Sepilok Jazz Festival 2026

Highlights

• Experience two nights of live music at Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sepilok, Sandakan, set against the Borneo rainforest
• Watch acclaimed Malaysian singer Shila Amzah headline the festival's milestone 5th edition
• Catch international and local artists from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, China and beyond
• Discover emerging musicians through Bakat Sepilok Jazz, a platform for rising talent from Sabah and across the region
• Be part of Sepilok Jazz Festival 2026 and support sea turtle conservation through live music

Overview 

Sepilok Jazz Festival 2026 returns to the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sepilok, Sandakan, on 4 and 5 September 2026 for its milestone 5th edition. Set within the Borneo rainforest, this two-night music festival brings live performances, international jazz artists, local talents, and the atmosphere of Sepilok’s rainforest setting together in one weekend.

This year’s lineup is led by acclaimed Malaysian singer Shila Amzah, joined by Malaysian jazz musicians and performers from Indonesia, Singapore, China and beyond. Audiences can look forward to jazz, fusion, contemporary sounds and world music, with rising performers also taking the stage through Bakat Sepilok Jazz.

Beyond the music, the festival continues to support sea turtle conservation efforts in Sabah through FOSTER, the organiser behind the event. For those planning a trip to Sandakan or looking for a different kind of live music event in Sabah, Sepilok Jazz offers a refreshing reason to spend the weekend in Sepilok.