A plethora of wildlife calls Malaysia its home, and one of the most unique ones, in our opinion, is the Rafflesia that you can see even on our RM10 banknote.
Now, this flower, with one species being named the biggest in the world, has an elusive nature as no one knows when the flower will bloom, and when it does, it is only “alive” for 5-6 days before it wilts.
According to One Earth, the process of the flower’s bud to bloom is unknown, “No one knows exactly when this process occurs. Some say after heavy rainfall, others say in July.”
All species of the Rafflesia are also threatened, with half of them near extinction, so it is really a rare occurrence when one blooms.
However, those who are travelling to Sarawak or are in the state right now are in for a treat as a Rafflesia bud bloomed on January 5.
The best time to view the flower is on Days 1 to 3, and on the following days, the petals will darken.
Gunung Gading National Park, which houses the Rafflesia bloom, stated that visitors can see the flower up till January 9.
So, if you’re thinking of going to see the bloom, do make sure to self-register before going to the national park.
Guided tours are compulsory when going to see the Rafflesia, and the pricing is as follows: entrance fee of RM10 for Malaysian adults, RM20 for non-Malaysian adults. The guide is usually RM50-100, and it is charged by group (a maximum of 10 pax).
For more information, visitors may contact the park office at +6082-735 144.
Also read: “Potentially the first time ever” – Majestic White Whale Spotted Near Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands
