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During our visit to Sabah, Malaysia, we were fortunate enough to be among the few visitors who had the chance to admire a single Rafflesia flower in full bloom at its most beautiful time at the Kokob Rafflesia private conservation garden in the Ranau highlands.
Known as a parasitic plant, the world's largest flower can reach a diameter of up to 1.2 meters and weigh around 10 kg. Rafflesia flowers have neither leaves nor a stem. Due to their enormous size and unique appearance, Rafflesia is nicknamed the "king of flowers".
Rafflesia is actually a type of fungus, usually parasitic on tree trunks. Its living conditions are quite specific; it only grows in damp places with bamboo thickets and climbing plants.
Throughout its bloom, the Rafflesia flower emits a foul, decaying odor to attract insects, inadvertently assisting them in pollination. Afterward, the flower withers to begin a new cycle. Although the flower is a vibrant red with many white spots, its foul smell is the reason it is often called the corpse flower.
There are approximately 30 species of Rafflesia flowers worldwide. Sabah, Malaysia, has the largest number of Rafflesia species, with 9 recorded. The time from germination to flowering ranges from 7 to 13 months. Therefore, Rafflesia is a rare and endangered species, facing a high risk of extinction. Its habitat is being destroyed due to deforestation and over-harvesting for traditional medicine.
Dubbed the world's largest flower, with a typical flower diameter ranging from 80cm to 1.2m, the Rafflesia is facing a serious threat of extinction.
To see the world's largest flower, originating from Sabah, Malaysia, visitors can visit the private conservation gardens of Kokob Rafflesia.
Before entering the garden, visitors are introduced to the species and shown images of its various stages of development, from seedling to flowering and eventual decay.
The rotting Rafflesia flowers were black and emitted a foul odor next to the other thriving flowers.
Walter Deypalan, a tour guide in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, said: "The conditions for this flower to grow require shade, away from direct sunlight, usually near bamboo trees because it can absorb water and has a trunk to cling to. The life cycle from bud to full bloom ranges from 7 to 13 months, and it only lasts for 5 days before wilting. From the first to the fourth day, there is no smell, but from the fifth day onwards, a foul odor will emanate, and then it will gradually decompose."
The Rafflesia flower that the lucky group of tourists are admiring bloomed from March 26th to 31st. Because of its sensitivity to its environment, tourists could only admire the flower from a distance, about 2 meters away.
With its exotic and unique beauty, the Rafflesia flower is a rare species that any visitor to Sabah, Malaysia, would wish to see at least once. Although it blooms for only a short time, the Rafflesia offers an impressive and surprising experience, sparking a passion for exploring wild nature.
These giant red-spotted flowers bloom in unpredictable patterns, making them a must-see tourist attraction for many international visitors to Malaysia.
This flower also appears on the Malaysian 10 Ringgit banknote.
The emergence of Rafflesia plays a crucial role in boosting ecotourism in Sabah. In the context of tourists increasingly favoring nature exploration activities, Rafflesia has become a unique highlight, attracting visitors to the pristine and mysterious beauty of the tropical forests.
Accordingly, travel companies also profit from selling tickets to the location whenever the Rafflesia flowers bloom. Since the exact timing is still difficult to predict, the garden quickly notifies travel companies each time the flowers bloom so they can sell tickets to visitors to admire them.
The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes, and visitors can purchase souvenirs such as keychains with floral designs at the ticket counter.
The Kokob Rafflesia private conservation garden is located in the Ranau Highlands, approximately 120 km from the city center of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Entrance fees range from 10 to 30 Ringgit per person (approximately 50,000 - 150,000 VND), depending on the number of flowers in the garden and whether the visitor is a foreigner or a local. This flower is also featured on the Malaysian 10 Ringgit banknote.
Locals at Kokob Garden added that late March and early April each year is the golden time for visitors to spot this rare flower.
Entrance fees range from 10 to 30 Ringgit per person (50,000 - 150,000 VND), depending on the number of flowers in the garden and whether the visitor is a foreigner or a local.
Tourists enjoy taking photos with the world's rarest and largest flower in Malaysia.
