Lojing

Lojing Highlands’ Rafflesia Conservation Park

Tucked away in the lush landscapes of Lojing Highlands, the Rafflesia Conservation Park (Taman Konservasi Rafflesia Tanah Tinggi Lojing) is home to one of the world’s most remarkable and rare species: Rafflesia kerrii. This striking flower, known for its massive size, is the second-largest Rafflesia species in the world, with blooms measuring between 80 to 90 cm in diameter. The reserve’s efforts to protect this incredible “corpse flower” are not only essential for the preservation of this unique species but also for maintaining the biodiversity of the surrounding forest.

A major player in this conservation effort is the local government, which gazetted 500 hectares of land for the Rafflesia Conservation Park in 2011. In collaboration with institutions like Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), the state is advancing both scientific research and sustainable tourism initiatives to ensure the survival of Rafflesia kerrii and the preservation of the environment. Working alongside the indigenous Orang Asli communities, ecotourism here helps promote sustainable livelihoods and provides a way for visitors to contribute to the conservation of the forest while learning about its rich natural and cultural heritage.

Rafflesia everywhere: the forest of Lojing Highlands’ Rafflesia Conservation Park has probably the highest density of Rafflesia kerii on the planet.
Eddy the guide coordinator taking visitors into the Lojing Highlands’ Rafflesia Conservation Park.
The quest for Rafflesia may be quite challenging with crossing of streams and water pipes, and can be dangerous after rain.
The gazettement of this Park help conserve not only the Rafflesia, but also other coexisting flora & fauna in the forest.
The Lojing Highlands’ Rafflesia Conservation Park is threaten by deforestation and water exploitation by agriculture, especially farms that grow temperate vegetables.

Visit with us to support the Orang Asli of Lojing Highlands, and ultimately help conserve biodiversity in Lojing Highlands’ Rafflesia Conservation Park.

(All photos & text by Vincen, unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved.)

Ref: Lojing Highland’s rafflesia is world’s second-largest.