Jazz Fever Hits Sandakan, Sepilok’s Biggest Ever Festival Set to Dazzle in 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Get ready for a jazz extravaganza like no other! The fifth edition of Sepilok Jazz is coming to the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sepilok, Sandakan, on September 4 and 5, promising two days of incredible music, vibrant atmosphere, and unforgettable performances from some of the best artistes Malaysia and beyond have to offer.

This year’s line-up is packed with talent. Fans will be thrilled to see acclaimed singer Sheila Amzah taking the stage, alongside beloved local acts such as the Roger Wang Trio, Yap King String Quartet, and Janet & WVC Quartet. International jazz stars include Italy’s Mezzotono, Indonesia’s Class Acts 80s, and Singapore’s JASSYO, among others — a truly global celebration of jazz.

Alexander Yee, founder of the Sepilok Jazz Festival, shared his excitement: “This is set to be the biggest festival we’ve ever hosted. We’ve got 105 musicians signed up so far, and we’re expecting to more than double last year’s attendance of 2,200 — aiming for at least 4,500 jazz lovers this time around.”

To make the event even more special, Yee revealed that they’ve partnered with Sandakan’s top hotels, including The Elopura Hotel, Sandakan Hotel, and Ormond Hotel, which will be the official accommodation providers. “It’s all about creating a seamless experience — great music, great food, and great stays,” he said.

The festival’s expansion was sparked by the strong interest in this year’s Bakat Sepilok Jazz competition, which saw a record-breaking 132 applications — with many groups comprising 20 or 30 musicians, meaning the actual number of participating artists is even higher. Jeremy Montero will be among the judges, alongside returning judge Ian Baxter. Plus, the winner of the inaugural Bakat Sepilok Jazz in 2023 will return as ambassador and judge, adding an extra layer of excitement.

With the final round of Bakat Sepilok Jazz just completed last month, the team is now focused on the main event. The festival will feature multiple stages, 12 food stalls, and a lively atmosphere that celebrates music and community. It’s not just about entertainment — it’s a platform for local food vendors to showcase their delicious offerings and for visitors to immerse themselves in Sabah’s vibrant culture.

Promotion has been in full swing, with collaborations with tourism agencies, airlines, hotels, and local businesses. Tourism Malaysia is on board as a promotion partner, while Sabah Travel Guide has been appointed as the official booking portal. For those flying in from Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Airlines has stepped up with a special discount code offering 10% off flights to Sandakan.

Yee also shared a clever promotion: a QR code printed on receipts from Borenos Chicken, offering discounted festival tickets. “We’re doing everything we can to drum up excitement and encourage more people to join us,” he said.

Ticket sales are selling with expected last minute purchases. The final rush is closer to the event and the numbers are expected to pick up.

Since launching in 2022 to raise awareness and funds for endangered sea turtles on Libaran Island, the Sepilok Jazz Festival continues to grow in stature and impact. Yee, president of Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (FOSTER), emphasised that this event is about more than music... it’s about making a difference for our natural world.

So mark your calendars, folks. Sepilok Jazz is not to be missed!