Langkawi Geopark Discovery Centre

Moving on to local culture, the next posters reveal 4 main folklore legends relating to natural formations like Dayang Bunting's Pregnant Maiden Lake and Langkawi's 2 tallest mountains, Gunung Raya and Gunung Machincang.

A model mangrove habitat accompanies posters recreating the island's 120-million-year-old rainforest. Langkawi boasts unique flora and fauna from almost-extinct trees to rare butterflies and bird species. Examples of fossils discovered in Langkawi are also on display, including the islands mascot Trilobite, the ancestor of modern insects. A real-life mangrove sanctuary can later be explored opposite the center.

The final exhibit contains a state-of-the-art cinematic experience. A curved movie screen and 6 projectors show a 7-minute movie summing up the geological, cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental aspects of Langkawi, bringing everything together succinctly.

The Geopark Discovery Centre should be the first stop on any Langkawi itinerary. The rich information inside will take your sightseeing experience to the next level. Mangrove tours and even the Langkawi SkyCab take on a whole new meaning when you better understand the ancient landscapes and habitats surrounding them.

Look Around

Signage near entrance - every photo has a story

Explanation of UNESCO Geopark status

Interactive screen with larger animated projected map

Rock samples and explainations

The legend of Mahsuri

Model mangrove forest

Cinematic experience

Around the complex

Map of different Geoforest parks

Explanation of Machichang Cambrian Geoforest Park

The Legend of Gunung Mat Chinchang and Gunung Raya

Geological & cultural posters

Fossil explanations

Trilobite

Information on trilobites

Coral fossil

Fossils

Mangrove sanctuary entrance

Wooden boardwalks through the forest

Mangrove nursery

Planting mangrove seeds

Newly planted mangrove seeds

Mangrove sanctuary

Who Will Like Langkawi Geopark Discovery Centre

Nature Lover

Discover species of birdlife, butterflies, reptiles and plants native to Langkawi's 3 main geoforest parks. Equip yourself with the knowledge to fully appreciate the mangrove forests, limestone islands, jungles, and pristine beaches waiting around the island.

Culture Buff

Delve into the geological and historical significance that earned Langkawi its UNESCO Global Geopark status. Read up on 4 of the 7 main legends on the island and support local business by purchasing a batik painting at the giftshop.

Fun Expert

Get up close to Langkawi's geology with interactive touch screens, and hands-on fossil exhibits. Let the kids play in the educational children's room after exploring the main exhibits.

Retail Therapist

Visit the gift shop to purchase authentic souvenirs and gifts for family and friends back home. All items are locally made and contain raw materials that are sourced from Langkawi.

Insider Tips For Langkawi Geopark Discovery Centre

• Pair your visit with a 2, 3, or 4-hour mangrove tour of Kilim Geoforest Park.
• Visit the Mangrove sanctuary and nursery opposite the center and try to spot plant & animal species mentioned in the exhibits.
• Plant a baby mangrove tree at 8:30am every Sunday. Bookings must be made through the Discovery Center.
• The gift shop contains only locally made items. At least 50% of each item's raw materials must be sourced from the island. Items for sale include woven purses, notebooks and bags, batik paintings, honey from stingless bees, healing lotions, and adorable trilobite plush toys.

Locally made handicrafts

Trilobite plush toy

Gift shop

Video

How To Get There

Tech & Photography

Food & Drink

Several vendors selling local dishes like laksa and nasi lemak and Western options like burgers and fries are located in a food court near the main parking lot.

Backstory

Langkawi received UNESCO Global Geopark status in on June 1^st 2007, becoming the 52^nd UNESCO endorsed geopark in the world and the 1^st in Southeast Asia.

The Geopark Discovery Center was constructed in 2019, with the aim to educate local and foreign visitors alike in Langkawi's unique geological landscape. It officially opened to the public in January 2020 having cost US$4m to construct. The building is a rare example of modern architecture on the island, yet takes a leaf out of nature's book, with inspiration drawn from the rock formations in the park.

The center is located beside the entrance to the Kilim Geoforest Park and jetty.

Etiquette

Scorecard

What's Nearby In Langkawi

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