Excavations since 1917 have unearthed signs that the caves in the Gua Kajang complex in Lenggong were inhabited as long as 11,000 years ago. — Tourism Malaysia
A valley in Perak that is renowned for having one of the oldest human settlements in Southeast Asia is a hidden gem for hikers, history buffs and cave explorers.
About an hour’s drive from Ipoh, the Lenggong valley is home to one of the oldest human skeletons and some of Malaysia’s oldest archaeological dig sites.
It is now being turned into the latest eco-tourism draw says newly appointed Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar.
The agency recently launched the Lembah Lenggong Archaeotourism and Geopark Packages to promote the historical and natural heritage of the Lenggong Geopark, the second National Geopark in Perak after the Kinta Valley Geopark, says Ammar.
The Lenggong valley archaeology and geopark packages are just the latest example of Tourism Malaysia’s continued efforts to develop niche tourism products. — The Star
“Travellers are seeking more personal and meaningful vacations or new experiences to immerse themselves in off-the-beaten path or in hidden gem destinations,” Ammar tells The Star.
“Besides awareness of hygiene and safety, travellers now prefer less-crowded places and wish to revisit nature-based attractions and outdoor activities”.
A total of 48 tourism packages have been developed in collaboration with 15 tourism operators which among others, offer visits to archaeological sites, hiking, cave exploration, boat cruises, fishing and camping in the Lenggong Geopark, says Ammar.
According to promotional materials by Tourism Malaysia, the top attractions are the Gua Kajang cave complex, which includes the Kajang, Teluk Kelawar, Harimau and Gunung Runtuh caves. Excavations since 1917 have unearthed signs that these caves were inhabited as long as 11,000 years ago.
The Lembah Lenggong Archaeology gallery meanwhile, collects the artefacts and story of the valley in one convenient space.
Other landmarks in the historic valley, which used to host a Stone age settlement, are Bukit Sapi, Bukit Jawa and Bukit Bunuh the latter being the site of meteorite impact 1.83 million years ago.
Bukit Bunuh in Lenggong is the site of meteorite impact 1.83 million years ago. — Tourism Malaysia
Besides historical landmarks, there are also packages for kayaking, fishing in Tasik Raban and hiking and camping in Lata Kekabu which features a pristine 50m water fall.
The Lenggong valley archaeology and geopark packages are just the latest example of Tourism Malaysia’s continued efforts to develop niche tourism products says Ammar.
Besides historical landmarks, there are also packages for kayaking, fishing in Tasik Raban and hiking and camping in Lata Kekabu which features a pristine 50m water fall. — The Star
Another strategic direction is gastronomy, where the agency wants to promote local cuisine as part of Malaysia’s cultural heritage and to strengthen local culinary identity.
“Some of the highlights include street food, franchise, Michelin Guide-rating restaurants and food trails”.
The agency is also keen to support the hosting of world-class sports events such as MotoGP, Ironman, Le Tour de Langkawi, and other games such as golfing, yachting, scuba diving, angling, e-Sports and cycling.
“We also do joint promotions with industry players to promote Malaysia as a wedding and honeymoon destination”.
Malaysia is also being promoted as a filming destination and Tourism Malaysia collaborates to help foreign productions get incentives from the Film Development Board (FINAS), he says.
The National Heritage Department (Central Zone) is holding a celebration of Lenggong heritage from July 28 to July 30 to mark the 11th anniversary of Unesco’s inscription of the Lenggong Valley as a world’s archaeological site. For more information, check out the Jabatan Warisan Negara Zon Tengah Facebook.
