The World’s Largest Flower

Take a full day tour into the highlands of Borneo for a chance to spot the world’s largest flower. Depart from Kota Kinabalu for a one-hour scenic drive to Crocker Range National Park, home of the Rafflesia Centre.

View the exhibits on display to learn about this remarkable flower. Weighing up to 10 kilograms, the Rafflesia is an unusual plant with no leaves, roots or stems and is only found in Southeast Asia. Then choose a trekking trail through the jungle in search of the Rafflesia Flower. There are more than a dozen sites where the flowers have been spotted and the park rangers’ will advise the route with the most flowers in bloom. Enjoy the fresh highland air while trekking and, with any luck, see a few of the remarkable Rafflesia plants.

Around midday travel to a mountainside restaurant for lunch. Afterwards, start the drive back to Kota Kinabalu stopping en route in Tambunan to admire the patchwork rice fields. Another stop will be made at the monument of Mat Salleh, an important figure in Malaysia’s fight for independence. See some of his weapons used to lead rebellions and learn about the country’s era of British colonial rule.

Having discovered Borneo’s natural wonders and colonial past, return to Kota Kinabalu late this afternoon. (L)

Please note that our Operations department contacts the Rafflesia Information Centre 3 days prior to the above tour to find out if a Rafflesia is in bloom as well as to notify the rangers of our arrival date. We will inform our guests of whether a Rafflesia is in bloom or not, as per the Rangers. If the Operations team is informed that the Rafflesia is not in bloom, they will contact you to arrange an alternative option based on your interests as well your itinerary. Options can include Mt. Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Springs (please not this area also has Rafflesia), Explore the Tip of Borneo (Rungus Culture and Bavanggazo Longhouse) etc.

If our Operations team is informed that the flower is blooming, on our arrival at the Information Centre on the day of the tour, one of the following may occur:

•  You trek with a Park Ranger to see the blooming Rafflesia between 30 minutes to over 2 hours, depending on the location of the flower. The trek can be difficult especially if it had been raining prior as well depending on the location of the flower as a result the trek may not be suitable for older or less fit individuals.After the trek we will continue with the remainder of the tour.

•  As this is a Government facility, sometimes a restriction is issues to ensure the protection of the flowers so trekking will not be permitted. In the event of this, we will continue with the tour without trekking to see a Rafflesia. If this happens our guide will call a local butterfly centre to see if they are open to allow you to visit the butterfly farm. Otherwise, we will continue with the tour as per the description.

Notes:

- Local Lunch included

The fitness level required for jungle or nature treks in Malaysia can vary depending on the specific trek and the difficulty level of the terrain. While some jungle treks may be relatively easy and suitable for beginners, others may require a moderate to high level of fitness and endurance. Jungle treks in Malaysia typically involve navigating through dense vegetation, uneven terrain, and often steep or slippery trails. The hot and humid tropical climate can also add to the physical demands of the trek. Trekking in Malaysia's rainforests may require walking for several hours each day, sometimes uphill or downhill, and crossing rivers or streams. It is recommended to assess your fitness level, discuss with your guide and choose jungle treks that are suitable for your physical abilities. It's important to be adequately prepared for jungle treks by wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, carrying sufficient water, and using insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.