Latest news with #OmbakFestival
The Star
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Carbon KL brings heat to Ombak Festival 2025 with fiery menu
Carbon KL's menu for the festival in Desaru Coast will include varied options. — FLOREY D. MIKIL/The Star Returning with more music and fun in the sun this September is Desaru Coast's Ombak Festival. The 2025 edition is set to take place at the coastal destination in Johor from Sept 12 to 14. Carbon KL chefs David Tay, 38, and Yeoh Wei Chieh, 29, will once again present an unforgettable gastronomic journey to festivalgoers. 'We want to double down on what we're good at, which is smoke and fire,' said Tay at a preview event held recently at their restaurant in Kota Damansara, Selangor. Befitting the 'Smoke & Fire' theme of their offerings this year, Tay recommended the Smoked Argentinian Shortrib as a must-try. Meanwhile, Yeoh suggested a dish in tune with the festival's seaside venue. 'Grilled fish with really, really good sambal. It's from one of our chefs who's from Johor.' Also joining the duo this year are chef Ng Hun Yan (more fondly known as chef Onion) and interns from Kolej Yayasan Pelajaran Johor. The expanded team translates to more helping hands in preparing their mindfully curated menu, which includes Tempura Oyster Mushroom, Snapper Umai and 'Pina Colada' – smoked ice cream paired with grilled pineapple. Tay (left) and Yeoh are bringing 'smoke and fire' to Ombak Festival 2025. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star Having tasted these at the preview event, it's safe to say that festivalgoers will definitely have good food to enjoy alongside good music. From Simply Red and Joss Stone to Phum Viphurit and Kyoto Protocol, Ombak Festival 2025 boasts a diverse lineup composed of international, regional and local artistes. 'SonaOne and Zamaera,' Tay named the artists he looks forward to seeing live, while Yeoh picked Joe Flizzow. Funnily enough, while this marks SonaOne's second year on stage, technically this would be his first official performance at the festival. 'I was at Ombak Festival last year as a surprise, I wasn't even on the bill. I just wanted to pop up, show up, and have a good time,' the rapper said at the same preview event, which was attended by some of the performers. The crowd enjoying a performance from Malaysian artists Joe Flizzow and SonaOne during the Ombak Festival. — Picture courtesy of The Ombak Festival's organiser For Kyoto Protocol frontman Fuad Alhabshi, he said it's the family-friendly facilities he looks forward to. In response to the number of families with small children in attendance last year, the festival is preparing more facilities to better accommodate such visitors. As announced by festival director Karina Ridzuan, the festival is partnering with Kiddocare to provide childminding services. The Ombak Kids zone will also ensure a fun weekend for young visitors. For more information on the upcoming festival, visit
CNA
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Malaysia's Ombak Festival 2025: Simply Red, Joss Stone and The Pinholes among music acts performing
If you're looking for something fun to do overseas with your family this September school holiday or want some relaxing time by the beach, head to Malaysia's Ombak Festival 2025. Held at Desaru Coast in Johor, Malaysia, the festival will take place from Sep 12 to 14 and feature electrifying performances from top global music acts, food from the region's top chefs, art exhibitions and game stalls. Some of the music acts to look forward to include chart-topping English band Simply Red, English singer-songwriter Joss Stone, Malaysian rapper Joe Flizzow, Singapore band The Pinholes and American musicians George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic. Festival-goers can savour rich ingredients and dishes from the ASEAN region, courtesy of Sazon Tapas & Grill by Andrew Walsh, Carbon KL and Flavours of Johor. Once you've had your fill, take a chill pill and explore Pasar Seloka at Ombak Festival, a marketplace with handcrafted goodies. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ombak Festival (@ombakfestivalmy) Tickets for the Ombak Festival 2025 can be bought at this website, with prices starting at RM200 (S$61) for a one-day (Friday) pass and three-day passes going for RM650. Singaporeans who want to get to Desaru Coast, home to several five-star resorts, can simply board a ferry at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal or drive to the destination. In a statement, Karina Ridzuan, director of Ombak Festival, said: "For our second year, building on our intentionally diverse ethos, we are going bolder in vision, broader in scope and bursting with Southeast Asian soul. The play this year is to intrepidly represent the best of ASEAN by uniting global icons with regional talents to stage an unparalleled experience of live music, taste explorations and artistic expression in one ultimate weekend."
Hype Malaysia
06-06-2025
- Business
- Hype Malaysia
Mandarin Oriental To Take Over Desaru Coast Resort Formerly Managed By One&Only
After a brief period of uncertainty, the fate of the Desaru Coast property, formerly managed by luxury resort operator One&Only, has been answered. It was recently announced that Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will take over the operation of the Johor resort. Previously, it was reported that One&Only had stepped down as the Desaru Coast property operator. The property owner, Desaru Peace Holdings Sdn Bhd (DPH), clarified that another operator will soon take over the management. The Desaru Coast resort is renowned for being the last masterpiece of legendary architect Kerry Hill. Yesterday (5th June 2025, Thursday), Mandarin Oriental announced that it will manage the property from this month onwards. The news was announced during a signing ceremony between Mandarin Oriental and Destination Resorts & Hotels Sdn. Bhd. Group of Companies, in an event detailing the coming phases of the Johor tourist destination. Mandarin Oriental will commence managing the property in June 2025, with a complete rebranding in January 2026. With this move, Mandarin Oriental Desaru Coast will be the first Mandarin Oriental beach resort in Southeast Asia. The property currently boasts 45 suites, each with a private swimming pool. Following the takeover, Mandarin Oriental will add 40 branded residential units available for purchase. The branded residences will provide owners access to Mandarin Oriental's legendary services and enhance the property's appeal as a year-round destination for luxury living. However, there aren't many details on this plan as it's still in the early stages. Nevertheless, Desaru Coast is optimistic about the new partnership. The Chief Minister of Johor, Dato' Onn Hafiz Ghazi, said, 'Mandarin Oriental has created and defined some of the world's most renowned properties and destinations across the world, and this, being their choice for their second property in Malaysia, is a testament to Johor's immense potential. There is no better brand to lead the reintroduction of this iconic beachfront resort property as we prepare for Visit Johor Year 2026.' Mandarin Oriental is the latest hotel operator to enter the Desaru Coast resort development, joining other names like Anantara and The Westin. At the same time, Desaru Coast is preparing for the upcoming Ombak Festival this September, which will further enrich guests' experiences. Sources: The Edge, Desaru Coast What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Hype Malaysia
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Anticipate A Weekend Of Legendary Performances At Desaru Coast Ombak Festival 2025
Following a breakout debut that drew crowds from the region last year, Ombak Festival returns to Desaru Coast from 12th to 14th September 2025 with an even bigger celebration of global and Southeast Asian creativity, culture, and community. Set against Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship year, the 2025 edition expands its spotlight on regional talent across music, performance, arts, food, and family-friendly experiences with Ombak Kids. Presented by Desaru Coast — the award-winning destination resort and home to five-star resorts all within walking distance of the festival village, grounds, and stages — Ombak Festival celebrates vibrant outdoor living with a distinctly Malaysian flair, natural charm, and a warm, inclusive vibe that resonates with every kind of festival-goer. 'For our second year, building on our intentionally diverse ethos, we are going bolder in vision, broader in scope and bursting with Southeast Asian soul. The play this year is to intrepidly represent the best of ASEAN by uniting global icons with regional talents to stage an unparalleled experience of live music, taste explorations, and artistic expression in one ultimate weekend,' said Karina Ridzuan, Director of Ombak Festival. What sets Ombak Festival apart is the fact that it is truly 'The Ultimate Weekend' for everyone to enjoy, with an array of F&B offerings, a strong arts lineup, and dedicated Ombak Kids programming for the younger folk. Last year's success has led to the return of several crowd favourites to the 2025 edition: the grill stylings of Andrew Walsh and Carbon KL on the culinary side, and kitemaking with Go Fly Kites and 10-foot festival puppets Meera & Fiz under Ombak Kids. On the arts side, Segaris Art Centre is once again collaborating with local schoolchildren to showcase art techniques. Here are all the details for the event: Ombak Festival 2025 At Desaru Coast, Johor Date: 12th – 14th September 2025 12th – 14th September 2025 Venue: Desaru Coast, Johor Desaru Coast, Johor Ticket Price: RM200 – RM300 (1-Day Pass), RM550 (2-Day Pass), RM650 (3-Day Pass) RM200 – RM300 (1-Day Pass), RM550 (2-Day Pass), RM650 (3-Day Pass) Ticket Link: TicketMelon Whether it's vibing with friends, enjoying quality time with family, or flying solo for a weekend of pure joy, you will find your rhythm, your tribe, and your place by the stunning coast. Early bird passes are now available, so don't miss the opportunity to secure tickets to one of the most highly anticipated music events of the year! Watch the event trailer here: Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article
The Star
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Desaru Coast's Ombak Festival 2025 to put spotlight on Asean
Malaysia's popular integrated destination resort Desaru Coast in Johor is set to host another major entertainment event this September – Ombak Festival. Following its successful debut last year, Ombak Festival 2025 will again see numerous activities, exhibits, performances and curated dining events being held over a three-day weekend in September. This time around, there will be a spotlight on South-East Asian artistes, performers and vendors, to go with Malaysia's current Asean chairmanship. You can expect to see some Asean-themed family-friendly experiences like traditional games, puppeteering, art workshops and food tastings. 'For our second year, building on our intentionally diverse ethos, we are going bolder in vision, broader in scope and bursting with South-East Asian soul. 'The play this year is to intrepidly represent the best of Asean by uniting global icons with regional talents to stage an unparalleled experience of live music, taste explorations, and artistic expression in one ultimate weekend,' said Karina Ridzuan, director of Ombak Festival, in a press release. Aside from the regional selections, there are also plenty of international features. On the entertainment section, for example, headliners include British artistes Simply Red and Joss Stone, US group George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and Australian electronic duo Flight Facilities. George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic wants to party with you. Asean artistes who will also perform on the main stage include Thai singer Phum Viphurit, Singapore's The Pinholes and Keyana, Cambodia's Vanthan, Indonesia's Tanayu, and of course, Malaysia's own Joe Flizzow, Gerhana Skacinta, LZZY, Golden Mammoth, and SonaOne and Ismail Izzani. So far, there are 29 regional music talents featured at the festival; more will be announced in the months to come. Meanwhile, the curated gourmet experiences includes 'Smoke & Fire' by Malaysia's own grill expert Carbon KL, 'Flavours Of Johor', and 'Tapas & Grill' by Sazon, well-known chef Andrew Walsh's latest venture in Bali, Indonesia. In the arts section, there will be upcycling workshops by Pulau Pulao, a block printing project by Segaris Art Centre and a bazaar curated by the popular lifestyle pop-up initiative, Pasar Seloka. There's also a mahjong 'session' called All Tiled Up, where guests can learn how to play the traditional tile game from experts. Of course, this experience is strictly for educational purposes only. Folks who plan to bring their children to the festival can check out the Ombak Kids schedule, where loads of kid-friendly activities will be held. Some of them include Go Fly Kites, super-sized Mereka Games, Funfair Of Forgotten Futures, and a Legoland Speed Building Challenge. The delightful giant puppets Meera & Fiz will also make their return to the festival. Soul singer Joss Stone's new album is slated for a release sometime this year. She will be performing on the main stage on the final day. 'Ombak Festival 2025 is set to deliver another year of extraordinary experiences in our intimate coastal setting. Driving our ambition is the vision to establish the event as South-East Asia's must-attend festival, setting the stage as we build momentum towards Visit Johor and Visit Malaysia 2026. 'None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the state authorities and the communities across the greater Desaru region, whose collaboration was instrumental in bringing Ombak Festival to life,' said Karina in the press release. The festival, presented by Desaru Coast, will be held from Sept 12 to 14. Early bird passes are now available from or Ticketmelon ( There are single, two-day and three-day passes, with prices ranging between RM200 and RM650. Children aged 13 and above must have their own tickets. The festival schedule can also be found on the website, as well as a list of rules and regulations, and other helpful tips. Australian DJ duo Flight Facilities will make its long-awaited Malaysian debut at Ombak Festival. Travel notes How to get there: If you're travelling from anywhere in Peninsular Malaysia, you can drive all the way to Desaru Coast; the drive will take a minimum of four hours from the Klang Valley. Otherwise, fly into the Senai International Airport, and then book a taxi or rideshare service to Desaru Coast. If you are travelling from Singapore, make your way to the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and take a 90-minute ferry ride straight to the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal. Where to stay: There are three 5-star resorts within Desaru Coast (Hard Rock Hotel, The Westin, and Anantara Resort & Villas), and Ombak Festival will be held across these properties. Festivalgoers who choose to stay at any of the resorts may get special discounts and/or privileges, so do check their official websites to find out more. There are also plenty of hotels available within a 1km radius – it may be possible to arrange for shuttle services from your accommodation to the festival venue.
