Lenggong Geopark is a hidden gem in Hulu Perak, encompassing the sub districts of Kenering, Lenggong, Temelong, and Durian Pipit. This extraordinary region, shaped by the deposition of Sungai Perak, forms a valley nestled between two imposing granite mountain ranges—the Titiwangsa Range to the east and the Bintang Range to the west. Over 80% of the area is composed of granite rock, aged between 220 and 210 million years, a legacy of the Late Triassic period. The granite intrusion here is a pivotal geological event in Southeast Asia’s history, the result of the collision between the ancient tectonic plates of Sibumasu and Indochina more than 240 million years ago. This cataclysmic event led to the closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean and the formation of the Peninsular Malaysia we know today.

Endorsed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, the Lenggong Valley is one of Southeast Asia’s most significant archaeological sites. It was the cradle of prehistoric human life in the region, with evidence of early human habitation stretching back hundreds of thousands of years. Around 1.83 million years ago, the valley was struck by a catastrophic meteor impact, wiping out all life in the surrounding area. This event gave rise to rare suevite impact rocks, which provide evidence of this extraordinary occurrence. More remarkably, stone tools found within these suevite rocks offer proof that humans had settled in the valley before the impact, making Lenggong a crucial link in understanding human prehistory.

By around 550,000 years ago, humans began to rebuild their civilization in the region, leaving behind traces of their existence in open-air sites and limestone caves throughout Lenggong. This long history of continuous human occupation stretches into the present day, with the local community preserving their unique culture and traditions.

Today, Lenggong Geopark remains a living testament to both human history and natural wonders. The area’s ancient granite mountains and limestone hills host lush forest ecosystems that are home to a wealth of biodiversity, from rare species of flora and fauna to thriving ecosystems. Lenggong Geopark is a place of exceptional geological and cultural significance—an unpolished, yet invaluable gem in Malaysia’s natural and historical heritage.