NBRF 2025 Returns with “Pisompuruan” Theme: A Celebration of Unity Through Art, Culture, and Nature

7 October 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The North Borneo Rainforest Festival (NBRF) is set to make a grand return with its international edition themed “Pisompuruan”, meaning “A Place to Gather / Unite”.

The festival will be held on 11 and 12 October 2025 at Koisaan Cultural Village (KDCA), Penampang, celebrating unity through the intertwined beauty of art, culture, and nature.

This year’s theme underscores the festival’s role as an inclusive platform where communities can connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate Borneo’s living heritage in a contemporary setting.

The two-day event will welcome seven indigenous delegations from Taiwan, Pinuyumayan, Bunun, Paiwan, Tsou, Kebalan, Pangcah, and Seediq, fostering a meaningful cross-cultural exchange between local and international communities.

NBRF 2025 will feature four main segments: Pisompuruan Exhibitions, Cultural Showcase, Stage Events, and Community Activities, offering an immersive experience that blends creativity, heritage, and sustainability.

Among the highlights is a vibrant lineup of local and international artists, including Mi’aputr-mamaua Ruma’, Itu Bunun tu Minduduaz, and Romadiwey no Kalinko from Taiwan; DJ Morestyles from the United Kingdom; Bung Jae from Brunei; Mathew Ngau from Sarawak; as well as Sabah-based performers Gonding Gen, McFreddy Simon @ Gindung, Ansamung x Nong Buaq, Aki Yutam Miki, George Albert Nuli, Nelson x Caelan, Rolou Pomogunan, Perantisan Sekafi, Elmi – Echo of Identity, Aki Eito, and RINDUOG: AkiEto & Iko Teguh.

A key highlight of the festival is the revival of a once-forgotten ritual titled “Populi”, performed by Gonding Gen. Taking place on 12 October 2025 (Sunday), from 6:00 PM to 6:40 PM, the ritual begins at the entrance of Koisaan Cultural Village and is led by Adrian Soidi, a cultural activist and founder of Gonding Gen. Participants will journey through four designated areas, guided by members of the group, before converging at the Pisompuruan Stage, symbolising unity and collective spirit.

The Pisompuruan Exhibitions will transform twelve traditional houses within KCV into interactive mini museums. Visitors can explore Rumah Papar (SAFODA), which features a “Create Your Own Mini Forest” activity with terrarium-making and tree adoption sessions; Rumah Papar (PACOS Trust & Persatuan Bobolian Sabah), which highlights the heritage weaving of Bundusan: The Forgotten Mat and sacred Bobolian artefacts; and Rumah Tuaran (SAF x BAF), where stamping, weaving, and painting inspired by indigenous motifs will take place.

At Rumah Visaya (Borneo History), guests can enjoy a history exhibition, quiz sessions, and lucky draws, while Rumah Rungus (Ansamung) presents Unfolding the Cultural Identity of the Rungus Tribe through traditional performances, craft demonstrations, and musical displays. Rumah Tenom (Mira Hector & Mitchrons) explores the art of traditional tattooing in Papak, interpreting motifs that connect body, land, and heritage.

Rumah Ranau (Iti Sundu) celebrates Bornean wisdom in A Reflection of Grounding and Reconnection with the Land through crafts and ritual candles. Visitors to Rumah Tobilung (Journey with Dee Dee) can experience Birdwatching & Tiger Leech Encounter, an immersive exploration of Sabah’s tropical wilderness.

Rumah Kimaragang (Kinarut Record Station) showcases a sound and vinyl exhibition celebrating rhythm, memory, and collective identity, while Rumah Tombonuo (Green Lab) introduces visitors to the fascinating world of insects and small forest creatures.

Rumah Keningau (Persatuan Pribumi Sabah) highlights indigenous art and heritage, Rumah Tambunan (Pangrok Sulap & Ruang Tamu Ekosistem) focuses on woodblock printing and rural art activism, and Rumah Kota Belud (Pison) celebrates traditional culinary heritage through Ropuhan di Tanak Wagu.

On the entertainment front, the Pisompuruan Stage at Rumah Murut will host international and local cultural performances from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM on both festival nights, while the KDCA Hall will feature the A-Bayu Rockmantis 2.0 Concert on 11 October, a special musical collaboration. Meanwhile, the Pisompuruan Market & Kita-Kita Entrepreneur Bazaar will bring together over 80 vendors offering handicrafts, traditional food, street delicacies, and locally made products.

The North Borneo Rainforest Festival 2025 promises to be a celebration of togetherness, a living expression of Borneo’s cultural heartbeat that inspires unity, creativity, and community spirit under the banner of Pisompuruan.