nice budget hotel, which is the closest accommodation to the Borneo Jazz Festival at Coco Cabana. Book a room at The Roosevelt Studio.[4]
Meritz Hotel – Located in a shopping mall, and convenient for just about anyone. Single, couples of family travellers. Book a room at the Meritz Hotel.[5]
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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[8]
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| An actual sunset taken at Coco Cabana in Miri. |
Conclusion
References
- ^ Borneo Jazz website (www.borneojazzfestival.com)
- ^ Book a room at the Pullman Hotel Miri. (www.booking.com)
- ^ Book a room at the Miri Marriott Resort (www.booking.com)
- ^ Book a room at The Roosevelt Studio. (www.booking.com)
- ^ Book a room at the Meritz Hotel. (www.booking.com)
- ^ Book a room at Amigo Hotel. (www.booking.com)
- ^ Book a room at the Miri City Homestay. (www.booking.com)
- ^ Borneo Jazz Festival (www.borneojazzfestival.com)
