Top 10 Electronic Dance Music Festivals (EDM): Southeast Asia

Looking for the best Electronic Dance Music Festivals in Southeast Asia! Great idea, because South-East Asia = Party Paradise. 

Electronic Dance Music (E.D.M) is all over South-East Asia.  Whether you’re partying on Khao San Road in Bangkok, or walking through a night market in Malaysia — you will definitely hear quite a bit of EDM during your travels in this area of the world.  Music Festivals and Raves in Asia might not be as abundant as they are in Europe or America , but over the past few years more and more festivals and events are popping up in different countries.  I’ve scoured the internet, and I’ve compailed this list which I blieve to be the Top 10 Electronic Dance Music Festivals in South-East Asia.

1) Shipsomnia

• When:  Beginning of January
• Where:  Singapore – Phuket – Langkawi – Singapore
• Website:  http://www.shipsomnia.com/

A MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL MEETS HI SEAS MYTHICAL ADVENTURE.  Unofficially nicknamed, “Tomorrowland At Sea”, Shipsomnia has gotten a lot of positive media attention.  With the growth of music festivals at sea, like Holy Ship or It’s The Ship (#6), Shipsomnia looks like it could be the next big thing.  Sailing from Singapore – Phuket round-trip, with a quick stop in Langkawi, this looks like a party that can’t be missed.  This all-inclusive music festival is guaranteed to be one epic vacation.

2) Road to Ultra – Singapore, Bangkok, Bali, & Manila

• When:  Various Dates
• Where:  Singapore, Bangkok, Bali, and Manila
• Website:  http://www.ultramusicfestival.com/

 Ultra Music Festival seems like they have one goal in mind — global domination.  From Miami, Croatia, Korea, Japan, South Africa — it now looks like they have turned their eyes to South-East Asia, and have added several festival locations throughout the region.  If you find yourself on a backpacking trip through South-East Asia, plan your trip wisely and hit up a Road to Ultra event!

3) Neverland Manila

• When: Early October
• Where:  Manila, Philippines
• Website:  http://neverlandmanila.com/

Known as the “biggest EDM event in The Philippines”, this festival brings a massive line-up full of commercial house music.  If you’re looking for a solid party, this one will not disappoint.  Upcoming festival dates haven’t been posted yet, but be on the look out because this will be one crazy rave.       

4)  ZoukOut Music Festival

• When:  Mid-December
• Where:  Singapore
• Website:  http://www.zoukout.com/
• Why:  The people behind one of the biggest and well-known clubs in Asia, “Zouk”, have created it’s own music festival, and it’s been one of the more popular festivals out in South-East Asia.  Located in Singapore, you’ll find the tickets, drinks, and accommodations a bit more expensive, but you can’t complain when they bring A-list talent, incredible stage production, and an overall amazing atmosphere.

Photo via Zoukout Facebook

5)  DJakarta Warehouse Project

• When:  Mid December
• Where:  Jakarta, Indonesia
• Website:  http://www.djakartawarehouse.com/

If you take a look at the current and past line-ups, that will be reason enough to visit this massive party.  Jakarta might not be everyone’s favorite place to visit in Indonesia, but with this line-up stacked with heavy hitters, you’re definitely in for a wild night.   

6)  808 Festival

• When:  Mid December
• Where:  Bangkok, Thailand
• Website:  http://www.djakartawarehouse.com/
• Why:  If you take a look at the current and past line-ups, that will br reason enough to visit this massive party.  Jakarta might not be everyone’s favorite place to visit in Indonesia, but with this line-up stacked with heavy hitters, you’re definitely in for a wild night.   

7)  It’s The Ship

• When:  Late November
• Where:  Singapore – Langkawi – Singapore
• Website:  http://www.itstheship.com
• Why: IT’S THE SHIP is Asia’s Largest Festival on a cruise. Setting sail on the The Royal Caribbean International’s luxurious Mariner of the Seas– will play host to over 30 international and regional headlining acts.  Sailing out of Singapore to Langkawi, Malaysia, this is guaranteed to be a voyage unlike any other.

8) S20 — Songkran Music Festival

• When:  April 12 – 14, 2016
• Where:  Bangkok, Thailand
• Website:    http://www.s2ofestival.com/
• Why:  Songkran is 3-day celebration of the Thai New Year, and it was one of the most epic experiences of my travels in South-East Asia.  I would personally recommend people to experience the madness up in Chiang Mai, but if you find yourself in Bangkok — checking out this S20 Festival is an absolute must.

9) Mysterious World

• When:  Mid April
• Where:  Kuching, Malaysia
• Website:  www.facebook.com/MysteriousFest

For Electronic Dance Music fans, there is no better time to fly over to the Malaysian side of Borneo than to experience Mysterious World.  The line-up is never “stacked”, but it would definitely be an experience you’ll never forget.  Kuching is absolutely beautiful, Malaysians are really fun to party with, and tickets are really affordable.

10) The Experience

• When:  New Years Eve ( 4 Day Festival )
• Where:  Koh Tao, Thailand
• Website:  www.facebook.com/MysteriousFest

If you’re a die hard PsyTrance fan, then The Experience on Koh Tao, Thailand will be your definition of paradise.  Over these four days there is practically non-stop psy trance bumping the entire time.  While a lot of people flock over to Koh Phangan for New Years Eve, do yourself a favor and check out The Experience!  The fast BPM, the neon colors, and the atmosphere are a recipe for a damn good time.                

Am I Missing Any Electronic Dance Music Festivals in Southeast Asia?

With new festivals popping up all the time, I’m sure there are tons more that I’m missing from my list! Do let me know if you’ve been to any that should be included on this list!

Thanks so much for reading!