IN THE HEART of Peninsular’s backbone, the Titiwangsa Mountainous Range, Teja River Basin’s pocket of timeless rainforest was a well-kept secret among local Semai tribe. The rest of the world only learned of this mysterious place when a team of western botanists discovered it in 2001.
The mystery of the rainforest has always fascinated intrepid travelers. Now, one can enjoy some pure tropical serenity - expedition style - under steadfast guidance and insider account by our English-speaking naturalist and watchful Semai rangers 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.
Rafflesia is presently listed as “threatened” by IUCN due to habitat loss and natural reproduction difficulties. It can only grow in one type of vine, Tetrastigma tuberculatum, spending most of its life as chain of cells inside the vine’s tissue. Rafflesia does not have stems, roots, leaves or bark. Only its flower gets to take a peep of the outside world.
Two critical timings are required for successful pollination:
- As high as 60-70% flower buds die from lack of nutrients and predation by wildlife.
- The Rafflesia is unisexual. It needs male and female flowers to bloom in close proximity. This is an overwhelming task considering buds take 7-8 months to grow but only bloom for 4-5 days.
The Rafflesia gets its name from Sir Stamford Raffles (1781- 1826), the founder of Singapore, who together with companion Dr. Joseph Arnold stumbled upon these fiery blooms while trekking in the rainforest in 19th century. The first specimen was named Rafflesia Arnoldii. Subsequently, 20 species of Rafflesia have been recorded so far and Teja is home to the rare Rafflesia Cantleyi.
Tour Itinerary
* 9.00am – Pick up in Ipoh hotel. Trip briefings and safety procedures.
* 10.00am - An hour or so trundle of 4WD from Ipoh, over kampongs and plantations unpaved roads takes one to Changkat Matong where the rutted path runs out.
* 11.30am – The journey will be continued on foot under the supervision of Semai guides. Start deep jungle trekking from Sungai Kundor to Bukit Pinang hillside jungle perched 400m / 1200ft above sea level.
* 1.00pm – Reach Bukit Pinang and enjoy sightings of Rafflesia buds and blooms. See other unusual flora which is only found in the deep rainforest. Unlike touristy forest parks, this place is virtually untouched. Its lofty grounds and dense foliage have kept exotic and rare flora and fauna hidden for eons.
This is the jungle that escaped the last Ice Age and has not stopped growing and evolving for 130 million years. It's far older than jungles in Africa and Latin America.
* 3.00pm – Trek back to base for rest and enjoy a quick jungle lunch.
* 4.00pm – Hike a trail to reach an uncharted waterfall. Enjoy dipping in its pristine waters.
* 6.00pm - Transfer back to Ipoh.
Travelers can expect a day of adrenaline-charged jungle expedition. Dense foliage and undulating terrain also mean adventurers would have to be reasonably fit. A myriad of plant species, pitcher plants and colorful fungi flanking the trail make pretty sight and will certainly make the expedition a memorable one.
Along the journey, let us orientate you on tribal cultures, jungle survival skills and get to know some medicinal plants.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- One meal during excursion
- Private English-speaking naturalist and Semai guide
- Private transport to all destinations & activities
Please note that all trips are private-type and require a minimum of 2 people to operate; surcharge applicable for 1 person trip. Discounts are available for self-drive, groups, retirees, students, families and nature clubs.
All packages are ex-Ipoh, a town 200km north capital Kuala Lumpur (KL) and 150km south Penang. To reach Ipoh from KL, hop on the daytime hourly bus services available at KL Puduraya bus station. The ride takes 2 hrs and cost USD4.20 one way, air con. Recommended bus services are Transnasional, Plusliner or Sri Maju. Hotels are cheap in Ipoh as the town is non-touristy. YMCA offers basic room for USD11.80, budget hotel USD24 air-con room, 3 star hotel USD47 room and 4 star hotel USD80 room.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Malaysia
Rainforest
Ecotourism
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