World’s largest flower: Where to see the rare Rafflesia Bloom

What is Rafflesia Bloom?
Rafflesia is the world’s largest individual flower, renowned for its immense size, pungent odour, and rare bloom. Found only in the rainforests of Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, it blooms unpredictably and lasts just a few days. Without leaves, stems, or roots, it grows parasitically on vines and emits a strong odour like rotting meat to attract pollinators. Spotting one in bloom is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here are the top 10 places to see the rare Rafflesia Bloom: (Reference image: Canva)

1. Gunung Gading National Park, Malaysia
Located in Sarawak, Borneo, this park is one of the best spots to witness Rafflesia in bloom. Rangers track budding sites, and guided treks are offered when the flower is about to open. A prime destination for Rafflesia tourism. (Reference image: Canva)

2. Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
The slopes of Mount Kinabalu are home to several Rafflesia species, including Rafflesia keithii. Local village trails like those near Poring Hot Springs offer occasional blooms. It’s ideal for those combining mountain adventure with rare flora spotting. (Reference image: Canva)

3. Bengkulu, Sumatra, Indonesia
Known as the birthplace of Rafflesia arnoldii, Bengkulu’s rainforests host frequent sightings. The tropical jungles around Bukit Daun and Taba Penanjung are hotspots where the world’s largest flower emerges between November and March. (Reference image: Canva)

4. Mount Leuser National Park, Indonesia
This vast rainforest in northern Sumatra supports multiple Rafflesia species. Visitors to Bukit Lawang or Ketambe may be lucky to spot a bloom during trekking expeditions led by local guides familiar with bloom locations. (Reference image: Canva)

5. Iloilo, Panay Island, Philippines
Rafflesia speciosa blooms here, with sightings reported in the mountainous forests of Sibalom Natural Park. Conservationists work with indigenous communities to protect this rare species and alert visitors to new blooms. (Reference image: Canva)

6. Quezon Province, Luzon, Philippines
Home to Rafflesia manillana, the forested trails of Mount Banahaw and nearby protected areas offer occasional sightings. Treks to this spiritual mountain sometimes reward visitors with a glimpse of this elusive bloom. (Reference image: Canva)

7. Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
This lush rainforest in southern Thailand occasionally hosts blooms of Rafflesia kerrii. The flower’s buds are tracked by guides, and tourists may be led to fresh blooms during the dry season between January and March. (Reference image: Canva)

8. Royal Belum State Park, Perak, Malaysia
Nestled in the oldest rainforest in Peninsular Malaysia, Royal Belum is known for Rafflesia cantleyi sightings. Jungle tours on boat and foot offer eco-tourism adventures with a chance to see this rare bloom. (Reference image: Canva)

9. Mount Hamiguitan, Mindanao, Philippines
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Hamiguitan harbours Rafflesia schadenbergiana, one of the rarest species. This area is strictly protected, and sightings are rare but prized by botanists and adventurers. (Reference image: Canva)

10. Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Surrounding forests near Padang offer chances to see Rafflesia arnoldii in bloom, especially during the wetter months. Local guides and Rafflesia-monitoring groups help tourists track and observe this massive flower without disturbing the habitat. (Reference image: Canva)