A trip to Gading is uncomplete without getting to see the rare sight of the blooming Rafflesia. Rafflesia tuan-mudae (bunga pakma) is the species found at Gading.
The information board about the Rafflesia
Rafflesia is the world biggest flower and bloom infrequently. Usually if you want to know if the flower is blooming, you need to make a call to the Park Office first to check or else you will be dissappointed. Anyway, we were just trying our luck for not calling to the Park Office and we were lucky when we arrived at Gading National Park on 30th August 2008, 2 of the plants are blooming. We were very happy! I was speechless to see such a big flower in front of my eyes. How do I feel? Gosh.... it was awesome.... you need to experience it yourself. I think this should be listed as one of the things that you must see before you die.
It is interesting to know that Rafflesia flowers are either male or female, therefore cannot self-pollinate. That is why it is very important to protect habitats in the jungles as they help to make the jungles come to life.
This was the 1st Rafflesia that we saw at Gading.
It bloomed on 30th August 2008, the day we arrived at the Park.
It bloomed on 30th August 2008, the day we arrived at the Park.
Did you notice a few Rafflesia's buds?
Close-up pictures of the buds.
The 2nd Rafflesia that we saw, which was located just 15 minutes walk from the Park Office. It bloomed on 28th August 2008 as recorded by the Park's Guide.
Close-up pictures of the Rafflesia petal and what's inside the flower.
Further information about the Park and Rafflesia can be found at the Sarawak Forestry homepage too.
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