Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park

Overview

The Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park encompasses the dramatic mountain range on Langkawi's northwestern coast, home to the oldest geological formations in Southeast Asia — 550-million-year-old Cambrian sandstones and quartzites that predate the first land plants.

Highlights

• Ancient rocks: Touch rocks that formed during the Cambrian explosion, 200 million years before the first dinosaurs.
• Geological contact zones: Visible boundaries between rock formations of vastly different ages are world-class geological features.
• Cable car access: The SkyCab provides aerial access to these ancient formations high above the rainforest.

History

The Machinchang formation was recognised as one of the world's most significant geological sites when Langkawi was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2007. The rocks were originally deposited as sediments in a shallow sea near the South Pole during the Cambrian period, before tectonic plate movement carried them to tropical Southeast Asia.

Visitor Tips

• Combine with SkyCab: The cable car and Sky Bridge traverse this geopark, offering both views and geological context.
• Guided geo-walks: Several licensed geopark guides offer half-day geological walks.
• Duration: 2–3 hours with a guide.