Rafflesia Centre Tambunan
Discover the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia Arnoldii, on a guided trek through the lush rainforests of Tambunan, Sabah.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak blooming season
Rafflesia Centre Tambunan
Best Time
Peak blooming season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia Arnoldii, on a guided trek through the lush rainforests of Tambunan, Sabah.
"A truly amazing experience to see this unique flower, the money you pay is nothing!"
Compulsory Guide Hire
Guides are mandatory for treks to find Rafflesia. Budget around RM50-100 per group.
Trek Smart
Wear sturdy shoes and bring a raincoat. Trails can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Blooming Rafflesia Arnoldii
Forest trails
Witness the world's largest flower in its natural habitat. A truly unique and awe-inspiring natural wonder.
Rafflesia Information Centre
Tambunan, Sabah
Learn about the Rafflesia's life cycle and conservation efforts at this dedicated center. Informative and well-maintained.
Guided Jungle Trek
Surrounding forest
Expert guides lead you through the rainforest to find blooming Rafflesias. Essential for a successful sighting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Guide Up, Trek Down
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Compulsory Guide Hire
Guides are mandatory for treks to find Rafflesia. Budget around RM50-100 per group.
Trek Smart
Wear sturdy shoes and bring a raincoat. Trails can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain.
Check Bloom Status
Rafflesia blooms are unpredictable. Call ahead to inquire about current sightings.
Conservation Fee
A small fee (RM5-15) contributes to conservation efforts.
Tips
from all over the internet
Compulsory Guide Hire
Guides are mandatory for treks to find Rafflesia. Budget around RM50-100 per group.
Trek Smart
Wear sturdy shoes and bring a raincoat. Trails can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain.
Check Bloom Status
Rafflesia blooms are unpredictable. Call ahead to inquire about current sightings.
Conservation Fee
A small fee (RM5-15) contributes to conservation efforts.
Museum & Facilities
The center has a museum, clean toilets, and ample parking. Great for families!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the unique opportunity to see the Rafflesia Arnoldii in its natural habitat, highlighting the knowledgeable and friendly guides. The centre's facilities are generally well-maintained, though the unpredictable nature of the blooms and the compulsory guide fees are points to consider.
"We drop by this Rafflesia IC, and we need to hire a guide. Cost to hire a guide is RM50 while to enter is RM5 per pax.
Need to drive out to the main road, turn left and drive until you see the brown wall on the left. We entered, parked our car and looked for our guide. We have to do a little walk and hike in the jungle to spot the Rafflesia."
Gary Ong
"About 1.5hrs drive from KK. Entrance fee was RM5/pax and RM50/5pax to hire tour guide (compulsory) for Malaysian. Foreigner will be x2 the price.
Great place to see rafflesia. Have to trek 700m down on the day I visited.
Sadly, it was raining on that day when we trek up. Recommended to standby a raincoat and wear covered shoes."
LengLeng
"Fun family trip. Greeted right away by friendly guides. Site also houses a museum of sorts and clean toilets. We signed up for the short hike to see the Rafflesia before coming back to hose off our shoes and checked out the museum.
A lot of information about Rafflesia sp, I wish there were more children-related info/activities board. Toilet is really clean and plenty of parking around. One of the must-do for visitors or locals alike."
Emily Ho
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Rafflesia Centre Tambunan is about a 1.5-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu (KK). You'll need to drive out to the main road, turn left, and continue until you see a brown wall on your left indicating the entrance. Renting a car or hiring a taxi are common options.
Public transport options are limited and can be time-consuming. It's generally recommended to arrange private transport or join a tour for easier access.
For exploring the Tambunan area and reaching specific Rafflesia spotting locations, a private vehicle or a hired driver is most convenient.
Keep an eye out for a brown wall on your left side after driving for a while from the main road. This usually marks the entrance to the Rafflesia Information Centre.
The journey from Kota Kinabalu to the Rafflesia Centre Tambunan typically takes around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is usually around RM5 per person as a conservation fee. Foreigners might be charged double.
Yes, hiring a guide is compulsory for trekking into the jungle to find Rafflesia. The guide fee is typically RM50 for a group of up to 5 Malaysians, and potentially double for foreigners.
While you can inquire about guides by calling +6088899589, it's common to arrange for a guide upon arrival at the centre.
Operating hours can vary, but it's best to visit during daylight hours. It's advisable to call ahead or check their official channels for the most up-to-date information.
The guide fee is often priced per group, making it more economical for families or small groups. Check with the centre for specific group rates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking or hiking shoes, as the trails can be muddy and slippery. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing and a raincoat are highly recommended.
The trek duration varies depending on the location of blooming flowers. It can range from a short walk to a more substantial hike, often involving a 700m trek down.
Sightings are not guaranteed as Rafflesia blooms are unpredictable. Visiting during the peak season (Feb-Apr) and going with a knowledgeable guide increases your chances.
Yes, the centre provides clean toilets and ample parking space for visitors.
Yes, it's a great family activity. The centre has a museum with information, and the guided trek can be an exciting adventure for kids, though they should be supervised.
📸 📸 Photography
Use a macro lens if possible to capture the intricate details. Be mindful of the lighting conditions in the forest and avoid using flash directly on the flower, as it can damage it.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of the environment and other visitors. Avoid touching the flower.
Use a higher ISO to compensate for low light, and a wider aperture to achieve a shallow depth of field, blurring the background to make the Rafflesia stand out.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the centre management beforehand to ensure compliance with any regulations.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light, but the dense forest canopy might limit direct sunlight. Be prepared for varying light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Ensure children wear appropriate footwear and are supervised closely on the trails. The guides are generally friendly and accommodating, and the overall experience is rewarding. The availability of clean toilets and parking adds to the convenience for families.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
Photographers will find the Rafflesia a challenging yet rewarding subject. The dense forest environment requires careful attention to lighting, and a macro lens can help capture the intricate details of the bloom. Be patient, as finding and photographing a perfectly bloomed Rafflesia can take time and effort. Respect the environment and the flower itself.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enigmatic Rafflesia Arnoldii
These flowers are notoriously difficult to find. They bloom infrequently and for a short period, typically only a few days. The process from bud to bloom can take months, making a sighting a matter of luck and timing. The Rafflesia Information Centre in Tambunan plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, educating visitors and protecting the delicate ecosystem where these giants grow.
When you visit, your guide will be instrumental in locating a blooming Rafflesia. They possess the knowledge of the forest and the subtle signs that indicate a flower is about to open or is in its prime. The experience of trekking through the rainforest, guided by local expertise, to witness this unique bloom is unforgettable.
Planning Your Trek: What to Expect
Be prepared for a hike. The trails can be uneven, muddy, and slippery, especially during or after rainfall. Therefore, wearing sturdy, waterproof hiking boots is crucial. Bringing a raincoat or poncho is also highly advisable, as the weather in the rainforest can change rapidly. The trek itself can vary in length, with some reviews mentioning a 700m descent.
Beyond the trek, the centre itself offers valuable insights. There's a museum with exhibits detailing the Rafflesia's life cycle, conservation status, and other fascinating aspects of the local flora and fauna. Clean toilets and ample parking are also available, making the visit comfortable for all.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit