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. Sir Stamford Raffles and Dr Joseph Arnold were the first Europeans to discover the Rafflesia. In 1818, whilst on a field trip near the town of Bencoolen (Bengkulu) in Sumatra, they came across a huge specimen that measured 97 cm in diameter. This species was later named the Rafflesia Arnoldi. When news of the discovery reached the botanical community in 1820 it caused quite a sensation with murmurings of disbelief. 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 actually a type of Arnoldi. Only one species, Rafflesia Tuan-Mudae, is found at Gunung Gading. 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. The Rafflesia depends on a host vine – the tetrastigma, a member of the grape family. Scientists are still unsure why the Rafflesia associates itself with the tetrastigma vine or how the seeds of a Rafflesia germinate and grow. What is known is that threads of tissue spread out within the vine and absorb nutrients. After 18 months a small dark brown bud appears. Such a long period of growth means that there is a high risk of damage; even when a bud forms there is no guarantee that it will mature into a Rafflesia flower. A bud takes nine months to mature, when it may measure up to 16 cm in diameter, and studies have shown that a high percentage of buds do not survive, as they are susceptible to both drought and heavy rain. After nine months the brown ‘leaves’ of the cabbage-like bud open, revealing the underside of the petal-like lobes. It takes several hours for a flower to open fully. There are usually five thick and fleshy red-coloured petals, covered in lighter coloured spots, warts and blotches. The Rafflesia only blooms for 3-5 days, before it starts to blacken and rot. Although it is quite common for a number of buds to occur in a cluster at the same site, it is rare for two plants of the same cluster to bloom at the same time. Rafflesia flowers are either male or female, and therefore cannot self-pollinate. For pollination to take place, a male and a female flower must bloom at the same time and pollen must be transported over considerable distances. In the Rafflesia’s case pollination is carried out by carrion flies, so whilst in full bloom the Rafflesia gives off a foul smell of decaying flesh to attract them. Seeds are thought to be dispersed by rodents and other small mammals which eat the flowers. Scientists remain baffled, however, as to how the tiny seeds infest the roots and stems of the host vine. Loss of habitat is the greatest threat to the survival of the Rafflesia. Its reliance on the tetrastigma vine does not help matters. With other endangered species it is possible to implement a range of conservation measures such as trans-location and the establishment of nurseries. However, these measures are not possible with the Rafflesia due to its very high degree of specialization. The establishment of totally protected conservation zones is the only way to preserve this unique plant. Gunung Gading National Park in Southwest Sarawak is such a conservation zone. Gazetted in 1983, the park covers an area of 4,106 hectares and forms a safe and secure habitat for the protection of the Rafflesia. The 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. The park staff monitor the progress of the Rafflesia buds very closely, and usually know when a flower is about to bloom, so visitors can check with the park headquarters (Tel: 082-735714) or the National Parks Booking Office in Kuching (Tel: 082-248088). A plank walk is situated near the park headquarters in an area where Rafflesia are often found. Park wardens also take visitors on guided walks to flowers that are blooming deeper in the forest. Visitors should take notice of the warden’s instructions and tread carefully, to avoid damaging any buds on the forest floor. Rafflesia has no set flowering season, but blooms are more common at Gunung Gading during the wetter months (November to February). They are also more common on the lower slopes of the park’s mountain peaks. Sourced from: www.sarawakforestry.com

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One interesting tourist spot in Surat Thani province, known for its rain forest and nicknamed the Guilin of Thailand, is Khao Sok National Park. The park hosts the largest and most important tropical rainforest in the southern part of Thailand thanks to its high biological diversity which includes many rare species of plants some of which are endemic to the area, such as Bua-Pood – or Rafflesia, the largest flower in Thailand with 70-90 centimeters in diameter. Amazing limestone mountains stand above the water near the Ratchaprapa Dam, a multi-purpose dam that was built over the Pra-sang canal. The dam is 65 kilometers from Khao Sok National Park and is opened all year round. However, the recommended travelling period is during dry season, December to April. Within the dam area there are hundreds of limestone islets that created the beautiful scenery which earned it its nickname. The whole park area provides accommodation for tourists who want to be surrounded by mountains and water. Rafting houses are owned by both private owners and the Khao Sok National Park. Each of them has its own unique environment, with some situated among the best scenery. Some quite isolated and very quiet suitable for those who love peace and tranquillity. To reach the rafting houses, we took a ride on a longtail boat from the deck at Ratchaprapa Dam. The price varies depending on the travelling distance. Traveling times are on average less than 40 mins. One of the interesting spots in the Ratchaprapa Dam area is the view point. To get there we hired a boat and a guide and reached the beginning of a walking trail 40 minutes from our accommodation. We then walked another 45-60 minutes along a fairly easy trail. The limestone rocks along the last 50 meters of the trail are sharp, so visitors should at least wear hiking shoes and possibly hiking gloves if they plan to visit the view point. The effort is well worth it as the view of the limestone scenery and the small island in the lake are breathtaking from there. The second place I recommend is Pakarang Cave (meaning coral in Thai) which is located to the west of Khao Sok. After a short walk and a boat ride we boarded a raft to cross the river and reach the entrance to the cave. The cave in itself is not large but its stalagmites have shapes of corals, hence the cave name. Not far from there, there is a tourist spot where three giant limestone cliffs and the Na-Yak Mountain form the valley in which the lake sits. If you clap or yell at that point, you will hear an echo. We had heard from our travelling friends that the Rafflesia plants were blooming. This plant of the Raffiesiacoae family survives using water from other plants, and has flowers that grow from the ground during the rainy season when humidity is high (from May to December). To see Rafflesia one should consider a steep 45 minute walk. We did, and were lucky to find a Rafflesia with a diameter of 50 centimeters although a fully grown flower can reach 70–80 centimeters in diameter. Apart from specific local plants, Khao Sok National Park has a variety of wild animals that can be spotted; hornbills, monkeys, langurs, and even bulls. If you have the opportunity to visit Surat Thani province, a stop in Khao Sok National Park or Ratchaprapa Dam would make an excellent side trip. I guarantee maximum enjoyment with various activities such as hiking, canoeing, swimming or simply enjoying the beauty of nature. Getting there: There are 2 ways to reach Khao Sok National Park; one is taking off from Amphur Muang in Surat Thani province or Amphur Takua-Pa in Phang-Nga province on highway number 401 (Suratthani-Takhupa) and turn off to enter the park at 109km marker. Follow the road for another 1.5 kilometers to reach the office of Khao Sok National Park. To get to Ratchaprapa Dam: Use the junction to the National Park Division, Protected Area Regional Office 2 between 57th and 58th kilometer markers and continue for another 12 kilometers to reach Ratchaprapa dam. Visitors can continue on boat to another 3 Protected Area Regional Offices located in the dam.

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