IT was pleasant to visit Langkawi for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic struck and find several new attractions on the resort island.
At the top of the rather long list of must-visit places is the Langkawi Geopark Discovery Centre. Strategically located in the renowned Kilim Karst Geoforest Park conservation area, this state-of-the-art facility gives visitors the rare opportunity to turn back the clock some half-billion years, somewhere during the time when this region, which we know today as Malaysia, first came into existence.
TREASURE TROVE OF INFORMATION
Open to public in January 2020, just over two months before the first Covid-19 lockdown, this sprawling RM17 million complex is an educational and entertainment treasure trove to local and foreign tourists. Its array of exhibits and displays makes effective use of photographs and interactive multimedia resources.
The story of Langkawi's ancient geological past come alive as visitors walk through the centre's eight zones, which are all seamlessly connected.
Among the highlights are interesting rock formation specimens found on the island and 3D animations to explain the formation and development of Langkawi's three main geoparks: Kilim, Machichang and Dayang Bunting.
Interactive touchscreens enhance the experience to understand Langkawi's rich natural heritage,
Local myths and legends prove to be a hit among visitors. Exhibits tie in Langkawi's social legacy with natural topographical formations, in legends like the tragic tale of the pregnant maiden in Tasik Dayang Bunting as well as feuding families of yore that consequently led to the formation of Gunung Raya and Gunung Machincang, two of the island's highest peaks.
FURTHER DISCOVERY
A seven-minute feature ingeniously brought together the best of Langkawi Unesco Global Geopark's geological, cultural, socioeconomic and environmental aspects. Projected on a curved movie screen with six projectors at the Amphitheatre Hall, this absorbing featurette was supposed to be the finale to my visit. But a nearby mangrove sanctuary I sighted when I stepped out into the open piqued my interest.
Information gleaned from the Geopark Discovery Centre's mangrove habitat model comes alive while exploring flora and fauna of the area. I crossed paths with Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) officials who happened to be there for a meeting. I learn from Dr Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari that Langkawi had been internationally recognised as a Unesco Global Geopark since 2007 thanks to its diverse natural wonders and social heritage.
"Apart from ancient rock formations, Langkawi is also home to rich mountain, lowland and aquatic ecosystems. At the same time, Langkawi, as a global geopark, prioritises local traditions and cultures through rigorous heritage resource conservation and recognises crucial roles played by local communities in protecting the unique flora and fauna, from almost-extinct trees to rare butterflies and bird species," said the Lada tourism division manager.
My visit ends after helping several volunteers plant mangrove seedlings at the nursery. Glowing with satisfaction for contributing towards environmental protection, I vow to return to check on the progress of the plants.
FAST FACTS
Langkawi Geopark Discovery Centre,
Kampung Kilim,
07000 Langkawi, Kedah.
Tel 604-950 2164
Email [email protected] or [email protected] (officer-in-charge)
Website https://langkawigeopark.com.my/geopark-discovery-centre/
Opening hours 9am to 5pm daily, except Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and Hari Raya Haji.
Tickets Free entrance for all. Booking for guided tours is recommended.
Claim this Klook Discount Code to get the best travel pass to Langkawi.
