Five rafflesia arnoldii flowers bloom in Bengkulu

One of five Rafflesia arnoldii flowers that bloom at Desa Ulak Bandung area, Kaur Regency, Bengkulu. (Antoni William)

Bengkulu (ANTARA) - A total of five Raflesia arnoldii flowers bloom at three points in the forest area of Desa Ulak Bandung, Kaur Regency, Bengkulu Province.

"There are five Raflesia arnoldi that are in full bloom at the moment in three different locations with a distance of about 500 meters," said Chairman of the Youth Care Tourism Community of Muara Sahung District, Antoni William when contacted from Bengkulu on Wednesday.

He said the five Raflesia flowers were arnoldii species, which was one of the species identified by Dr. Joseph Arnold while attending an expedition in Bengkulu forest led by Thomas Stamford Raffles.

According to Antoni, this flower habitat can be accessed easily using motorcycle for 10 minutes from Desa Ulak Bandung

He added that the diameter of the five flowers averaged 80 centimeters and could be enjoyed for the next four days.

In a few weeks, he said, some rafflesia flowers from arnoldii and bengkuluensis species will bloom because currently more than 20 knobs in the 11 habitat points.

He hoped that the richness of flora which became an icon of Bengkulu Province could be a capital in developing Desa Ulak Bandung as a tourist village.

With promotions and publications through social media, community members have been able to bring domestic tourists, even foreigners from Russia, Australia and others to the Rafflesia habitat in their village.

"We have also made a tour package with the potential of waterfalls in the cave around the Rafflesia flower habitat so tourists can also enjoy the natural authenticity of Muara Sahung," he said.

Muara Sahung District, Kaur Regency can be accessed using motorcycle and car from Bengkulu City with a travel time of around four to five hours drive. A number of options for using public transportation are also available.

Transleted by: Mutiara Ramadani