A geopark research centre is being planned for Lenggong to boost tourism in Perak, according to Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, the Lenggong MP and Lenggong geo-community committee chairman. The centre aims to promote education tourism in the area. Dr Anuar mentioned the importance of preparing for an influx of tourists for the upcoming Visit Perak Year. At present, the geopark gallery showcases some of the research conducted in Lenggong. Dr Anuar, who is also the Deputy Home Minister, believes that the research centre will attract researchers to the town, particularly for archaeology purposes.
The research centre is expected to attract not only tourists but also international researchers who can conduct experiments in Lenggong. Dr Anuar highlighted the geological attractions in the area, including meteorite impact sites dating back 1.83 million years in Bukit Bunuh and volcanic ash deposits in Bukit Sapi. He hopes that these attractions, in addition to the gallery, will contribute to the growth of the tourism industry.
Lenggong valley, located about an hour’s drive from Ipoh, is renowned for being home to one of the oldest human skeletons and some of Malaysia’s oldest archaeological sites. In 1991, archaeologist Prof Datuk Dr Siti Zuraina Abdul Majid discovered the Palaeolithic stone tool site from 74,000 years ago, as well as the famous 11,000-year-old Perak Man.
Notably, Kampung Bukit Sapi features a large boulder partially covered in volcanic ash, believed to be from a Mount Toba eruption over 74,000 years ago. To promote the historical and natural heritage of the Lenggong Geopark, Tourism Malaysia launched the Lembah Lenggong Archaeotourism and Geopark Packages in July. This geopark is the second National Geopark in Perak after the Kinta Valley Geopark.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
