Queen opens inaugural Borneo Flora Festival 2025 in Labuan
The event, themed 'Borneo Tropical Flora', highlighted the region's rich floral and cultural heritage through vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The festival began with a lively showcase of traditional dances, including the Magunatip, a rhythmic bamboo dance performed by the Murut community of Sabah.
The cultural performances set a festive tone, drawing visitors from across Malaysia and beyond.
Accompanied by dignitaries such as the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Sarawak Governor's wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Her Majesty toured intricately designed gardens crafted by government agencies, NGOs, and local communities.
These exhibits celebrated Borneo's biodiversity and cultural landscapes.
A special moment occurred when Her Majesty was presented with a rare black orchid from Sabah, symbolising the region's unique botanical treasures.
The festival, organised by the Department of Federal Territories (JWP), aims to boost Labuan's eco-tourism and socio-economic growth.
Thousands of native and exotic floral species, including rare orchids and pitcher plants, were displayed, attracting gardening enthusiasts and families. Tomorrow, Her Majesty will officiate the opening of the new Labuan Handicraft Gallery, further promoting local artisans.
The Borneo Flora Festival 2025 is set to become an annual highlight, reinforcing Labuan's transformation into a sustainable and inclusive tourism destination. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Borneo Flora Festival 2025 draws 104,543 visitors, boosts eco-tourism
LABUAN: The Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025 surpassed all expectations by attracting 104,543 visitors, more than double its initial target of 50,000. The five-day event drew plant enthusiasts and tourists from across Malaysia, Brunei, Kalimantan, and even Timor Leste. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, said the overwhelming response underscores Labuan's rising profile as a hub for eco-tourism and cultural events. 'The response was beyond our expectations. This shows how the Borneo Flora Festival has grown into a regional event of international interest,' she said during the closing ceremony. The festival celebrated Borneo's rich biodiversity, featuring rare orchids, giant pitcher plants, and exotic rainforest blooms. Over 100 exhibitors, including local growers, NGOs, and hoteliers, participated. Activities ranged from floral workshops to conservation-themed competitions, engaging visitors of all ages. Dr Zaliha highlighted the festival's economic benefits, noting a surge in business for hotels, restaurants, and homestays. 'This festival has not only beautified Labuan with nature's finest but also stimulated our economy,' she said. Many homeowners even offered temporary homestays to meet accommodation demand. Adding royal prestige, Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofia, the Queen of Malaysia, visited the event. Organisers attributed the festival's success to strong grassroots support for conservation and plans are underway to expand next year's edition with greater cross-border participation. - Bernama
Barnama
3 days ago
- Barnama
Borneo Flora Festival 2025 Exceeds All Expectations, Draws 104,543 Visitors
LABUAN, July 30 (Bernama) -- The Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025 has exceeded all expectations, drawing a remarkable 104,543 visitors, more than double its original target of 50,000. The five-day event drew crowds not only from Labuan and across Malaysia, but also plant enthusiasts and tourists from Brunei, Kalimantan (Indonesia) and even as far as Timor Leste. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, said the overwhelming turnout highlights Labuan's growing reputation as a regional destination for eco-tourism and cultural events. 'The response was beyond our expectations. This shows how the Borneo Flora Festival has grown into a regional event of international interest,' she said during the closing ceremony today. She added that, due to the festival's tremendous success, the Federal government is considering the possibility of organising it again next year on an even greater scale and participation. Celebrating the vibrant biodiversity of the tropics, the festival showcased a stunning array of flora, including rare orchid species, some of the world's largest pitcher plants, and exotic blooms native to Borneo's rainforests. More than 100 exhibitors and florists participated in the event, ranging from local growers and government agencies to environmental NGOs, community groups and hoteliers. The festival also offered a range of floral-themed activities, hands-on workshops and competitions that appealed to visitors of all ages, all aligned with its central theme of conservation, culture, and community. Dr Zaliha noted the festival's substantial economic impact, saying the surge in visitor numbers brought a welcome boost to local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, homestays and transport operators.
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Labuan in full bloom
Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah (front, left) watching musicians performing with a set of small gongs, known as 'kulintangan' and 'togunggak', and a bamboo flute at the Borneo Flora Festival 2025. — Photos: Bernama and courtesy photos THE inaugural Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025 in Labuan drew 48,132 visitors during the first two days of the four-day event. The flower festival was launched by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, in her keynote speech at the launch, said BFF was designed not merely to add to Labuan's calendar of events but also serve as a catalyst for diversification and socioeconomic revitalisation, Bernama reported. The festival themed 'Borneo Tropical Flora' features floral parades, garden installations and music performances. The event, which also saw traditional dance performances and ushers dressed in floral fantasy-themed costumes, showcased the uniqueness and beauty of Borneo's flora and fauna through themed garden exhibitions. A perfect spot to take selfies and wefies. The festival showcased 200,000 varieties of tropical flowering plants across 30 themed gardens. These included exotic species such as orchids, Rafflesia, medicinal herbs and native ferns. Participants from the public and private sectors, local community, schools and higher education institutes contributed to the success of the event. The festival also attracted foreign participants from neighbouring Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia. This is the first time the festival is held in Labuan, following 13 previous editions held in Putrajaya. BFF ends today.
