[1] The work was conceived in late 1997[2] and represents the culmination of 3 years of intensive research that included 15 field trips and numerous herbarium visits.

[1] Nepenthes lavicola could not be reached due to the prevailing political situation in parts of Aceh, whereas N. tenuis had not been relocated in the wild at the time.

Taxonomist Jan Schlauer reviewed Nepenthes of Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia in the March 2002 issue of the Carnivorous Plant Newsletter.

to study almost all species of Nepenthes occurring in the title area in situ, to review their taxonomy, to gather new insights in their ecology, and to present all this valuable information in a concise but entertaining form, accompanied by pictures of unprecedented quality and beauty.Schlauer also wrote that "there are almost no obvious mistakes in the text" and praised the publication for its treatment of "highly controversial taxonomic issues [...] in a diplomatic yet explicit way".

[8] In a literature review for the December 2001 issue of the Bulletin of the Australian Carnivorous Plant Society, Robert Gibson wrote:[9] In conclusion, this book blends ecology and taxonomy together with abundant eye catching photos and thoughtful text.