Langkawi Geopark Discovery Centre at the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park

Langkawi was declared as a geopark by the #UNESCO since 2007 and I was fortunate to attend the launch of the new Langkawi Geopark Discovery Centre at the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. Themed as ‘Making The Past Present For the Future’, the centre showcases flora and fauna, socio-cultural, with facilities such as exhibition centres, amphitheater, a mini library and a gift shop. The Langkawi Geopark Discovery Centre provides information on Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, Langkawi landscape as well as the famous Legend of Mahsuri, Matchinchang, Mat Raya and Mat Sawak.

During this event, OBIT was also being introduced. A trilobite, an ancient fossil arthropod, one of the earliest and longest living marine species 300 million years. It is from Palaeozoic Era a.k.a Trilobite Age which existed 540 million years. Obit can be found within the Machinchang sandstonean is the oldest fossil in Malaysia.

Kilim Karst Geoforest Park Langkawi are limestone formations that are over 500 million years old. You can experience this geopark by taking a boat ride around the mangrove area where you get to see not only the limestone formation but also the brahminy kite eagles and white-bellied sea eagles, otters, mud crabs, squirrels, monkeys and monitor lizards. It is situated about 20 minutes from Kuah Town whereby aside from mangroves and karst stone, one can also experience fossils filled caves with stalagmite and stalactites. Few caves that you can wander around with a certified guide will be the Crocodile Cave, Cave of Legends and Bat Cave (minus Batman and Robin).

Langkawi was the first Global Geopark in Southeast Asia being awarded the UNESCO Global Geopark status and there is only 147 geopark worldwide. Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark comprises Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park, and Kubang Badak BioGeo Trail.

Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park

It is the oldest sedimentary rock in South East Asia known as Machinchang Formation (aged Cambrian period 550-505 million years). These rock layers form the mountain range of Machinchang which is famous for the legend of the fight between Mat Chinchang and Mat Raya.

Kilim Karst Geoforest Park

Caves were made here, as the karstic hill forms coastlines arches and islet. Langkawi Archipelago has at least 90 significant geosites such as Pantai Pasir Hitam or Black Sand Beach that contains rocks and minerals that is rich in black mineral called tourmaline, dropstones at Pulau Tepor, Kilim and Sungai Itau’s well-preserved fossils among others.

Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park

It represents the Chuping Formation Limstone of Permian (290-250 million years). The limestone was formed into marble due to granite intrusion during the Late Triassic Period. Tropical weathering played a very important role in the birth of Langkawi landscape.

It also has information on the mangroves and its habitat, geoparks around the world, seascapes as well riverscapes of Langkawi island among others. I highly recommend for you to drop by Kilim Geopark and take the boat ride. I love it so much when I was there.

Operating hours

Monday to Sunday : 9am – 5pm

Boat fee

RM200 – RM500 for a boat and tour guide (for a group of minimum 8pax)

The Langkawi 2019 Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.