LABUAN: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, on Saturday graced the inaugural Borneo Flora Festival 2025 at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex, marking a historic celebration of Borneo’s vibrant floral and cultural diversity.
Themed “Borneo Tropical Flora”, the highly anticipated event came alive with a dazzling showcase of traditional Borneo performances, including the iconic Magunatip, a rhythmic bamboo dance performed by the Murut community of Sabah.
The cultural extravaganza set a lively and colourful tone as the festival opened its doors to visitors from across Malaysia and beyond.
Her Majesty, who arrived in Labuan earlier Saturday for a two-day official visit, was warmly welcomed by an array of dignitaries, including the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Sarawak Governor’s wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Puan Sri Maheran Jamil, wife of the Chief Secretary to the Government and Kuala Lumpur City Hall Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
During the visit, Her Majesty took a tour of the intricately crafted themed gardens, each uniquely designed by participating government agencies, local communities, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The gardens showcased not only creativity but also deep-rooted appreciation for Borneo’s biodiversity and cultural landscapes.
In a special moment during the event, Her Majesty was presented with a rare black orchid from Sabah as a souvenir, symbolising the rich and unique botanical treasures of Borneo.
The Borneo Flora Festival 2025, the first of its kind, was initiated under the Federal Government’s effort through the Department of Federal Territories (JWP) and its agencies, with the vision of catalysing socio-economic growth and positioning Labuan as a regional eco-tourism and cultural destination.
Thousands of native and exotic floral species, including rare orchids, pitcher plants and tropical blooms from Labuan, Sabah, Sarawak, and other parts of Malaysia, were on display, attracting gardening enthusiasts, photographers, and families alike.
Today (Sunday), Her Majesty is scheduled to officiate the grand opening of the newly established Labuan Handicraft Gallery, further supporting local artisans and cultural heritage.
The Borneo Flora Festival 2025 is expected to become an annual tourism calendar highlight, reflecting Labuan’s transformation into a more vibrant, inclusive and sustainable island destination.
