discoverborneo - your gateway to malaysian borneo

Malaysian Borneo's flora is really quite astonishing. Due to extensive mountain ranges in Sabah and Sarawak many of the species are endemic not just to Borneo but to Sabah and Sarawak as well. Probably the most famous in Borneo is the world's largest flower the Rafflesia, there are only a few places where there is a good chance to see these plants bloom, the Poring Hot Springs area and the Rafflesia Conservation Area in Sabah.

Many species of Pitcher plant, the Nepenthes, are native to Borneo too. These carnivorous plants are largely found in the higher altitudes although some species can be found in shaded areas lower altitudes. The largest of these species can hold up to 4 liters of digestive liquid. To learn more about the higher altitude species in Borneo, the Fernarium, the Cocker Range Park provides an educational experience in beautiful surroundings.

Whilst there are more than 100 species of commercially grown and hybridised orchids Malaysian Borneo is home to the world's largest diversity of natural orchids, with over 1000 species growing in the wild. Some of the most sort after and rarest species can be found here, although listed under CITES removal of orchids from the wild is strictly controlled. The best places to see Malaysian Borneo's variety of orchids is the Orchid De Villa, 30 minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu, and the orchid conservation center in Poring.

Many floral species provide a plethora of building and medicinal uses. Numerous herbs, roots leaves and bark are used by tribes to cure a variety of illnesses and as a source of food and water. Building materials include bamboo, Belian (iron wood) and teak as well as rattan, an incredibly strong vine which is stripped and used to tether virtually anything.

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Whether you are interested in a day tour or a week long personalised excursion with a specialist botanical guide, you can find out more by contacting us.