Locals could earn from rare Rafflesia bloom visits
KOTA KINABALU: Local communities could lead guided Rafflesia tours and earn income while preserving biodiversity.
A tour company managing director Albert Teo said the flower's rarity and brief blooming period make it highly appealing to 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 during a meeting with Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Teo proposed forming a Rafflesia community alliance to link villages near known Rafflesia sites.
Joniston, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, welcomed the idea, saying the state supports community-driven tourism, particularly those rooted in 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 said the board could identify existing Rafflesia sites near villages, especially in Tambunan, Ranau and along the Crocker Range.
"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 hosts three of the world's 15 known Rafflesia species: R. keithii, R. pricei and R. tengku-adlinii.
Rafflesia keithii is the largest species in Sabah, while R. tengku-adlinii is the rarest, named after Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin Tengku Mohamood, a key figure in Sabah's tourism and conservation efforts.
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