Labuan: The Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025 has exceeded all expectations, drawing a remarkable 104,543 visitors, more than double its original target of 50,000. The five-day event drew crowds not only from Labuan and across Malaysia, but also plant enthusiasts and tourists from Brunei, Kalimantan (Indonesia), and even as far as Timor Leste.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, stated that the overwhelming turnout highlights Labuan’s growing reputation as a regional destination for eco-tourism and cultural events. “The response was beyond our expectations. This shows how the Borneo Flora Festival has grown into a regional event of international interest,” she said during the closing ceremony.
She added that, due to the festival’s success, the Federal government is considering the possibility of organizing it again next year on an even greater scale and with broader participation. Celebrating the biodiversity of the tropics, the festival showcased a variety of flora, including rare orchid species, some of the world’s largest pitcher plants, and exotic blooms native to Borneo’s rainforests.
More than 100 exhibitors and florists participated in the event, ranging from local growers and government agencies to environmental NGOs, community groups, and hoteliers. The festival also offered a range of floral-themed activities, hands-on workshops, and competitions that appealed to visitors of all ages, all aligned with its central theme of conservation, culture, and community.
Dr Zaliha noted the festival’s economic impact, saying the surge in visitor numbers brought a welcome boost to local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, homestays, and transport operators. “This festival has not only beautified Labuan with nature’s finest but also stimulated our economy,” she emphasized. “Many homeowners even opened their doors as temporary homestays to meet the overwhelming demand for accommodation,” she added.
The festival also benefited souvenir shops, florists, retail outlets, and small traders who saw increased foot traffic and sales throughout the five-day event. Adding a touch of royal prestige to the event was the presence of Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofia, the Queen of Malaysia, who graced the festival with a visit.
Organizers credited the festival’s growing popularity to the region’s biodiversity and strong grassroots support for environmental conservation. Plans are already in motion to expand next year’s edition, with a focus on increasing cross-border participation and strengthening its educational components.