Best time to travel to Borneo

Black Orchids in Borneo

Black orchids are a rare and fascinating flower not to be missed!

Best time: March–August

Black Orchids
Black Orchids

This flower appears both very delicate and self-sufficient at the same time. It can be found only in a few corners of the world, and Borneo is one of them.

Black orchids or Coelogyne Pandurata blossoms roughly between March and August. The blossom time is short, but the flowers are really impressive in full bloom. There can be up to 15 flowers on a terminal, and you can't confuse this flower with another due to its specific colouration. Light green petals are attached to a black and green column, reminiscent of a mysterious exotic butterfly.

Black orchids can be found in several parks across the Kalimantan, but the biggest density is in the Kersik Luway Nature Reserve.

Practical info

When is the best time to see black orchids in Borneo?

The black orchid blossoms from March to August are the best time to see them in Borneo. Being a rare flower, they have a small bloom period, but their beauty is worth the visit. In different regions across Borneo, they bloom, but the chances of seeing them are higher in nature reserves. Show more

Which is the best park or reserve to spot black orchids in Borneo?

Kersik Luway Nature Reserve is the best place to find black orchids in Borneo. Visitors can find the highest density of these unique flowers in this park. To easily spot these unremarkable flowers, it is better to hire a guide since the blooms are tiny and hard to locate alone. Show more

What is unique about black orchids in Borneo?

Black orchids' unique beauty in Borneo is due to their unusual coloration. Their light green petals, surrounded by black and green column, resemble an exotic, mysterious butterfly. When one sees them, it is impossible not to be drawn to their delicate but striking appearance. Black orchids also stand out because they only bloom for a short time, making them even more special. Show more

Can black orchids be found in other parts of the world?

Black orchids are rare and can be found in a few places in the world. Although they are not exclusive to Borneo, the places where they grow are limited. Indigenous to Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, the plants are found primarily in Malaysia and Indonesia. They are not easily found in the wild outside of these regions. Show more

What are the difficulties of growing black orchids?

Black orchids demand strong soil, constant humidity, and require consistent shading until they are robust enough to tolerate direct sunlight, which makes the plant challenging to grow. With their delicate nature, black orchids are not easy to cultivate and require lots of attention. Even under the right conditions, it may take up to four years for the plant to flower. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin