Lenggong Geopark Gallery Unveiled
The Perak Ruler HRH Sultan Nazrin Shah officially declared Lenggong a geopark, and inaugurated the Lenggong Geopark Gallery in March 2024.
The Lenggong Geopark Gallery, opened to the public in December 2023, is a valuable addition to the allure of Lenggong Valley, beckoning travellers to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of geodiversity, biodiversity, cultural heritage, besides archaeology. Nestled in Kampung Kota Tampan, Lenggong, spanning 3512 acres, this gallery serves as an information hub for locals and tourists alike, offering a gateway to the distinctive wonders of the Lenggong Valley.
Lenggong Geopark Gallery is a joint venture project between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Natural Sustainability (formerly the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources) and the Albukhary Foundation. With a budget of RM2 million, it is Albukhary Foundation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The time from groundbreaking in March 2021 to completion in April 2023 was marked by resilience in the face of a 1.5-year delay caused by the global pandemic. Transformation of the original Lenggong Member of Parliament Service Centre’s store, plus the adjacent Sekolah Kebangsaan Gelok Lenggong building into the vibrant Geopark Gallery which symbolises a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. It celebrates the designation of Lenggong Valley as a National Geopark in December 2021.
Following the handover from the Albukhary Foundation to the Hulu Perak District Office in June 2023, the Gallery Management transfer ceremony in the subsequent month heralded a new chapter in the gallery’s stewardship.
Visitors are encouraged to embark on their Lenggong Valley exploration by first delving into the Geopark Gallery, where a wealth of information and a captivating map await to guide them through the wonders of the region.
Opens daily from 9 am to 5 pm, this gallery promises a journey of discovery and wonder for all who venture through its doors.
Meanwhile, the dedicated staff of the Lenggong District Council is ready to assist tourists in discovering the intriguing prehistoric sites within the Lenggong Valley Geopark Gallery, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience.
Lenggong Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Lenggong Geopark, nestled in Hulu Perak, is a truly unique area encompassing Kenering, Lenggong, Temelong, and Durian Pipit. Shaped by the flow of Sungai Perak, it’s cradled between two impressive granite mountain ranges: Titiwangsa to the east and Bintang to the west. Over 80% of the geopark is composed of granite dating back to the Late Triassic period, about 220-210 million years ago. This granite formation was a significant event in Southeast Asia’s geological history, occurring when two ancient tectonic plates, Sibumasu and Indochina, collided over 240 million years ago during the closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. This collision ultimately shaped the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia as we know it today.
The Lenggong Valley, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, holds the distinction of being the first area in Southeast Asia inhabited by prehistoric humans. However, this early settlement met a dramatic end 1.83 million years ago when a meteor strike wiped out all life in the vicinity, leaving behind the rare suevite impact rock as evidence. Remarkably, stone tools found in the suevite rocks indicate the presence of prehistoric humans in Lenggong prior to the catastrophic impact. Approximately 550,000 years ago, human civilisation began to flourish once more, leaving behind evidence of their existence in open sites and limestone caves throughout Lenggong. Since then, Lenggong has remained a hub of human activity, with the local community preserving their authentic culture and traditions.
Video: Lenggong Geopark Gallery Unveiled
The rich forest ecosystems of granite mountains and limestone hills in Lenggong provide a haven for a diverse range of species, showcasing Malaysia’s rich biodiversity. Lenggong Geopark stands out as a rare and unpolished gem, offering a glimpse into Malaysia’s ancient past and natural beauty.
Lenggong Geopark Gallery
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wuBpeCB4oRNitGtBA
Opening hours: 9am until 5pm daily
