TURNING RARE BLOOMS INTO OPPORTUNITY

KOTA KINABALU: Turning Sabah’s rare Rafflesia blooms into a sustainable community-driven tourism product could empower rural villages while preserving one of the world’s most unique natural wonders.

In a recent meeting with Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, conservationist and Borneo Eco Tours managing director Albert Teo proposed that local communities take the lead in managing and guiding visitors to Rafflesia sites near their villages.

He said the flower’s rarity and short blooming period make it a high-value attraction, especially for eco-conscious travellers.

“There are already Rafflesia species growing close to kampungs, this is a chance for locals to generate income while protecting a fragile part of their natural heritage.

“With basic infrastructure and proper training, communities could host visitors through guided treks, supported by simple facilities like trails and information signage,” he said.

Teo also put forward the idea of establishing a Rafflesia community alliance, a network that connects kampungs located near known Rafflesia sites.

Joniston, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, responded positively to the idea, saying the state government supports efforts that involve the community in tourism, especially when they are tied to nature and culture.

“Rafflesia has always been an iconic feature of Sabah’s biodiversity. It’s time we map out areas where kampungs can responsibly benefit from this rare flower,” he said.

He added that the Sabah Tourism Board could look into identifying existing Rafflesia sites near villages, especially in Tambunan, Ranau, and along the Crocker Range, areas already known for rural and nature tourism.

“Empowering locals will promote long-term conservation. When people see value in protecting something, they take ownership of it, and that builds both community pride and sustainability.

“This is in line with our Culture, Adventure, and Nature (CAN) approach to tourism development,” he said.

Sabah is home to three of the world’s 15 known species of Rafflesia, namely Rafflesia keithii, Rafflesia pricei, and Rafflesia tengku-adlinii.

Of the three, Rafflesia keithii is the largest species in Sabah, and Rafflesia tengku-adlinii is the rarest, named after Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin Tengku Mohamood, who played a pivotal role in the state’s tourism and environmental conservation.