Resort Tasik Raban came alive as TAPAUfest marked its 7th edition on 23 and 24 August, transforming Lenggong into a vibrant hub for over 2,000 festival-goers from across Malaysia and the region. With its signature mix of music, arts, food, and outdoor adventures, the festival once again proved why it’s one of ASEAN’s most beloved indie gatherings.
Hosted by Iedil Dzuhrie and Nadia Nash, the two-day celebration saw the main stage, PENTAS, packed with standout performances. Day 1 featured Malaysia’s fuzzchor heroes Raksar, Jogjakarta’s Skandal making their international debut, and a spellbinding Seru x Wani Ardy collaboration blending post-rock with poetry.
Thailand’s KIKI had the crowd moving, while Malaysia’s FUGŌ delivered a surprise with Heidi Moru’s special appearance. The evening reached its peak with Sal Priadi’s theatrical set, perfectly framed by Lenggong’s nightscape.
Day 2 opened with Singapore’s Cactus Cactus shaking things up with raw intensity, followed by Malaysia’s Okirama whose healing chairs soundtrack scored a perfect sunset moment. Indonesia’s White Chorus reignited the dance floor, before Malaysia’s Insomniacks led massive sing-alongs with their younger fans.
The night escalated with Perunggu’s emotional anthems and culminated in a landmark reunion — Malaysian indie legends Couple returned with their Top of the Pops lineup for the first time since 2006, performing a 14-song set to celebrate their 30th anniversary.
Beyond the music, TAPAUfest expanded the experience with camping at Santuy Campsite and Slow Cub Camp, complete with bonfire performances. The Warung (food & beverage) and Pasar (indie marketplace) curated by Pekan Pop Up kept spirits high with affordable eats and creative finds, while exclusive TAPAUfest × Humblezing merch sold out fast.
Festival-goers also explored Bengkel (talks, sharing, workshops) and Layar (film screenings), including ASEAN-focused sessions and screenings from the SEA Short Film Festival featuring works from Vietnam and Myanmar. Hands-on workshops like rubber-cut printmaking and mini-zine making added to the creative buzz.
This year also introduced KEMBARA, an outdoor adventure programme featuring kayaking, boat rides, and yoga sessions by Sesi Tikar Mengkuang. Thoughtful touches like a sunset flutist serenade and free water refill stations showed TAPAUfest’s attention to community experience.
“The community has grown bigger this year with ASEAN, and it’s exciting to experience the magic that happens when the indie community—local and regional—works together for a cause we all share and truly care about,” said Festival Director Ahmad Faris.
Organised by TAPAUasia Sdn. Bhd., TAPAUfest 2025 ASEAN was supported by ASEAN and Tourism Malaysia, with Kementerian Belia dan Sukan (KBS), Impact Integrated, and Majlis Daerah Lenggong (MDL) as strategic partners.
Like what you read? Show our writer some love!
-