Unique Vacations in Montenegro

On September 3, 2010, In From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Quaint little Montenegro has come out of its Yugoslav shadow with a personality all its own.  Sandwiched between Serbia and Albania, and just an hour away from Dubrovnik this small country is a land of amazing diversity, with plenty of sights, scenery and adventure to go around.

Charming Budva

The sapphire- blue Adriatic and Montenegro’s 182 mile-long lauded shoreline, to the backdrop of spectacular mountain ranges, proffers pristine beaches, secluded coves and rocky headlands.  Historic walled towns punctuate the coastline with Budva at the heart of the Montenegro riviera-like coast.  A blend of ancient and modern, Budva’s stari grad (Old Town) features charming shops and medieval churches, the oldest, the Church of St. Ivan’s dating from the 7th century.  A span of medieval wall and charming old houses, clustered together on close-knit streets reveal the town’s heritage as a former outpost of the Venetian Empire.  Budva’s lively modern town boasts a glamorous marina with delightful sidewalk cafes and a sweep of exclusive sandy beaches comparable only to France’s Riviera.

Kotor

Picturesque Kotor with its walled Old Town, a labyrinth of cobbled alleyways linking small squares with ancient churches and former aristocratic mansions, nestles at the head of its eponymous bay and boasts Montenegro’s most spectacular setting.  Bordering the town, the dramatic Bay of Kotor, southern Europe’s deepest fjord, is a winding channel leaving its mark on Montenegro’s splendid coastline.

Kotor Bay

While the seaside, with its host of water sports on offer- sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling or just relaxing – is the main draw for visitors, Montenegro also has much to offer inland.  In a setting of dramatic mountains with lush pine forests dotted with lakes you find Montenegro’s foremost natural wonder – its giddy-deep Tara Canyon.  Set in the pristine mountainscape of Durmitor National Park, the Tara River Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lays claim to being the second largest canyon in the world, topped only by the Grand Canyon.  Baffling though it may be, few outside the Balkans have heard of this amazing gorge.

Rafting in the Tara Canyon

This 85 km long canyon, 1300 m. at its deepest, is punctuated by a sculpture of rapids, narrow passes, massive obstacles and deep abysses.  The canyon draws nature lovers and adventure seekers, its main attraction being rafting and floating on the river.  Intrepid travelers  can glide down the canyon on rafts made of single logs bound together, or you can admire this creation of nature from the Durdevica Tara Bridge, the main crossing point which spans the divide in spectacular fashion.  You’ll feel lightheaded just viewing this canyon from the walkway while listening to the gurgling, echoing chasm below.

Venture into Montenegro and you step into condensed adventure.  Explore fascinating historical towns sailing or boating down the Adriatic’s beautiful coast; relax on its lovely beaches; bike through boundless highlands around Montenegro’s lakes and experience the thrills of whitewater rafting down the Tara River Canyon.  These are just several of the many highlights this tiny country offers up for the taking.

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Adventure Outdoors in Bled and its Surroundings

On August 31, 2010, In Biking & Hiking, From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Town of Bled on Lake

Nothing prepared us for the beauty of Slovenia’s Bled and Lake Bled.  A small town in northwest Slovenia, Bled’s claim to fame is its lovely picturesque lake and the thermal springs which have earned it exclusive spa resort status.  To boot, a wealth of outdoor adventure travel activities are on offer here and in the surrounding area. 

Lake Bled

Lake Bled, the jewel in the crown, is a picture of near perfection, a  tiny island perched in its  center and its castle, guarding the lake protectively from a high crag above.  This beautiful lake, which is quite small, affords one of the most relaxing and lovely walks around its banks where one can take in the spectacular scenery.  A visit to the church on the island is a must – public transportation is available by motorboat or gondola, but hiring a boat and rowing out is a much more satisfying and exciting experience.  Overlooking the lake and perched atop a cliff, Bled Castle offers  amazing views of the whole of the lake and the many valleys in the background.

Lake Bled and Castle ABove

 

Vintgar Gorge

Vintgar Gorge

A short drive from Bled, you come upon Vintgar Gorge, an impressive canyon whose wooden walkway built into the rock crisscrosses the Radovna River and affords great views of cascading falls and rapids.  Walk in these beautiful surroundings, with the refreshing mist of the river spraying your face or take an easy white water rafting trip down the  nearby river rapids.  Vintgar Gorge is a superb place for adventure outdoors!

 

 

 

Postojna Caves 

Inside Postojna Caves

The Postojna Caves, a mere half hour’s drive from Bled, are without a doubt some of the most spectacular caves to visit.  A small train takes you through approximately 4 km of the caves, where gallery after gallery of incredible rock formations in hues of black, red and bluish white astounded us. Spaghetti-like stalactites dangle from above while stalagmites appear as if candles melting in Gaudi-like structures, and in the background the oohs and aahs of spectators left gasping by the spectacle.  Thin calcite curtains appear as fragile as to give an impression of fluttering voile cloth.  Where the train ends, a tour on foot continues and takes you to the second of the cave’s highlights – a view of the Proteus Anguinus – the human fish, a remarkable tiny albino creature found only in these caves.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ljubljana 

Ljubljana on the Ljubljianca River

Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital is only an hour’s drive away.  This is a great city, small enough to explore on foot, yet classically European.  Stroll its quaint streets; hike up to its castle, visible from almost anywhere in town; enjoy the lovely houses in Tarnovo and Krakova neighborhoods as you wander along the banks of the Lubljanca.  Ljubljana is first and foremost, though, an outdoor town.  Let the sun shine and the city’s many nature lovers are out walking, hiking, cycling and roller blading.

Bled and its surroundings, the wonderful, unspoilt mountains, ,its towns and  even its  capital city all  present the best that nature, in all its splendor, has to offer.  The myriad of relaxed recreation, activities and scenery in this region of the Balkans offer some of the best adventure travel holiday’s   families can imagine.

Human Fish

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Family Adventure Travel Holidays on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula

On August 28, 2010, In From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

 How does exploring a land of hilltop villages, seaside resorts, great adventure and active family vacationing sound?  It’s all very doable on the Istrian Peninsula, formerly a part of Italy and today the gem of Croatia’s northern coast.  Indeed, the juxtaposition of Italian-influenced coastal resorts and inland Croatian villages is possibly Istria’s most compelling feature.  Both groups were preceded by Illyrian tribes and ruled throughout by Romans, Byzantium, Venetians and Austrians.  However, Italian influence prevails throughout the region.

Every day is a new adventure outdoors on the Istrian peninsula.  Be it active exploration of hilltop villages, water adventures of every kind on the coast, agrotourism on its olive oil farms, wine road and truffle forests, you move at your own relaxed pace here,  absorbing the area’s Mediterranean Tuscan-like  charm.

Opatija

Opatija

Elegant Opatija lies at the center of the Istrian Riviera, its lush green scenery, warm waters and mild climate provide a relaxing setting in harmony with nature., while its stream of foreign visitors provide the excitement.  The Benedictine Abbey established here in 1420, around which the town settled, lends its name to Opatija, meaning abbey.  The backdrop of the city, Mt. Ucka provides some great hiking trails, and a view from the mountain top is superb.  Exploring the small fishing villages in the area also make for great adventure.  The contrast of lush gardens and an azure sea, lively entertainment venues and quiet natural settings for excursions, water sports and land activities galore all combine to make Opatija a very attractive Croatian destination.

Agrotourism

Lovely Hilltop Motovun

The 14th century fortified town of Motovun, built by the Venetians, as was much of Istria, sits atop a hill overlooking vineyards and olive oil farms.  This is an area to experience agrotourism at its best.  Quaint doesn’t even begin to describe the mountains and hilltop villages, to the setting of purple-mauve skies, which provide an unforgettable   scene of the sinking sun.  Accommodations in traditional stone buildings, food grown where you’re staying, local olive oil and wine, and the pleasure of relaxed conversation with locals and guests around a stone fireplace after dinners works its magic, creating a sense of deep inner peace.  Hiking and biking trails abound here and the drive to the nearby sea is short.

Seaside Towns

Inside Porec

In Istria, the allure of the sea is ever-present.  Porec, with its Italian influence has some amazing historical sites.  The Basilica of Euphrasius, A UNESCO World Heritage Site, is prominent.  This 16th century most beautifully decorated complex, with its superb apse mosaics represents an impressive synthesis of classical architecture of the times with the more ornate elements that had begun to develop in the East.  The gilt-tiled mosaics literally illuminate the apse and are reason enough to travel to Porec.

 

Mosaics in Basilica of Euphrasius

Surrounded by hills covered with pines, Rovinj is the best loved towns of the Istrian Peninsula.  This beautiful old town sits on a hill where you can easily lose your way among the winding, narrow cobbled streets.  The church of St. Euphemia, built in 1736, is perched atop the hill, its tower modeled after St. Mark’s in Venice.  From here, the view of lively seaside cafes and fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, to the backdrop of 13 small islands in the distance is astounding.  This is the place for a boating adventure to Crevn, Otok or Katarina, some of these lovely offshore islands, or for scuba diving t o the Baron Gautsch wreck.

Since all of Istria is easily managed by short car jaunts, the array of choices are amazing – be it exploring, lodging or dining – the selections are absolutely outstanding!

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Plitvice Lakes – Adventure Outdoors at One of the Best Family Vacation Destinations

On August 24, 2010, In Biking & Hiking, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Plitvice Lakes Birdeye View

If the Dalmatian coast provides one of the most spectacular sailing adventure destinations, Plitvice Lakes National Park offers one of Europe’s best outdoor adventure travel,  back-to-nature experiences.  Located inland near the Bosnian border and about a 2-hr. drive south of Zagreb, this Croatian jewel is a richly vegetated and visually elaborate canvas of 16 lakes, waterfalls, streams, caves, springs and brilliantly colored water.

Driving on the old road between Zagreb and Zadar, a dense mixture of Alpine-Mediterranean landscape takes over.  As the sound of rushing water obliterates every other noise, you know you’ve arrived at Plitvice Lakes.  The park, a lush 8 km square, heavily forested plateau and valley features beech, spruce and fir trees and is home to rare wildlife, such as the European brown bear, wolves, eagles, owls, lynx, wild cats and capercailzies.  More than 70 bird species breed here as well.  The breathtaking turquoise, azure, gray and blue crystal-clear waters of the 12 Upper Lakes (Gornja Jezera) and four Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera) are strung together by cascading waterfalls created through sedimentation of travertine, a particular type of limestone, and miles of pleasant walks. 

Put on your hiking shoes to get up close to the park’s breathtaking beauty:  A system of wood-planked walkways, stairways and dirt trails lead you along the lakes, past the cascades, natural barriers, pools, springs, caves and crags.  The paths literally lead right up to the middle of the waterfalls, where you’ll get great views of the travertine formations.  Climb through the slippery caves to the top of the Plitvice plateau for stunning vistas of the forested lakes.

Hiking in Plitvice Lakes Park

The park offers several hiking routes:  For those limited on time, the shortest one runs through the park within 90 minutes.  For enthusiasts wanting to experience nature at its best, the longest and most spectacular trail takes 6-8 hrs.  Be sure to take the boat ride along Lake Kozjak, the park’s largest lake, connecting the Upper Lakes and Lower Lakes, the lower part of the Upper Lakes being the most striking area of the park. 

After a full day of wandering through the mist, stop at one of the wooden strukli (strudel) stalls at the park entrance for a slice of apple, cheese or berry strudel, or enjoy great grilled trout at the Licka Kuca restaurant.  If you want to spend a few days in this Garden of Eden, there are hotels within the park limits, and affordable local villas and apartments for rent in the nearby vicinity.    To get to know the locals, lodging in a local Sobe (room for rent) is most affordable and highly recommended.  This area was involved in the beginnings of the Bosnian war and finding out about the region’s history from a local resident is a priceless education!   Sobes are everywhere and are easily found – all you need to do is drive up to one.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great active holiday and one of the best family vacation destinations when traveling in Croatia, especially with youngsters.  The spectacular wild scenery, the great hiking and back-to-nature adventure outdoors experience is not to be missed.

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An Imperial Retirement Home on the Adriatic Shores

On August 20, 2010, In Archeology & Culture, From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, By Sylvia Arad

Split Harbor with Palce in Background

The pulsating heart of Split, Croatia’s second largest city is Diocletian’s Palace.  Though Split boasts a treasured old town and a delightful palm-lined harbor, its jewel in the crown is Diocletian’s Palace.  Pioneering the concept of retirement, the emperor Diocletian, a native of nearby Salona, had a palace built for him here around 300AD, where he spent the last 7 years of his life.

Entering the Palace

One of the best preserved Roman palace remnants in the world, Diocletian’s Palace is by no means a traditional archeological site.  It is integrated into the city with several thousand people residing within its walls, affording it a great part of its charm and lending it the UNESCO World Heritage status.  Roman walls, imperial quarters and medieval churches interpose with medieval homes, narrow alleyways and lovely squares featuring lively cafes and restaurants.

Inside a Palace Square

Situated next to the lovely harbor, the palace can’t be missed.  Various entrances through old gates lead you weaving through the maze of sandstone  lanes.  The well-preserved Papalic Palace houses the excellent city museum, which offers a comprehensive history of Split.  From afar, the oldest Roman Cathedral of St. Dominus , planned as Diocletian’s mausoleum, and built with 24 columns, altars and sculptures within a splendid octagonal structure stands out.  Climb the tower for an excellent panorama of the town and the surrounding lush Marijan Peninsula.

Diocletian Palace and Cathedral at Night

Trogir

Conveniently located a mere half hour’s bus ride from Split, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Trogir offers a perfect counterpart to Split.  Resplendent with Venetian influence, in Trojir you’ve arrived in 16th century Italy rather than 21st century Croatia, its layout essentially unchanged for centuries and its ancient building, many second homes to aristocracy and nobility, nearly perfectly preserved.

Trogir's Kamerlengo Fortress

Trogir’s famous cathedral dominates the main square.   The elegant cathedral is renowned for its west portal with allegorical scenes intricately carved in 1240 by Slav master mason Radovan.  Among the most attractive of the town’s noble residences are the Cipiko Palace and the Kamarlengo Fortress.

Experiencing the wooded Marijan Peninsula,  its palaces and aristocratic homes, the narrow old town streets of Split and Trogir, and enjoying its lively cafes made for a great adventure travel experience in an area laden with both visual and historical appeal.

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Resplendent Hvar – The Crown Jewel of the Dalmatian Coast

On August 17, 2010, In Archeology & Culture, From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, By Sylvia Arad

Hvar harbor

Ask any image-conscious Croatian, and you’ll probably be told that the most beautiful of the over 1000 Croatian Islands is Hvar.  Indeed, exploring Hvar was the highlight of our sailing adventures on the Dalmatian Coast.

We anchored in Stari Grad, the oldest town in Croatia.  Despite its central location at the heart of the Adriatic coast’s trading routes, there was no permanent settlement here before 385BC, when the Parans, of Ionian Greek origin, established the colony of Pharos, and subsequently, Croatians settled here.  The town became known as StariGrad, a singularly appropriate name meaning old town.   From here, we took a local bus to Hvar town, considered the most striking of Hvar island’s villages.  The ride through Hvar’s rugged interior, a palm-sweating, white-knuckle trip, is stunning, especially in spring when the blue-mauve lavender adds its colors to the scenery and perfumes the air.

Sunset in Hvar

We arrived for our first view of the splendid town at sunset.  As we came around the bend, taking in the panorama, we gasped:   Idyllic Hvar shimmered before us, curved around its uniquely indented harbor with docked boats of all description, its grey flecked buildings interposed between the brilliant white of the wharf and the blue of the Adriatic, and crowned atop,  its castle fort with walls trailing down to the town.  Scores of couples and families strolled its brilliant promenade, rimmed with lively cafes and restaurants.

A View from the Citadel

We wandered through the town’s ancient walled gate where cobblestone paths wound in a maze of architectural wonders – sculptured porticos, ancient wooden doors and bridges spanning alleyways, leading up the town’s steep hills towards the castle.  The imposing citadel atop was the perfect spot to begin our explorations.  The unparalleled hilltop views of the town, the brilliant harbor and countryside provide an unmatched sense of the town’s environs.  Built by the Venetians in the 1550’s, Hvar was destroyed in 1571 when Uli Ali’s galleons razed the town to the ground.  Having been entirely rebuilt, it is one of Dalmatia’s best preserved towns.

Climbing up to the Citadel

On the square’s south side, the Venetian arsenal, considered an architectural highlight, today houses the town’s theater.  The waterside Franciscan Monastery and simple church, built in 1583, is striking and the last of the historic sights in the conventional sense.

More than its historic allure, Hvar’s appeal is visual – its true beauty isn’t a matter of any individual building or site, but rather the combination of its parts, set together between its idyllic harbor and its shining sandstone buildings, to the backdrop of its lush Mediterranean mountains.

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Family Vacation Adventures Sailing the Dalmatian Coast

On August 13, 2010, In From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Chartering a boat to cruise the Dalmatian coast, where  scenic islands are just a few hours sail apart and protected harbors welcome overnight boats is probably the easiest and best way  to experience the beauty of the Adriatic Sea up close and to explore otherwise inaccessible islands, coves and villages. This was one of our best family vacation adventures ever!

Korcula

We started out in Dubrovnik and set sail toward Split, focusing on the southern Dalmatian coast, which boasts some of the most spectacular wooded islands and warm crystalline waters. The many isles we passed- Lopud , Mljet, Korcula, Vis, Hvar and Brac – just a few of the over 1100 islands found along the Croatian coast, were picturesque,  white limestone-laden and pine-clad.  We anchored in beautiful fishing village coves, where we relaxed and swam,  enjoyed spectacular views, ashore adventures and great seafood.  

Veliko Jezero

On Mljet  island, we took a side trip, one of the highlights of our adventure, to scenic Mljet National Park where we hopped on bikes and cycled around Velliko Jezero, the salt water lake with a remarkable 12th century Benedictine monastery set upon an islet in the lake’s center. 

Korcula at Sunrise

We neared Korcula early morning, where we had one of the best photo opportunities in all Croatia – the early morning sun shining on the orange-yellow-ochre of the stone walls, towers and tiled roofs of the Old Town served to create an awesome artists’ portrait.  This walled pedestrian town is a delight, full of architectural treasures and its centerpiece, the beautiful 13th century Cathedral of St. Mark. 

We anchored in the lovely small fishing village of Komiza, on Vis Island that evening.  The quay lined with restaurants beckoned us invitingly.  Here, the streets gently climb the hills into tiny residential areas whose homes embrace walled gardens where fruit trees abound.  High  above the village, a formidable castle illuminated the night sky giving a fairy tale aura to an already enchanting town.  A small boat excursion the next day took us to nearby Bisevo Island, home to the Blue Grotto, with its amazing cobalt-blue waters.

Blue Grotto

Sailing north, we moored in StariGrad, once known as Pharos and the oldest settlement on Hvar Island.  Endless lavender fields and vineyards cover this lovely island and Hvar town is not to be missed! Making our way towards Split, our last stop was Brac Island where we anchored in Supetar harbor, a small, peaceful village exhibiting the authentic high-quality stone used for many sculptures and in the building of the With House.  This was the ideal finale for a perfect sailing adventure.

Our sailing trip on the Dalmatian coast was the crowning highlight of our trip to Croatia – a boating paradise of turquoise waters, safe harbors, hidden coves and swimming holes, plenty of adventures ashore, and one of the best family vacation destinations!

Hvar's Lavender Fields

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Short City Breaks – Dubrovnik, Croatia

On August 10, 2010, In City Breaks, From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, Uncategorized, By Sylvia Arad

Dubrovnik's Port View

There is no better place to start exploring the wonders of the Dalmatian Coast and Croatia than medieval Dubrovnik, the Adriatic’s “Crown Jewel”, located on Dalmatia’s southern tip.  Circumnavigating this incredible walled city you’re struck by its beauty and history.

By far the best way to explore Dubrovnik and experience the marvels of its Old Town is on foot.  Upon entering the gates, we were astonished by the Stradun, the wide flagstone-paved pedestrian boulevard, polished to a marble-finish shine, and the spouting Onofrio Fountain at its center.  This ancient main street still bisects the town, running from Pile Gate in the west to Luza Square on the east.

The immaculate white-walled town is a labyrinth of streets and long narrow alleyways with its hundreds of stairs climbing down from its ramparts, and lively cafes and small colorful shops dotting its paths.  Steeped in stunning architecture and sculptural details, Dubrovnik boasts spectacular churches, monuments, monasteries and museums.

Court of Franciscan Monastery

Above the Franciscan Monastery, the Pieta sculpture invites us to explore this medieval complex, with its beautiful cloister and famed 14th century pharmacy.  Bordering Luza Square, Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance structures, such as the clock tower, the Sponza Palaces and the Old Rector\’s Palace each serve to remind us of this city’s unique history.  The city museum, housed in the Rector’s {palace is an essential first stop.  St. Blaise\’s Church  and the Cathedral, the two main places of worship, are well worth a visit – the Cathedral Treasury being a particular highlight.

Cathedral

The best part of a visit to Dubrovnik is a walk around the magnificent medieval city walls that rank as one of the best preserved in the world, granting the town UNESCO World Heritage status.  Dubrovnik, the only city-state to rival Venice, achieved remarkable development and wealth during the 15th and 16th centuries.

St. Blaise at NIght

Atop its incredible ramparts, towering over 80 ft. and measuring up to 60 ft thick, the significance of Dubrovnik’s warring history is not lost upon us.  First built to protect against the Venetians and other marauders in the 13th century, the huge walls were reinforced in the 15th century and later still in the 17th century against Turkish invaders and then against the Austro-Hungarians.

Circling the entire Old Town from the ramparts above, Dubrovnik’s beauty really struck home – aerial views of life below, an assemblage of red-shingled homes with green-shuttered windows, remarkably impressive views of the Adriatic Sea and the town’s boat-packed Old Harbor.  Free of cars and advertising banners, Dubrovnik’s Old Town retains an unrivalled beauty.

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10 Family Adventure Travel “Musts” in Malaysia

On August 7, 2010, In Family Vacation Adventures in Asia, By Sylvia Arad

When  traveling to Malaysia,  here are some of the best travel adventures  to experience:

1. “Adopt an Orangutan” at the Sepilak Orangutan Wildlife Center.

Looking for Proboscis Monkeys

2.  Sail down the Sabah’s  Menanggol River to observe the rare Proboscis Monkeys.

3.  Ride the cable car to Mt. Mat Cingcang and walk the  skybridge on Malaysia’s  Langkawi  Island.

Taman Negara Canopy Walk

4.  Trek the canopy walk at Taman Negara, Pahang, the longest walk of its kind.

Swimming and Diving off Sipidan Island

5.  Snorkle, dive and swim with the barracudas off Sipadan Island.

Hawker Food

6.  Eat fresh Hawker food on Penang Island, the best place for this open-stall food.

7. Cimb to the top of majestic Mt. Kinabalu.

8. Get a local “passport” stamped  at each of the 27 ethnic group homes when visiting  in  Sarawak Cultural Village.

Steps at Batu Caves

9.  Climb up all 272 steps at  Batu Caves  and view Kuala Lumpur’s skyline from the top.

10.  Relax on Penang Island’s beautiful beaches and visit its unique butterfly farm.

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Borneo’s Giant Plant – The Rafflesia

On August 3, 2010, In Family Vacation Adventures in Asia, Uncategorized, By Sylvia Arad

Rafflesia in Full Bloom

Borneo’s Rafflesia is found mainly in the rainforests of Sarawak and Sabah.  This parasitic flower grows to a diameter of more than 3 feet across with a weight of up to 22lbs. and is part of a family of about 20 species.

As a disembodied flower, the Rafflesia is a rootless, leafless and stemless parasite. It is nourished by its host vine, usually a Tetrastigma, related to a grapevine, and rampant in Borneo forests.  The flower grows within the vine and

Ballooning Rafflesia

first manifests itself as a tiny bud on the vine’s stem.  Over a period of 9-12 months, it expands and balloons to  a  cabbage-like head until it bursts open to reveal an astounding vivid-red fleshy five-petaled flower. The plant only flowers for 5-7 days before it begins to blacken and wither.  As it withers, it emits a rotting, repulsive smell like rotting meat, in turn attracting to it insects and flies upon which the carnivorous plant then feeds. 

Rafflesia as it Develops

Its rarity makes the Rafflesia difficult to view.  In Tanbunen, Sabah, near Kota Kinabalu, a Rafflesia Conservation area has been established which provides information and trekking to view this unusual flower.  The center, which serves as the entrance to pristine forest reserves, features an unusually high occurrence of the flower blooming for this otherwise rarely viewed plant.

Nepenthes Raja

Borneo’s forests are home to thousands of types of flora and fauna, of which several are found only in this part of the world.  These include the Nepenthes Raja, a giant carnivorous pitcher plant whose bell-like flower can hold more than 6 pints of liquid, the Paphiopedilum Rothschildianum , an extremely rare slipper orchid, and the Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower.

The landscapes of Borneo provide adventure travelers a myriad of unusual flora and fauna – the Rafflesia being on the top of the list for unique viewing.

Paphiopedilum Rothschildianum

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