3 festivals to check out this Nov to Jan

 

There’s more to music festivals than just the conventional glow stick-waving, crazy shuffling and synchronized bass drops-head banging (although we wouldn’t hold it against you if that’s your cup of tea). From literary festivals overlooking paddy fields to a mesh of traditional and electronic music in an Indian palace, Asia's festival scene offers a huge range of amazing travel experiences for those in love with culture, music and mayhem.

 

Not only will Festival Guide Asia help find the right festival for you, we’ll help you get there. Here are some upcoming festivals that you should totes pen down into your calendar! 

 

 

(Photo: Clockenflap)

 

Clockenwhatta? If you haven’t heard, Clockenflap is one of the few home-grown Asian festivals making a name for itself worldwide. Now in its 7th year, the festival is well-known for its consistent killer line-ups. This year will see Tenacious D, The Vaccines, Chvrches, Ozomatli, The Ravonettes, Reggie Watts, Aeroplane, Lemonheads and many more performing by a huge bay area in West Kowloon Cultural District. It’s also an art festival with film screenings, craft tents, interactive installations and kids play areas. 

 

Travel tip: The weather will be crisp as Hong Kong approaches its mild winter. Leave your bikini tops/short shorts at home.

 

 

(Photo: Magnetic Fields)

 

Glamping in Bedouine tents, anyone? Set in a 17th Century Palace in the Rajasthani desert, Magnetic Fields is in its 2nd year of pushing musical boundaries. This year’s first lineup release features Dream Koala, BeGun, FlavaD, My Panda Shall Fly, DJ Vadim and Graciela Maria, to name a few. With absolute attention to detail and style – dreamy décor, music, collaborations between artists (even local folk musicians),  multimedia artists, and delectable food – it's a decadent festival designed to appeal to all your senses. 

 

Travel tip: The desert gets surprisingly cold, especially on winter nights, so bring your warm gear. India has a notorious visa process so do apply for that as early as possible. 

 

 

(Photo: Mona Foma)

 

An eclectic festival that brings a mind-blowing concoction of music and art to the beautiful island state. Last year's lineup included bluegrass Bach with Bollywood dance music, Mongolian throat-singing with avant-garde opera, electroclash riot grrrl punk with underwater drumming and heavy metal markets with morning meditations. This year, expect a mad mix of performances and activities ranging from New York post-punk to Japanese girl groups, Mexican DJ's, guitar orchestras, inflatables and interactive sound art. 

 

Travel tips: Balance all the MOFO madness with some peace and serenity. A third of the island is protected national parks so do explore the sprawling vineyards, scenic walking trails or take a leisurely boat ride around the island. Ommmm.