Jalan Bahtera is not usually a stomping ground for revellers. In fact, most would not have heard of this woodland area in northwestern Singapore unless you have been to the Sarimbun Scout Camp situated there for secondary-school-mandated courses. But for two days last weekend, the site saw a hive of activity as the crowds descended for Sunda Festival.
Billed as Singapore’s first music-meets-camping festival – yes, there were tents and huts for those who wanted to stay overnight – the event was organised by long-running homegrown party collective Ice Cream Sundays and Florian Melinette of Hong Kong‐based DJ‐booking agency FuFu Creative.
Living up to its objective to fly the regional music flag high, over 30 DJ and live acts from Asia-Pacific countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan and Australia hit the decks. The Singapore acts, meanwhile, included ambient music maestro Kin Leonn and Dean Chew and Kaye of electronic label Darker Than Wax. Ahead, we bring to you scenes from Day One of the event – and show how there were good vibes all around at the Sunda Festival.
