Preparations in full swing for Borneo Flora Festival 2025

LABUAN (July 18): Preparations for the Borneo Flora Festival 2025 are well underway, with thousands of flowering plants being placed across the island, in stages, to create a vibrant and festive atmosphere ahead of the grand event.

A wide variety of vibrant plants is being meticulously arranged at strategic locations, including the main venue at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex, the Financial Park Complex, major roundabouts, public parks, and key gateways, such as Labuan Airport and ferry terminals.

Labuan Corporation chief executive officer, Mohd Sukuran Taib, said that the initiative aims to transform Labuan into a ‘living garden’, reflecting this year’s festival theme of celebrating biodiversity, conservation and community creativity.

The Borneo Flora Festival 2025, organised by Putrajaya Corporation in collaboration with Labuan Corporation, the Federal Territories Department, and Kuala Lumpur City Hall, will officially kick off on July 26.

Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, is scheduled to grace the opening ceremony at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex.

This year’s festival will feature more than 29 themed gardens, showcasing exotic and endangered flora native to Borneo, alongside contemporary landscape designs presented by local councils, private sector players, and community groups.

“The five-day event will include plant exhibitions, soft and hard landscape gardens, eco-talks, art installations, live performances by Malaysian artists, and family-friendly activities designed to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable living,” Mohd Sukuran said.

He added that the polybag planting strategy was adopted not only to enhance aesthetics, but also to allow for flexible, controlled growth and easier relocation, as the final designs take shape.

“Each phase of planting has been meticulously planned to ensure that the flowers are in full bloom when the festival begins. The strategic placement of 250,000 flowering plants across the island is part of our broader effort to infuse Labuan with the vibrant spirit of the festival,” he said.

He said that the massive undertaking involves close coordination between municipal landscape teams, horticulturists, and local volunteers.

The Borneo Flora Festival is expected to draw thousands of visitors, both domestic and international, including tourists from neighbouring Kalimantan and Brunei, boosted by an aggressive promotional campaign and improved ferry connectivity to Kota Kinabalu and beyond.

With hotel rooms, homestays, and serviced apartments still available, organisers are encouraging visitors to plan ahead and experience what promises to be Labuan’s most colourful and eco-conscious celebration yet. – Bernama