Giant Flower of Sarawak in Raflesia Sanctuary
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Giant Flower of Sarawak in Raflesia Sanctuary
www.nst.com.my By Tina Melan Gading National Park in Lundu district, about 80km from Kuching, is home to the Rafflesia tuanmudae (bunga pakma), the giant flower of Sarawak.
Seeing a blooming Rafflesia is certainly the highlight of a trip to Gunung Gading but the park and the whole Lundu area are well worth visiting anyway.
The rugged peaks in the park provide a scenic backdrop to the nearby beaches at Pandan and Siar. In the upper reaches of Lundu river are a series of waterfalls, a popular recreational destination for locals. Several jungle trails and plankwalks have been established. They pass through cool jungle streams and waterfalls. One path passes "The Seven Sisters Waterfall" while ascending slowly to the peak of Gunung Gading at 906 metres.
The Rafflesia is the largest flower in the world. In full bloom, it can reach up to a metre in diameter. The flower is found on specific vines like the Tetrastigma.
The spores settle on the host plant and develop into a bud which then becomes a brownish red flower. However, there is no specific flowering season and each bloom will only last a few days before rotting. Strict care must be observed during the mandatory guided walk through the Rafflesia site. Since they bloom infrequently and have a brief flowering period, timing and luck are important.
You can call the park from Kuching to find out if a Rafflesia is in bloom. That way, your two hours' drive from the city will not be in vain. For more than 10 years Gunung Gading has been a conservation zone to protect these unusual blooms. The park was opened to visitors in 1994 only after measures were taken to allow the public to see the plants without damaging the delicate eco-system.
The waterfalls and clear jungle streams provide excellent bathing spots. Just half an hour from the park is the coast with its sandy beaches and picturesque villages.
GETTING THERE
Gunung Gading is a five-minute drive from the small town of Lundu in southwest Sarawak. Travellers should take the Sarawak Transport Company Lundu express bus or bus No 2B from Kuching City to Lundu town centre. From there, take a Pandan bus and ask to be dropped off at the park. Daily departure times for STC Bus No 2B to Lundu are 8am, 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4pm. For more information, call at the National Park Booking Office, visitors' information centre, Jalan Masjid, 93400 Kuching, Tel: 082-248088 or fax 082-256301. You can also call at the Gunung Gading National Park, 94500 Lundu, Tel: 082-735714. The park covers 4,106 hectares of rugged mountains.
FACILITIES
There are plankwalks close to where the Rafflesia is commonly found. If a plant is flowering deeper in the forest, park rangers may be able to take you on a guided walk to the site. Visitors should take care - the small brown buds that you can see on the forest may be Rafflesia, so tread carefully and follow instructions.
ACCOMMODATION
There are two chalet units, each with two bedrooms and can sleep up to four people. These cost RM126 per night each. Hostel accommodation is also available at RM42 per room. There are only four bedrooms and each room can take in four persons. Visitors can also stay in hotels in Lundu town, Pandan or Siar. Beaches at Siar and Pandan are scenic and provide swimming pools. |
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World Islamic Tourism Mart / Malaysia
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