Langkawi Geopark Signage - Hollywood Style

At Kilim, Langkawi
Among the mangroves, limestone isles, pinnacles and hills. Not forgetting eagle feeding as one of the attraction.

Langkawi Mackerel Run 2007

Angler from all the region will flock to Langkawi for the first Langkawi Mackerel Run 2007 for the total prize money of RM30,000. Starting from 22 Nov for 2 days.

Venue: Awana Porto Malai Jetty

Contact:
Langkawi Tourism Action Council,
LADA Complex

Tel: 04-9698080

Regional Conference on Asia-Pacific Geoparks and Business Dialogues

REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON ASIA-PACIFIC GEOPARKS AND BUSINESS DIALOGUES
“Networking within National Geoparks”

13-15 November 2007
Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC)

Introduction
A Geopark is a nationally protected area containing a number of geological heritage sites of particular importance, rarity or aesthetic appeal. It is part of an integrated concept of protection, education and sustainable development. The concept of linking sustainable development with geoheritage, conservation, education and tourism is rather new to the Asia Pacific region. In order to promote the development of National Geoparks among countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the first regional Conference on Asia-Pacific Network of National Geoparks is organised to take place in November 2007.
This provides platform for scholars and various stakeholders to discuss and exchange ideas on pressing issues of the sustainable use and management of geoheritage in each country. In the region, only China is vigorous in this pursuit, totalling more than 138 National Geoparks, 18 of which are currently members of the Global Network of National Geoparks assisted by UNESCO. Thus, it is in the interest of the knowledge of the natural and cultural resources and the links with landscape, that wider awareness and involvement in this region are crucial.

Objectives
• To discuss the progress of geoheritage conservation in the Asia-Pacific region.
• To discuss issues of conservation and sustainable use of geoheritage among various stakeholders.
• To promote development of National Geoparks among Asia-Pacific countries.
• To establish Asia-Pacific Network of National Geoparks

Plenary Papers
1. Networking between Asian Pacific National Geoparks by Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ibrahim Komoo (UNESCO)
2. Geotourism: added value for nature tourism by Prof. Dr. Zhao Xun (UNESCO)
3. UNESCO’s roles in promoting National Geoparks and sustainable development through a Global Network by Dr.Margaret Patzak (UNESCO)
4. Geopark as a tool in a holistic nature conservation by Dr. Nickolas Zouros & Dr. Patrick McKeever (European Geopark Network)

Persidangan Warisan Geologi Malaysia 2007: 12 Nov 2007

MEMARTABAT SUMBER WARISAN GEOLOGI
Persidangan Warisan Geologi Malaysia 2007

12 November 2007
Mutiara Beach Resort, Langkawi

Anjuran
Kumpulan Warisan Geologi Malaysia
Institut Alam Sekitar dan Pembangunan (LESTARI)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Jabatan Mineral dan Geosains Malaysia
Lembaga Pembangunan Langkawi (LADA)

Persidangan Warisan Geologi Malaysia 2007 adalah yang kelima dalam siri yang dicetuskan oleh Kumpulan Warisan Geologi Malaysia (KWGM) bermula tahun 1999. Kesinambungan siri persidangan ini dengan sokongan berterusan pelbagai institusi penyelidikan, pihak berkuasa tempatan, swasta, badan bukan kerajaan dan pihak persendirian menunjukkan bahawa KWGM kini berada pada landasan yang betul. KWGM telah menyambut ulangtahun kesepuluhnya baru-baru ini dengan kejayaan memartabatkan Langkawi Geopark sebagai salah sebuah Global Geopark di bawah naungan UNESCO. Pendekatan pembangunan melalui kerjasama pelbagai pihak merupakan kunci segala kejayaan yang dicapai oleh KWGM. Bagi menghadapai dekad keduanya KWGM akan menghadapi cabaran lebih hebat khususnya dalam mengukuhkan hubungan kerjasama sedia ada di samping memperluas jaringan di peringkat kebangsaan dan rantau. Persidangan kali ini yang bertema “Memartabat Sumber Warisan Geologi” diharap akan dapat meransang ke arah usaha menjamin kerelevenan KWGM dalam usaha pemeliharaan sumber warisan geologi. Kertaskerja persidangan ini akan mencerminkan peri pentingnya kesepaduan usaha sama pelbagai pihak demi memartabat sumber warisan geologi bukan sahaja untuk negara malah untuk seluruh planet bumi tanpa mengira batas sempadan geografi.


Langkawi Geopark

Langkawi merupakan gabungan 99 kepulauan paling bertuah kerana telah dinobat sebagai geopark pertama di rantau ini dan kini telah diiktiraf pihak UNESCO sebagai ahli dalam Jaringan Global Geopark. Berdasarkan konsep yang dibangunkan oleh KWGM dan UNESCO, Langkawi
Geopark dibina oleh Lembaga Pembangunan Langkawi (LADA) dan Kerajaan Negeri Kedah bagi menyokong usaha pembangunan lestari kepulauan ini yang menitikberatkan pemeliharaan sumber warisan alam semulajadi dan kesejahteraan hidup masyarakat tempatan. Dengan
penubuhan Langkawi Geopark, LADA dan Kerajaan Negeri Kedah berhasrat menjadikan Langkawi destinasi pelancongan alam semula jadi terulung di rantau ini. Pihak Pengurusan Langkawi Geopark pula bertekad akan memainkan peranan sebagai nukleus dalam usaha pembangunan geopark dan pemeliharaan sumber warisan geologi negara dan rantau Asia Tenggara.

off topic: Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA 2007) exhibition

LIMA 2007 or Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition at Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre

One of the largest airshows in the world, LIMA is a biennial event showcasing the latest advancements in the aviation industry. Visitors include senior government officials, both civil and military, and leaders of industry from Malaysia as well as other countries from the Asia-Pacific region. The four-hour flying display held is daily and attracts a large audience. To add to all this, seacrafts and submarines, another leading attraction, are displayed at the Awana Porto Malai.

Date: 4 - 8 December 2007

Located next to the Langkasuka Beach Resort is this 71,400-square-metre exhibition and conference centre known as Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC). The largest in Langkawi, it can accommodate up to 3,000 participants at one time. The centre is equipped with an exhibition hall, function room, lounge rooms, VIP suites, gallery and viewing deck. It is home to the top-notch annual event, Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA). It also hosts other events such as Travel Mart and Motor Show.

Langkawi Geopark has the best-exposed of oldest rock in Malaysia and most complete Palaeozoic sedimentary sequence originating from the beginning of the Cambrian to the Permian period. Later, during the Mesozoic era, the islands underwent a major tectonic even that resulted in the emplacement of its numerous granitic igneous bodies. This incredible power generated by nature from deep beneath the earth's mantle had pushed up huge blocks of older rocks and placed them above a very much younger terrain.

In Langkawi geological history, much of the development is linked to events that occurred during the time of the prehistoric supercontinent of Pangaea and the southern hemispheric Gondwanaland more than 550 million years ago. It probably began with the deposition of the Machinchang sandstone in a lacustrine environment during much of the Cambrian time. This was followed by the submergence of the land during the late Cambrian period (~500m.y.), which saw the invasion of shallow marine fauna into the seas around Langkawi. The continuous subsidence of the sea floor resulted in the formation of thick limestone of what is known as the Setul Formation during the Ordovician period ( `440m.y.), at the end of which the sea became too deep, causing the limestone deposition to cease.

THE MACHINCHANG CAMBRIAN GEOFOREST PARK

The Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park hosts the oldest geological formation in Malaysia known as the Machinchang Formation.

" The island's geological make up forms the basis of the flora of the islands. Most of the outer islands are limestone and marble while the main island comprises ancient sandstone formations and granite intrusions. Gunung Machinchang The mountain is one of the oldest rock formations in Southeast Asia. To experience it, take an exhilirating ride on the Langkawi Cable Car over the forest canopy and up the mountain's escarpment to the summit at 713m. Observe the 550 million year old sandstone outcrops, the mountain flora and birdlife. Look out for the world's smallest orchid as well as pitcher plants. There are several walks between stations to allow a closer look at the rocks and vegeration. Gunung Raya Langkawi's highest peak at 880m is reached via a winding 13km toll road (50 sen) that passes through fascinating forests supporting a wide variety of fauna. Hornbills and birds of prey are common sights. Make a stop at several points and observe the forest from the canopy level. Look, listen and be one with the denizens of this environ. The mountain is a gigantic batholith formed about 230 million years ago, deep beneath the surface of the earth.Plate tectonic movements have pushed it to the surface. Limestone Coast The north, northeast coast and islands as far down as Pulau Tuba are predominantly limestone, approximately 400 million years old. Many endemic plants are found here and tall 'palm-like' plants called cycads grow from within cracks in the limestone. The outer islands are the best for seeing both the rocks and limestone vegetation. Rocky outcrops form an amazing sight especially along the uninhabited northern and eastern coastlines. Visitors need to hire a boat from Tanjung Rhu, Kilim or Kuah to explore these areas. The legendary Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden) is a beautiful freshwater lake located on limestone within the rainforest. It is Langkawi's largest lake and is separated from the sea by a thin rock wall. Walk through the forests and paddle or swim in the lake."

Also located within the park are some natural wonders that had resulted from recent geological processes such as the Temurun and Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, remnant islands of Anak Burau and Anak Datai and the beautiful beaches in Teluk Datai and Pantai Kok. The Machinchang peak exhibits peculiarly chopped sandstone that has often been associated with the colourful folk myth of the brawl between the two giants, Mat Chinchang and Mat Raya . The Machinchang ridges can be classified as one of the most beautiful landscapes in the area. " The two most prominent mountains in Langkawi Gunong Machinchang (Mat Cincang) and Gunong Raya (Mat Raya) tell the tale of the fight between families of giants. The story tells the tale of a wedding - with Mat Raya's son wanting to marry Mat Cincang's daughter. During the wedding feast, a fight broke out between the two wedding parties. Pots and pans were flung at each other. " ...

DAYANG BUNTING GEOFOREST PARK

The Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park mainly comprises the Permian overthrusted by the older Setul Formation limestones. These finest marbles resulted from the baking of Chuping Limestone by small granite intrusion underneath. There are a number of caves within the park. One of the most unique features of the park is the Tasik Dayang Bunting, a fresh water lake. A large mangrove forest flourish along the Selat Dayang Bunting ( Dayang Bunting Straits) . The combination of landscapes from marble and granite bedrocks formed a figure resembling a pregnant woman on her back, hence, the name Tasik Dayang Bunting or Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. "Pulau Dayang Bunting (Isle of Pregnant Maiden) is an island just south of the main Langkawi island. A small island encapsulates a freshwater lake (tasik). The romantic tragedy of Pulau Dayang Bunting tells the tale of a beautiful fairy princess or genie called Mambang Sari and a Prince, Mat Teja. One day while she was swimming in the pool, the prince chanced upon her and soon fell in love with her. It was said that she was tricked into marrying him and they soon had a child from the union. Unfortunately, their child died soon after birth and is believed to be buried in the lake. Before she left, the celestial princess blessed the water so that any childless woman who bathed in the lake, Tasik Dayang Bunting would conceive. Locals certainly believe that the lake has magical powers and that women who drink the waters of the lake can improve their fertitity. " and another version of story "One version has it that Dayang Bunting was a giant guardian spirit that kept watch over the islands. The lady's defenses include her pet lion and poison from the tuba root, potent weapons for her protection. Hence, the two islands closest to Pulau Dayang Bunting. As you approaching the island, the silhoutte resembles that of a reclined pregnant giant, are named Pulau Singa Besar (Great Lion Island) and Pulau Tuba (Poisonous Root Island).

The story goes that, a group of rude merchants failed to pay the obligatory respects to Dayang Bunting as they passed by the islands. Rudely awakened by the intrusion, she summoned her pet lion to despatch the trespassers. She roused the spirits of wind and water, stirring up a tropical storm that unleashed its fury on the incoming fleet of sailors."

Langkawi is now officially UNESCO Global Geopark

Langkawi, a cluster of 99 islands covering an area of 10,000 hectares, has been declared a geopark by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) effective June2007. Langkawi joined the Global Geoparks network of 52 geoparks worldwide.

This official recognition by Unesco will enhance Langkawi's image as a world class tourist destination

The Mysterious Grave

Locally knowed as Makam Ajaib, an acient grave located in the small village of Padang Matsirat. The origin is unknown but from the look of the unsual tombstone, it might belong to someone imporatant at that time.

It's believed it was the grave of Tun Jana Khatib from Pasai and then executed by the King of Singapore. In the Malay Annal by Tun Sri Lanang, Tun Jana Khatib was a magican, he was ordered to be stabbed with several spears for showing his magic skill to the Queen. After being stabbed, his blood floowed out and his body disappear and the pool of blood turned into a red stone. His body disappeared and reappeared in Langkawi.

Update on several new mythical site soon

Soon, some write up on The Mysterious Grave (Makam Ajaib), Cave of the Sirens (Gua Langsiur) and Cave of the White Hill (Gua Batu Putih).

Later, Cape of the Screen (Tanjung Tirai) and the White Crocodile. Coming soon...