Located in Langkawi, Malaysia, Kilim Geoforest Park offers diverse natural wonders. As part of the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, visitors can find ancient geological heritage, gigantic limestone formations, unique flora and fauna, and a vibrant Kilim Village local community. Truly a must-visit for those who plan to explore nature in Malaysia.
Mangrove Forest and Coastal Karst
One thing that makes Kilim Geoforest Park unique is mangrove forests and coastal karst exist side by side, the sole one in Malaysia. Mangrove forest has many functions, such as protection of the coastal ecosystem, and also serve as a tourist attraction.
To have a close-up experience of nature, visitors can do mangrove tours. The park provides boat tour packages with two to four hours choice of durations. River cruise, eagle watching, caves tour, and floating fish farm are experiences not to be missed.
The coastal karst consists of vertical and overhanging cliffs, caves, and bare rocks. The area of rocks is shaped through tectonic movements and erosion. This area is suitable for tourists who love geological landscapes and researchers who do relevant scientific studies.
Mangrove and Karst © lada.gov.my
Langgun Island
The secluded island has untouched natural beauty and a calming atmosphere, offering a peaceful getaway for visitors, the perfect spot for ecotourism. The island is suitable for those who enjoy bird watching, beach sunbathing, hiking, and cave exploring.
There is also Langgun Lake on the island, formed by a limestone sinkhole then filled with rain water, Langkawi’s second largest freshwater lake. Tourists need to walk around 45 minutes to get there, then enjoy the breathtaking scenery and explore a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Multiple Scenic Caves
Many caves can be visited in the park. Kelawar Cave, about 60 meters long, has 5000-year-old shells on its wall and roof. It supports hundreds of bats just like its name.
Small boats can go inside Langsir Cave during low tide, allowing different experiences in exploring the cave. The cave is located facing Langgun Island, surrounded by vertical limestone cliffs. Ancient oysters and barnacles can also be found on their walls and roofs.
There are still more caves to explore like Cherita Cave, Dedap Cave, and Crocodile Cave. Endless options await visitors, ensuring a fun and engaging experience.
Diverse Flora and Fauna
Mangrove forest alone is home to a large biodiversity, including trees, shrubs, palms and ferns, and wide coastal microinvertebrates, crustaceans, and mollusks.
In the limestone area, limestone cycad (Cycas Clivicola) and the gouty balsams (Impatiens mirabilis) could be found. Over 84 butterfly species inhabit Langgun Island and Kisap area. The park is also home to wide species of herpetofauna, mammals, and birds.
How to Get There
Visitors can get there by air or by ferry services. Flights are available from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or Penang International Airport to Langkawi International Airport.
Numerous ferry service trips are also available daily, the length of the trip is about 75 minutes to 2,5 hours. Here are some of the routes:
- Kuala Perlis–Langkawi
- Kuala Kedah–Langkawi
- Penang–Langkawi
- Satun (Thailand)–Langkawi
Conservation and Ecotourism Efforts
Mangrove Tour © kilimgeoforestpark.com
Kilim Geoforest Park has conservation significance by protecting its ecosystems, educating locals and visitors, and using sustainable development. The park preserves the value, functions, and heritage of its natural landscape features.
Mangrove forest has an important role in conservation as it protects the shoreline from oceanic physical processes and has a rich biodiversity. Preserving mangroves equates to preserving coastal regions and their interconnected ecosystems.
The park also promotes local food sources, culture, and sustainable hotels. Some hotels provide plastic free practices, waste management such as recycling and composting, wastewater treatment, and environmental education during tours or walks.
References:
- https://kilimgeoforestpark.com/
- https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/irspsd/10/4/10_13/_html/-char/ja
- https://www.langkawigeopark.com.my/
- https://www.loka.my/attraction/pulau-langgun
