Kinta Valley Geopark - Malaysia’s 2nd National Geopark

Gunung Lang, one of 18 identified geo-sites named in the Park

This was an historic, absolutely ecstatic week simply because my Kinta Valley has been declared a National Geopark.

Yes the place where I grew up and which I declared long ago as my playground has been declared the Kinta Valley Geopark by Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin, what an honor.

Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin declared Kinta Valley a national geopark

The event was held at Gunung Lang Recreational Park amidst cool rain-trees and quarried limestone outcrops was an appropriate location reflecting the history of the Kinta Valley, its rape of its geology for the riches of mining tin and in later years quarried again for its limestone.    

 The Geopark is spread over two districts, the Kinta and Kampar districts and covers an area of 1,952 kilometers.

Other geo-sites. The rapids of Sungai Kampar, caves of Gua Tempurung ......

....cave drawings of Tambun Cave and Ulu Kinta Forest Reserve

A total of 18 geo-sites have been located in area, These include Gunung Lang, the fascinating Tambun Cave with its cave drawing, the massive and cavernous Tempurung Cave, the eco-adventure Rapids Kampar River, the Forest Reserve of Ulu Kinta are among the attractions within the park.

The best part is that these geo-sites are literally a stones throw away from Ipoh. Should tourism Perak market these products, and it’s just a matter of time, then the visitors stay will be extended to three of four days instead of the current 2 days.

State Tourism Chairman  Tan Kar Hing said the Geopark will fall under the management of Perak State Park Corporation

State Tourism Committee Chairman Tan Kar Hing said the Geopark will be placed under the management and observation of the Perak State Park Corporation (PSPC) with plans to form a Perak Tourism Action Council to support the PSPC in managing and preserving the identified heritage locations

Tan added that the Kinta and Kampar districts are suitable to be developed into a Geo-trail in order to attract both local and foreign tourists.

Sultan Nazrin greeted by Jean Yves Clement, Plant Manager at Lafarge Cement ....

Gunung Kanthan lies within Lafarge Kanthan Cement 

Fantastic. Cameron Highlands have jungle trails and Kinta Geopark will have geo-trails. Thoughts of hiking through geo-trails with mountainous jungle trails and clear rivers before maneuvering through caves and ending the day in a tree house sounds like a fascinating getaway. 

  

Well we shall see how Tourism Perak moves on from here. As several tour operators said at the launch only time will tell.

Me, I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

JAG