The Ultimate Survival Guide: Top 10 tips to conquer a music festival in Malaysia

Are you ready to embark on a musical adventure in the vibrant land of Malaysia? Music festivals in this country are an exhilarating experience, filled with lively performances, enthusiastic crowds, and a fusion of cultures. GVF or Good Vibes Festival is set to elevate Malaysians from 21 to 23 June 2023 at the Sepang International Circuit. Boasting an impressive lineup ranging from The 1975 to The Strokes and my personal favourite, Sabrina Carpenter!

After years of the festival being held in the cool Genting Highlands climate, the decision to move the Good  Vibes Fest to Sepang came as a slight worry to Malaysians considering our unpredictable climate.

But before you dive headfirst into the frenzy, it’s essential to equip yourself with the knowledge to survive and thrive in this captivating environment. Fear not, fellow festival-goers! We have compiled the top 10 tips you absolutely must know to make the most of your music festival experience in Malaysia. 

1. Stay Hydrated, Stay Happy

Malaysia’s tropical climate can be relentless, and music festivals are no exception. To stay energised and beat the heat, bring a reusable water bottle. While lately, many festivals offer water refill stations, we’re unsure if the GVF this year will offer this commodity. If history repeats itself, being unprepared could cost you up to RM10 for a single water bottle. Remember, a well-hydrated festival-goer is a happy festival-goer!

2. Pack Your IC &/or Passport

Before you get lost in the music, make sure you carry your IC (Identification Card) with you at all times. Both for safety and identification purposes, this tiny piece of plastic should be with you in case of any emergencies. If you’re non-Malaysian, make sure you have your passport with you!

3. Dress for the Occasion

The Good Vibes Festival in Malaysia is essentially our Coachella so this is an opportunity to let your inner fashionista shine. Embrace the quirkiness and go for comfortable clothing with a splash of vibrant colours. Make sure you’re also wearing the right shoes that can support the possible 10K steps you’re gonna hit AND the dancing you might possibly do. 

Remember to consider the weather and pack a light jacket or poncho in case of sudden rain showers. Oh, and don’t be shy to accessorise with funky hats, sunglasses, and bandanas! While we’re talking about accessories, an essential part of your ensemble should also be deodorant as the only time we want people holding their breath is when the beat is about to drop.

4. Protect Yourself from the Sun

NO MATTER THE AMOUNT OF MELANIN YOU CAN BOAST OF, SPF IS KEY! As you’re enjoying live music under the scorching sun, it’s crucial to protect your skin. Slather on sunscreen with at least SPF 50, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and sport those stylish shades.

Taking these precautions will not only prevent sunburn but also ensure you can fully enjoy the festival without worrying about sun-induced discomfort. Considering how Sepang International Circuit is a wide open space, it might be difficult to even find a shady area so keep your umbrellas with you as well.

5. Plan Your Good Vibes Itinerary

With numerous stages and a plethora of performances, attending a music festival in Malaysia can be an overwhelming experience. The sheer variety of artists and genres can leave even the most seasoned festival-goer in a state of indecision. That’s why it’s essential to plan ahead and make the most of your time at the festival.

Before you embark on your musical adventure, take some time to familiarise yourself with the festival schedule. Most festivals provide a detailed lineup of artists and their performance timings. Get your hands on this schedule and study it like a true music enthusiast. Highlight the must-see acts, the ones you simply cannot afford to miss. Whether it’s your favourite band, an up-and-coming artist, or a genre you’ve been dying to explore, these acts will serve as the centrepiece of your festival experience.

While catching your favourites is a must, the true beauty about the Good Vibes Festival is discovering artists you’ve never heard of before and subsequently falling in love with them!

6. Try Out Local Flavours

Music festivals in Malaysia offer more than just great tunes; they also showcase the country’s diverse culinary delights. Take a break from the music and indulge in the local food stalls and food trucks. As stated on the GVF website, they prohibit outside food and drinks, and advise patrons to indulge in the slew of options available on site. If you’re vegan and vegetarian, don’t worry, you’re taken care of as well!

7. Travel Light, Travel Smart

When attending a music festival, adopting a minimalist approach is key. Opting for a small backpack or crossbody bag is a practical choice to carry your essentials. By doing so, you can focus on enjoying the experience rather than lugging around a heavy load. It’s essential to bring only what you truly need, such as your IC or identification card, cash, phone, hand sanitiser, and a power bank to keep your devices charged throughout the day.

By leaving unnecessary valuables at home, you alleviate the stress of potentially losing or damaging them in the energetic festival atmosphere. Traveling light allows you to navigate the crowds and dance freely without the burden of excess baggage weighing you down. Embrace the freedom that comes with simplicity and immerse yourself fully in the music and vibrant ambiance of the festival.

8. Embrace the Spirit of Good Vibes

Music festivals in Malaysia are not just about performances; they are a celebration of unity and camaraderie. Take the opportunity to connect with fellow festival-goers and embrace the spirit of community. Strike up conversations, make new friends, and share your experiences. 

Whether you’re waiting in line for food or cheering for your favourite artist, the festival atmosphere is conducive to forming connections and forging bonds with people from different walks of life. So, let go of inhibitions, spread positivity, and create lasting memories with the festival community. After all, the magic of a music festival lies not only in the music but also in the collective experience of everyone coming together.

9. Stay Connected with Friends

Attending a music festival like Good Vibes with friends is undoubtedly a memorable experience. However, it’s easy to get separated amidst the excitement and large crowds. To avoid losing your group, establish a meeting point or designate a unique flag or balloon to make it easier to spot each other in the crowd. Alternatively, you can utilise technology by sharing your location via messaging apps or using apps specifically designed for festival-goers. 

Stay connected with your squad throughout the 3-day period of the Good Vibes Festival, because the more, the merrier. We recommend downloading Life360 to keep track of your friends that might be a little too… free-spirited.

10. Immerse Yourself in the Festival Spirit

Last but not least, embrace the Good Vibes Festival spirit and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Dance like nobody’s watching, sing along to your favourite songs and connect with fellow music lovers. Interact with artists, explore art installations, participate in workshops or games, and capture these memorable moments with your camera or smartphone. Remember, a music festival is not just about the music; it’s about creating lasting memories and forging new connections.

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