The Mat Cinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park
Last Updated on Sunday, 06 May 2007 08:15 Written by LGP Sunday, 06 May 2007 07:57
Based on its outstanding geological landscape, geological history and various other geological features such as sedimentary structures, fossils and erosional features, Langkawi Geopark certainly is the best geopark in the region.
Langkawi island's rich geological heritage are mainly protected under the jurisdiction of the Permanent Forest Reserve, Recreational Forest or Geoforest Park managed by the Forestry Department.
Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park hosts the oldest geological formation in Malaysia known as the Machincang Formation (550 million years old). Among the important geosites in the park are Teluk Datai (where the oldest grains of sand rest), Pantai Tengkorak (where old continent has been submerged - exhibiting text book examples of sedimentary structures).
Tanjung Buta/Pulau Jemuruk (graveyards of the oldest life forms in the country) and Tanjung Sabung (where the limestone succeeds sandstone).
Also located within this park are some natural wonders resulted from recent geological process such as the Temurun and Telaga Tujuh Waterfall, remnant islands of Anak Burau and Anak Datai and beautiful beaches in Teluk Datai and Pantai Kok.
The Machinchang peak exhibits peculiarly chopped sandstone that has often been related to the old folk myth of the brawl between two giants, the Matchinchang and MatRaya. The Machinchang ridges can be classified as one of the most beautiful landscape in the islands.