Ombak Festival 2025: Lots of funk soul and spirit

Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall performed all the top hits from his 40-year career, and then some. (Right) Talented Thai artist Phum Viphurit was a hit with the younger crowd. — Photos: SUNLEE KHAN/Desaru Coast

Some artistes make great festival openers, while others are great at closing them. Simply Red is one that could actually do both.

The Ombak Festival 2025, held from Sept 12-14 during the extra-long Malaysia Day “weekend”, once again took place at Desaru Coast, Johor’s premium travel destination. This is the second time the festival is held, and just like last year, it involved all the four resorts – Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, The Westin Desaru Coast, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, and The Sireya Desaru Coast (formerly One & Only Desaru Coast).