Malaysia now has four UNESCO Global Geoparks: A visitor guide

Malaysia now has four UNESCO Global Geoparks. Lenggong in Perak and the Sarawak Delta joined Langkawi and Kinabalu in April. Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the status “positions Malaysia as a competitive geotourism destination”.

Lenggong is one of two Malaysian sites holding both UNESCO titles, alongside Kinabalu. It is the only one in Peninsular Malaysia.

Budget 2027’s tourism measures do not specifically name either new geopark. Here is where the four geoparks are and what Lenggong offers. We also look at what the Budget does fund.

Where the four geoparks are

Langkawi and Kinabalu were the first two geoparks. The two new ones make it four UNESCO Global Geoparks. The ministry’s statement gave no details on Langkawi or Kinabalu.

Lenggong is in Perak and covers 2,248 square kilometres. Its core is the Lenggong Valley World Heritage Site. The ministry says that site records over 1.8 million years of human history.

The Sarawak Delta is larger, at 3,112 square kilometres, including 427 square kilometres of sea, according to UNESCO’s application document. The ministry says it has complex rock formations. It also holds key evidence of how Borneo evolved, including remnants of the Proto-South China Sea.

However, the reports name no sites inside the Sarawak Delta. They also do not say how visitors can get there. So readers should ask the local tourism boards before they plan a trip.

Lenggong: the dual-status geopark

Lenggong became a National Geopark on 16 December 2021, Bernama reported. The UNESCO ceremony took place in Paris on 27 April. However, the Natural Resources Ministry said the decision was final on 23 April.

Lenggong MP Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah posted on Facebook. He said it won praise for its geology, wildlife and heritage. He described lakes, rivers and mountains. It also has archaeological sites tied to early human history.

Bernama reported several planned programmes. They include Geoschool Lenggong Geopark, Geoentrepreneur, Bangsawan Lembah Lenggong and Lenggong Dialogue 2026. The Lenggong Tourism Council will lead promotion, with a focus on local tourism businesses.

A deal with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, signed on 2 April, adds more. It paves the way for a Geopark Geotechnology Centre in Lenggong. Shamsul wants Lenggong to become an “open education centre”. He also hopes the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry will help build tourism infrastructure there. Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad has urged Malaysians to “explore Lenggong”.

What Budget 2027 means for geotourism

Budget 2027 allocates RM935 million for tourism and culture as the Visit Malaysia campaign extends into 2027. The Star put the rise at RM235 million, from slightly over RM700 million last year. However, its report did not mention geoparks, Lenggong or the Sarawak Delta.

Other nature and heritage projects do get support. The Ecological Fiscal Transfer fund rises to RM270 million for community-based ecotourism. In addition, Terengganu gets upgrades at Setiu Wetlands, Tasik Kenyir, Pulau Tenggol and Pulau Bidong.

The Budget also includes tourism-infrastructure upgrades at sites with potential for UNESCO recognition. The Star named Danum Valley, Lembah Bujang and Taman Negara Pahang. Meanwhile, Langkawi’s duty-free limit rises to RM10,000 for visitors who stay at least 48 hours.

Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel, president of MyBHA/MTF, called the change a “positive initiative”. He said Langkawi must “reposition itself beyond conventional duty-free shopping”. Its UNESCO Global Geoparks title could help. Before you travel, check opening hours and guided tours with each geopark’s tourism body.