No of Persons

Rates (RM)

2 - 8 persons

RM 330.00 nett per person

This is no sugar coated jaunt. Trails are raw and undeveloped. One needs reasonable fitness to trek lofty hillside, cross streams and brave dense foliage that have kept exotic and rare flora and fauna hidden for eons. That said, we have played host to participants as young as 8 years old and as old as 62 years old. If you are game, we will take good care of you. All we ask is that you exercise and work on leg muscles 2 weeks ahead of departure to avoid cramps and fatigue during the trek.

Towering trees rise from the floor to sky. Shady creek flowing with pristine water. The intricate ecosystem shares its gems in every nook and corner, offering unmatched experience for nature explorers - and once such fine example is the Rafflesia bloom

The exotic and mysterious Rafflesia bloom has always fascinated intrepid adventurers. Now, one can enjoy some pure tropical serenity - expedition style - under steadfast guidance and insider account by our English-speaking naturalist and watchful Semai native guides to see the famed Rafflesia.

The Rafflesia is the only plant that has the capability to “play dead”. For higher chances of pollination, the Rafflesia’s clumpy and waxy red petals bear uncanny resemblance to decaying dead animal. This hoodwinks flies and insects to gather at its ovum and fly away with spores.

The Rafflesia flower is known as Bunga Pakma by locals; Bunga is flower in Malay, and Pakma is derived from ancient language Sanskrit for lotus – a symbol for purity and fertility. The flowers are traditionally used after childbirth to aid shrinking of womb and restore female figure.

Trail Talk

Botanists believe Rafflesia is the only plant in the world capable of “playing dead”. Its waxy thick red petals resemble decaying meat. It even smells like one too. Some Rafflesia species emit such a horrible stench, nose pinching is necessary to get near them. These characteristics hoodwink flies and insects to stopover and fly away with spores for pollination. Good trick or what? One of the key attractions of this trip is that one has the opportunity to trek deep into a virgin rainforest that rarely gets any human contact. Not many know that Malaysia has one of the oldest jungles in the world. Compared to the world’s rainforest, Malaysia’s is a great grandmother, dating back to the Pleistocene Epoch 130 million years ago and far older than those in Latin America and Africa. During the Ice Ages, Malaysia’s forest was spared from glaciers and crushing cold due to its location near the sunny and warm equator. And so we have a massive variety of flora and fauna that have not stopped growing and evolving long before the existence of dinosaurs and mankind.

Marble-size buds break out from its host periodically and it takes 8-9 months for them to grow into mature cabbage-size buds. At this stage, the buds are ready to burst into full Rafflesia bloom, which only last 2 days, as soon as surrounding temperature drops or rain. So, besides pure grit to trek into inner jungle, some luck is needed to spot the fiery spectacle

Rafflesia flower gradually turns dark maroon after peak bloom but it maintains its shape that depicts “decaying meat” on the forest floor. This tricks insects and flies to swarm on it and fly away with spores for propagation

Pristine waterfall that flushes down from highland jungle is a great place for a refreshing dip that soothes tired bodies after the trek.

Enjoy food adventure too. Lunch is cooked according to traditional recipes and will be enjoyed in a small village lodge that’s hygienic and only uses locally sourced countryside ingredients. However, if you prefer something more familiar or can’t eat certain items due to personal, medical or religious reasons, let us know. We can arrange urban staples like breads, cakes, fruits, coffee or even vegetarian dishes

Itinerary (ex-Ipoh):

Destination Perak ~ Ipoh ~ Perak jungle ~ day trip Minimum no. of Persons 2 persons Tour Commences from Ipoh town Room Type nil Facility & Activity nil Things to Bring Checklist Attire ~ long pants tucked into long socks (to insulate against leeches) and sports shoes with good grips for rutted path. Bright coloured wear is preferred to ease spotting leeches. You do not need boots. They are too heavy. Bring a small backpack to store personal essentials, water, raincoat and don’t forget to bring spare clothes and towels if you want to take a dip in the waterfall. Duration 1 day, 9am - 5pm, 8 hrs