Nature always finds a special way to tell its story—and in Malaysia, that story is written in ancient rocks, majestic mountains, and enchanting islands. Through the UNESCO Global Geopark initiative, Malaysia’s geological, cultural, and biodiversity treasures have gained global recognition.

More than just travel destinations, geoparks are vast open classrooms where we can learn about the Earth and its deep history. In this article, we’ll explore Malaysia’s UNESCO Geoparks—places that take us on a journey through time and natural wonder.

Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark (Kedah)

Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark in Kedah was officially designated on June 1, 2007. It holds the distinction of being the first UNESCO Geopark in Southeast Asia.

The Geopark spans the entire Langkawi Archipelago, which consists of 99 islands off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Its land area covers approximately 478 km², with a total area including surrounding waters reaching 920 km².

One of its main highlights is the presence of the most complete and visibly exposed sequence of Paleozoic sedimentary rocks in Malaysia. These rock formations date back over 550 million years, to the Cambrian period.

This makes Langkawi an important geological site for studying Earth’s history—from the era of the supercontinent Gondwana to the formation of Southeast Asia.

Langkawi’s landscape features a mix of lush hills and exposed rock formations, with diverse ecosystems including mangrove forests, tidal flats, beaches, estuaries, coral reefs, and limestone caves.

Rock Formations in Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark

Langkawi features five major rock formations, each representing an important chapter in its geological history:

• Machinchang Formation (Cambrian) – The oldest rock formation in Malaysia, composed of sandstone and shale, representing an ancient shallow marine environment. It forms the backbone of the Machinchang Range.
• Setul Formation (Ordovician–Devonian) – Dominated by limestone and dolomite, featuring dramatic karst topography that shapes the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park.
• Singa Formation (Carboniferous–Permian) – A mix of sandstone, shale, and conglomerate, containing fossils of ancient marine life.
• Chuping Formation (Permian) – Composed of fine limestone, this formation is the source of Langkawi’s marble and is prominently visible in the Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park.
• Gunung Raya Granite (Triassic) – An intrusive igneous formation that makes up Langkawi’s highest peak, Gunung Raya.

Geoforest Parks in the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark

To protect and showcase its geological and natural wealth, Langkawi is divided into several Geoforest Parks:

• Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park –  Located in the northwest, this park preserves ancient tropical rainforests and Cambrian rock formations. It is well known for the Langkawi Sky Bridge and the Seven Wells Waterfall (Telaga Tujuh).
• Kilim Karst Geoforest Park – Situated in northeastern Langkawi, it features majestic limestone formations, unique caves such as Bat Cave (Gua Kelawar), mangrove forests, and diverse wildlife including eagles. Boat tours along the Kilim River are especially popular.
• Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park – Located on Dayang Bunting Island, this park is famous for the mystical Lake of the Pregnant Maiden (Tasik Dayang Bunting), formed by the collapse of a limestone cave.
• Kubang Badak Biogeotrail – An educational trail showcasing the geological and biological diversity of the Kubang Badak area.

Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark (Sabah)

Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark in Sabah was officially designated on May 5, 2023. Covering an area of 4,750 km², the geopark encompasses the entire Kinabalu Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000) as well as parts of the Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, and Ranau districts on the island of Borneo, Malaysia.

Uniquely, this area holds the prestigious “Triple Crown” status from UNESCO—as a World Heritage Site, a Biosphere Reserve (Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve, designated in 2014), and now a Global Geopark.

This underscores its outstanding geological, biodiversity, and cultural significance.

Geological Wonders of Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark

Kinabalu Geopark records major events in Earth’s history, including:

• Youngest Granite Intrusion in Southeast Asia – Mount Kinabalu (4,095 meters) was formed by a young granite intrusion dating back 7–8 million years. Its rapid uplift created the highest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea, resulting in a dramatic mountainous landscape.
• Ancient Ophiolite Sequence – Fragments of 130-million-year-old oceanic crust expose the subduction process of the proto–South China Sea. Ultramafic rocks from the Earth's mantle are also revealed here.
• Tropical Glacial Traces – During the last Ice Age, Mount Kinabalu was tall enough to host tropical glaciers, shaping a rare and unique landscape in Southeast Asia.
• Extensive Tilloid Deposits – The Pinousuk Plain features the largest tilloid deposits in Southeast Asia—clear evidence of ancient glacial activity.
• Folded and Faulted Sedimentary Rocks – The Ranau–Tambunan area showcases folded and faulted sedimentary rocks, highlighting the complex tectonic history of the region.

Today, the geopark is home to 46 geosites, including notable locations such as Poring Hot Springs, Mount Tambuyukon (the third-highest peak in Malaysia), and the Crocker Range.

Extraordinary Biodiversity

Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark is also renowned as a global center of biodiversity.

Flora

Kinabalu Park alone hosts over 4,500 plant species, including:

• Around 1,000 species of orchids, 90 of which are endemic to Mount Kinabalu
• 78 species of Ficus (fig trees)
• 60 species of ferns
• Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower

The vegetation spans from lowland rainforests to sub-alpine scrublands, showcasing a wide ecological range.

Fauna

The geopark is home to:

• Over 326 bird species, including the Kinabalu red-headed partridge
• Around 100 mammal species, such as orangutans and proboscis monkeys
• More than 110 land snail species, along with various reptiles, amphibians, and insects

Kinabalu Park is recognized as a Center of Plant Diversity in Southeast Asia and a global center of endemism.

Rich Cultural Heritage

Beyond its natural wonders, the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark also preserves deep-rooted cultural heritage passed down through generations by indigenous communities who have long lived in harmony with nature.

1. Indigenous Communities

The geopark is home to diverse indigenous groups such as the Dusun, Kadazan, and Bajau. Each community has its own traditions, languages, and belief systems that reflect a strong connection between people and the environment. For these communities, Mount Kinabalu is not just a natural landmark—it is a vital part of their cultural and spiritual identity.

2. Traditional Knowledge and Practices

The indigenous peoples of Kinabalu possess deep knowledge of medicinal plants, sustainable farming methods, and artisanal crafts such as weaving and wood carving. This wisdom is passed down through generations and forms a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

Many of these practices not only help preserve the environment but also enrich the cultural tourism experience within the Malaysia UNESCO Geopark.

3. Spiritual Significance of Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu holds profound spiritual meaning for local tribes. It is believed to be the resting place of their ancestors' souls. Rituals such as mountain spirit ceremonies are still observed today, highlighting the enduring spiritual bond between the local people and the landscape.

4. Cultural Preservation Efforts

Various initiatives have been launched to keep this cultural heritage alive. One notable example is the Walai Tobilung Cultural Centre in Kota Marudu, which introduces visitors to traditional dances, folk music, traditional attire, and local crafts.

Additionally, several indigenous villages now offer cultural tourism programs, allowing visitors to engage directly with local communities through homestays, craft workshops, and cultural tours.