Welcome to Langkawi Geopark. We are now the 52nd Geopark under UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. The Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) operates two websites, i.e. the LADA corporate website www.lada.gov.my and the Langkawi tourism website (www.langkawigeopark.com.my).

It is my fervent hope that the synergy provided by both websites will give an elucidating insight into the workings of LADA as well as the myriad tourism products that the Langkawi islands offer.

Under the auspices of the Federal Government, LADA is the main agency that has successfully implemented various physical developments and brought vibrancy to the tourism industry in Langkawi. Infrastructures ranging from improved road systems, ports to an airport complement the existing public utilities such as water supply, electricity, and telecommunications to further enhance the dynamism of the island's economic activities.

LADA's key agenda is to widely promote the re-branding of the islands as Langkawi Geopark following the agreement afforded by the Kedah State Government in May 2006. The exercise will give a differential edge to Langkawi as compared to the other islands of the world.

Under the concept of the Langkawi Geopark, the marketing thrust is being extended to include the amazingly beautiful geological make-up of the islands from the perspective and persona of the limestone, caves, uniqueness of the islands, marine arches, fossils, and glacial dropstones. These will complement established attractions that include those based on the flora and fauna, the beauty of the lakes and beaches. We are still the 99 magical islands in the sun.

More significantly, Langkawi is a group of islands that showcases the oldest rock formation in the region (Gunung Machinchang - 550 million years). Offering a complete geological history, the islands have been explored and studied by geologists for more than 30 years.

Langkawi Geopark comprises the whole of Langkawi and invariably includes other facets such as the culture, folklore, history and the infrastructural development of the place. Within this context, the Geopark concept also emphasizes the aspects of environmental conservation for tourism purposes. Currently, Langkawi is the first Geopark in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

I am confident that with the branding of Langkawi along with the infusion of the newly conceptualized geotrails and geoproducts, the Langkawi tourism industry will experience exponential growth. LADA welcomes feedbacks in the form of views and suggestions from all visitors to make Langkawi an even better destination.

Thank you.

Dato' Kamarulzaman bin Abdul Ghani
General Manager
Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)