Geoheritage Resources, Conservation and Geotourism in Limestone Area of the Langkawi Geopark, Malaysia

GEOHERITAGE RESOURCES, CONSERVATION AND GEOTOURISM IN LIMESTONE AREA OF

THE LANGKAWI GEOPARK, MALAYSIA

CHE AZIZ ALI^1,2, MOHD SHAFEEA LEMAN² & KAMAL ROSLAN MOHAMED²

¹Langkawi Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Development, Lestari.

²Geology Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,
43600 Bangi, Malaysia.

Abstract. About one fourth of Langkawi Geopark land area is covered by limestone of the Setul and Chuping Formations featuring rugged terrains that are not suitable for infrastructure and agricultural development, but are rich in karsts landscape features of high scientific and aesthetic value. These unique sea and island karst support different mangrove ecosystems and unique hill slope karst vegetation that greatly enhance nature attraction to these areas. In 2005, prior to the establishment of Langkawi Geopark, two geoforest parks, i.e. Kilim Karst and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Parks were established to promote activities related to conservation of these limestones and geotourism in these areas. Today, Kilim and Dayang Bunting areas have become among the most popular tourist destinations in Langkawi Geopark. Visitor surveys have shown the increasing understanding about geoheritage resources and awareness of the in importance of geoheritage conservations to these once barren limestone areas.