Borneo Flora Festival In Labuan A Big Hit With Tourists

LABUAN, July 26 (Bernama) -- The Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) has not only attracted residents of the Pearl of Borneo, but also visitors from outside the island who have come to celebrate the festival, which began today.

A visitor from Brunei Darussalam, Siti Norlila Rahim, 38, did not want to miss the opportunity to see the various species of flowers on display at the International Sea Sports Complex.

The mother of three said her family had arrived on the island by ferry from Brunei to Labuan yesterday to visit relatives living here.

“My mum told me there’s a festival here (in Labuan), so I thought, why not come… and most importantly, there are also booths from Brunei involved in the festival,” she told Bernama.

Jinus Yoson, 51, from Tambunan, meanwhile, arrived in Labuan two days ago and came to the BFF as he did not want to miss the chance to witness the flower festival being held for the first time.

He said the arrangement and decorations at the BFF were very attractive, with colourful floral displays and various activities for visitors to take part in.

“If even the people of Labuan are coming, then those of us who don’t live here surely won’t miss the chance to come,” he said, adding that he was also visiting his child who worked on the island.

Nur Hayanti Asri, 18, from Kuala Penyu, said she was not only thrilled and excited as it was her first time attending such a festival, but also because she wanted to capture memorable photos with the flowers displayed at the BFF.

“As a young person, the first thing I thought of when deciding to come to the BFF was to take pictures to use as backgrounds and post them on Instagram,” she said, adding that she learnt about the festival through social media promotions.

-- BERNAMA