GEOPARK Community & Cultural Heritage

Langkawi’s cultural heritage is a beautiful blend of traditions, history, and natural beauty, shaped by its people, folklore, and environment.

Geopark Community and Cultural Heritage

The integration of communities and cultural heritage is a cornerstone of the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) philosophy. Geoparks are not just about geological features but also about fostering a connection between people, their traditions, and the landscapes they inhabit. This holistic approach encourages local communities to take pride in their cultural and natural heritage while participating in sustainable development initiatives.

Community Involvement in Geopark Management:

Geoparks actively involve local communities in decision-making, management, and promotional activities. For instance, initiatives like the Tuba Geotourism Trail in Langkawi Geopark empower the Bestuba community to manage tourism sustainably, showcasing local culture and biodiversity.

Cultural Heritage Preservation:

Cultural practices, folklore, and traditional knowledge are integral to a geopark’s identity. Langkawi Geopark emphasizes the importance of preserving its unique Malay cultural heritage, such as Mahsuri’s legend and traditional crafts, alongside its geological marvels.

Education and Capacity Building:

Workshops, educational programs, and storytelling sessions are organized to ensure that the younger generation understands and appreciates their heritage. These activities also provide opportunities for communities to learn new skills, such as guiding and eco-tourism management.

Economic Benefits for Communities:

By linking cultural heritage to geotourism, geoparks create alternative income sources for local communities through eco-tourism, handicrafts, and cultural performances. This aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Geoparks, People Nature and Food

The mission of the GEOfood project is to utilise the scientific approach to establish the connection between geoheritage, geodiversity, ecosystem services, food production and sustainable development, in 26 areas around the world.

MC Gemilang Natural Water

Despite Langkawi’s small land mass, there is a plethora of strong evidence to support the theory that the region was part of the ancient supercontinent of Gondwanaland, with the appearance of cold water fossils, sediments and dropstones. There is also evidence of the breakaway from the supercontinent by the Sibumasu Terrane, which later in the Triassic collided with the Eurasian Continental Plate.

Bronok

Scientifically known as acaudina molpadioides, this invertebrate is a member of the sea cucumber family, and can be found in the waters of Langkawi. As with it’s common cousin the sea cucumber, the bronok has a myriad of health benefits; many traditional medicines and nutritious cuisine featuring this sweet sea potato, has made it a local island delicacy. It is these kinds unique food sources that keep the connection between the locals and their surrounding ecosystem strong.

Gamat

Sea Cucumbers offers a myriad of health benefits whether consumed or simply applied externally as an antibacterial disinfectant and anti-inflammatory. In traditional Chinese medicine the consumption of Gamat is used to treat fatigue, constipation, frequent urination and even joint pain. With the various benefits that Gamat provides, it’s no wonder that this humble sea cucumber has become synonymous with Langkawi.

Virgin Coconut Oil

Almost over thousands of studies have proven, coconut oil to be one of the healthiest foods. The many uses and healing benefits of coconut oil go beyond people’s expectation, coconut is indeed a true superfood. Here in Langkawi amidst the natural surroundings and serenity of Datai Valley, a very enterprising businesswoman have been spreading the health benefits of virgin coconut oil in maintaining overall vitality throughout the years. This product is a great example of using the natural gifts provided by the environment, to maintain a sustainable business practice for the island.

Madu Kelulut

Kelulut Honey (madu in Malay) comes from a large tribe of bees called Meliponini, and are closely related to the common honey bee, carpenter bees and bumblebees. The key difference that sets these Kelulut bees apart, are their non-functioning stingers for defence (hence also commonly known as ‘stingless bees’). The honey produced from these stingless bees are nutrient rich and extremely high in antibacterial resistance compared to normal honey. This is because the bees collect nectar from the deepest part of the flower, where it has a richer concentration of plant nutrients. Here in Langkawi, the abundance of flora for nectar sources means that there’s a thriving stingless bee population that offers opportunity for harvesting Kelulut honey using sustainable beekeeping practices.

Laktud & Mee Ketam

The list of food delicacies found in Langkawi keeps growing as local foodies and chefs, venture into new flavours and ingredients. Perhaps one of the more recent food discovery over the past decade is Laktud; a type of seaweed from a species of green algae found mainly in the Indo-Pacific region. This laktud is normally eaten raw or served as a salad. Here in Langkawi you can find laktud prepared with a certain signature flair at Crab Farm Langkawi. They have the freshest laktud because they grow them on site! As the name suggests, Crab Farm Langkawi grows giant mud crabs and supplies them around the island to small eateries. And with fresh ingredient around, visitors to Crab Farm Langkawi can enjoy a delectable combination of Laktud salad and crab noodles.

The wellbeing and enrichment of the local community is one of the pillars that Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark is focusing on. We immerse ourselves in the local culture and highlight the uniqueness of this beautiful island. Langkawi is home to people of many different communities and cultural backgrounds. To know more about their fascinating stories, follow us on our dedicated channel called Orang Langkawi.

Kopi Puteh – Local Premixed Coffee

One of the many products that Langkawi is famous for producing locally is their beautifully aromatic coffee. Here’s a story of a couple who have been creating delicious premix & instant coffee right on the island since 2005. Watch how they expanded their product offerings, from a simple roasting recipe that was handed down from generation to generation.

Datai Valley – Virgin Coconut Oil

The sense of cultural traditions & practices lives strongly in the locals, and with that comes traditional remedies made from natural ingredients found throughout the island. One of those natural remedies is the use of virgin coconut oil for skincare and overall health benefits. Watch how an enterprising lady has made it her mission to share these health benefits with the world after seeing their miraculous effects first hand.

Mahsuri Gold – Herbal Balm

Here in Langkawi the name Mahsuri carries within itself a sense of myth and folklore. For this very driven entrepreneur, she takes it upon herself the responsibly to making sure that her natural balm products succeeds, and make the name Mahsuri proud. Watch her journey of hard work and unwavering persistence towards becoming a global entrepreneur.

Two Pie Craft – Tempurung Craft

The practice of upcycling is not new to the island, for generations local communities in Langkawi have been finding multiple purpose for the items found in nature, one in particular is the coconut. After consuming its delicious water or using the white flesh to make coconut milk, the husk is turned into fuel for tinder. Watch how this artisan, create beautiful works of art with coconut husk that would otherwise just be burnt away.

Gamat Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sea cucumbers can be found throughout the waters off Langkawi, and has a longstanding tradition amongst the islanders to have a myriad of health benefits. Watch how this entrepreneur found a way to incorporate the healing benefits of sea cucumber to her delicious chocolate chip cookies.

Faizy Crystal Glass Blowing

Of the many souvenirs that tourists bring back from their time in Langkawi, are beautiful glass blown crystals created by a master craftsman with over 30 years of experience. Watch how he uses this age old craft to forge intricate works of art.