The Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower, is a parasitic plant found only in Southeast Asia, and then only in sub-mountainous hilly forests at elevations between 400-1,300 metres. The Rafflesia is as unusual as it is spectacular. Much of the flower’s biology remains a mystery to this day. It has no specific flowering season, and it has no roots, leaves, or stem.
There are thought to be 17 species of Rafflesia, some of which may already be extinct. Three species are found in Sarawak – the Rafflesia Pricei, Rafflesia Arnoldi and Rafflesia Tuan-Mudae, which is a type of Arnoldi.
Touted as the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia is a rare species of plant found in Gunung Ganing National Park, Kampung Begu, Kampung Temurang and Kampung Belimbing Darul Islam of Padawan in Sarawak. One of the famous places that known for Rafflesia is the Gunung Gading National Park, it is located 100 km from Kuching and is home to the world’s largest flower. However, only one species, Rafflesia Tuan-Mudae, is found at Gunung GadingandThe Rafflesia is a rare flower with a short flowering period. Therefore, a certain amount of luck is required if your visit to Sarawak is to coincide with a Rafflesia in full bloom.