The tall papaya tree growing in the student dormitory area of SMK Julau 2 that went viral on social media.
The tall papaya tree growing in the student dormitory area of SMK Julau 2 that went viral on social media. – Photo from Cikgu Masli’s Facebook

In the heart of Sarawak, a humble papaya tree has risen to online stardom, and for good reason. Standing tall beside the student dormitory wall of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan SMK Julau 2, this extraordinary tree has captured the attention of netizens nationwide.

The story was brought to light by a Facebook user known as Cikgu Masli, who revealed that the papaya tree soars to an astonishing height of approximately 14.4 meters, nearly the same height as the school’s four-storey dormitory building.

Even more fascinating, the tree is no newcomer. According to Cikgu Masli, it is believed to have taken root in 2013 and has quietly grown into a giant over the past decade.

Bottom view of a tall papaya tree growing in the student dormitory area of SMK Julau 2.
Bottom view of the papaya tree growing in the student dormitory area of SMK Julau 2.

“The papaya fruits are small in size and oddly, no one has ever eaten them,” he wrote in response to curious comments on his Facebook post. “Every time the fruits ripen, they fall and shatter on the ground before anyone can get to them.” – Cikgu Masli.

“We will be engaging with the school administration to explore the situation, including gathering views from various parties and addressing related concerns,” Cikgu Masli added.

A clear view of the papaya tree growing in the student dormitory area of SMK Julau 2.
A clear view of the papaya tree growing in the student dormitory area of SMK Julau 2.

Utusan Borneo also reported that while the giant papaya continues to capture public curiosity, seeing it in person isn’t so easy. Despite growing interest, the school has restricted access to the area, which is reserved exclusively for students and staff.

Still, this natural wonder has ignited awe and curiosity across the country, proving that sometimes, nature does not just grow. It reaches for the sky.

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