Sabah is a paradise for nature lovers and plant enthusiasts. Known for its lush rainforests, mist-covered mountains, and incredible biodiversity, this Malaysian gem is home to some of the rarest and most fascinating plants on Earth. From delicate wild orchids to the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia, Sabah offers a botanical experience unlike anywhere else.
The legendary Rafflesia: World’s largest flower
You cannot mention the forests of Sabah without talking about the famed Rafflesia. Affectionately called the “corpse flower” for its distinctive smell, it is found mainly in Tambunan, Crocker Range and Poring Hot Springs, this giant bloom can measure over 90cm in diameter.
Begin your search by booking a room at Poring Hot Springs Resort (start with a quick dip!). Once you feel refreshed, trek on to find this magnificent bloom. What makes the Rafflesia truly special is its rarity. It blooms for only a few days each year, making it a prized sight for hikers and photographers. Despite its strange appearance and scent, it’s an essential part of Sabah’s ecosystem, helping to balance the forest’s biodiversity.
Where to find it: Poring Hot Springs, Crocker Range, Tambunan
Orchids of Mount Kinabalu: Jewels of the Mist
Sabah’s Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often dubbed an orchid paradise. The mountain hosts over 1,200 orchid species, including several that exist nowhere else on Earth. Some of the most famous are:
Plan a rafflesia sighting, book a stay at a Sabah mountain lodge and start your eagle-eyes search for these elusive flower
Where to find it: Kinabalu Park
Nepenthes: The wild pitcher plants of Borneo
Another unique flora is the Nepenthes, or pitcher plant. These carnivorous plants are found in the Kinabalu Park and Maliau Basin, growing in nutrient-poor soils where they adapt by trapping insects in their pitcher-shaped leaves. Among the rarest species are:
These plants fascinate botanists and photographers alike, offering a glimpse into nature’s incredible
adaptability.
Where to find it: Kinabalu Park, Maliau Basin
Dipterocarp Trees: The giants of Borneo
The dipterocarp forests of Sabah form the backbone of Borneo’s tropical ecosystem. These towering giants can exceed 70 meters in height and dominate the lowland forests from Danum Valley to the Tawau Hills Park. Home to a variety of wildlife, this gentle giant plays a major role in maintaining the rainforest’s microclimate and carbon balance.
Where to find it: Danum Valley
Other rare botanical wonders
From giant ferns that stretch meters high to wild gingers that brighten the forest floor, Sabah boasts a diversity of flora species. In places like Danum Valley and Maliau Basin, you’ll be able to find rare mosses, orchids, and trees that scientists are still studying. Each plant contributes to the rainforest’s delicate web of life, making Sabah one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
Whether you’re a botanist, hiker, or simply love nature photography, Sabah offers a front-row seat to some of Earth’s most spectacular flora. This is a sign for you to plan your next green escape, learn more about our native plants, or simply discover stories that root you deeper in nature.
Immerse yourself in what Sabah’s wildlife has to offer. Whether you are eyeing an adventurous mountain hike or a Sabah trekking experience to marvel at these rare and beautiful breeds, Sutera Sanctuary Resorts provides you with the convenience of planning without the hassle!
