In Search of the Rafflesia

Get a chance to view one of the largest flowers in the world, the magnificent Rafflesia. Sabah is home to three species of Rafflesia, which are the Keithii, Pricei and Adlinii. Searching for the Rafflesia sometimes may not be a hard day’s work at all, as these parasitic plants can commonly be found in lowland dipterocarp forest, mixed temperate oaks to highland forest, with its strong smell you will know that you are near to one in bloom.

Visitors can find Rafflesia at Poring Hot Spring in Ranau, Tambunan Rafflesia Centre, Sub-station Kota Belud are among the commonly seen Rafflesia blooming areas. The flower took 16 months from what like a cabbage ‘bud’ to a flower, and only lasted for about 8 to 10 days before it starts to decay.