My friend, Fendy and i went for the Geopark Tour on 22 May 08 that we booked with Sheraton Langkawi. The tour started at 10am and we were picked up with a van by the tour operator. In total there were 6 of us joining the tour on that day. We took the Harbour Park route and enjoyed the scenic view along the way. It took 30 minutes drive for us to reach the Kilim Jetty where we board a boat.
We met with our guide, Othman there and he explained to us the route that we will take for the tour. First stop was the Bat Cave where we get to see stalagmite, stalactite and the cave namesake, bats, lots of them!!! The cave is around 480 millions years (imagine that, dinosaur age). Othman showed us the process of formation of the stalagmite & stalactite and it took millions and millions of years. When the LADA authority decide to build a stone bridge, they cut off a part of the stalagmite (how inconsiderate and a stupid thing to do!!!) and we can see that it is growing back but little by little. (it took 12 years just for it to grow 2 inches!!!).
After Bat Cave we cruise along the mangrove river and learn that mangrove are used to make charcoal, preserve the surrounding areas. The breathtaking view along the river takes your mind off the hustle and bustle of life and Fendy did not miss the opportunity to polish his photography skill. He even brought along both his Nikon D40 & D80!!! But the trouble is worth it. You cannot get the views in the city, there are eagles, monkeys and someone in the group also saw a dolphin!!!
Our next destination is the Pulau Anak Tikus where we see fossils that was formed more than 400 millions years ago. The fossils are shell like shape and is all over the rock that form the small rock island. At 1pm we depart Pulau Anak Tikus and head for lunch a fish farm called Hole in the Wall. (frankly we didn't see any hole in the wall when we reach there, hahaha). Lunch consist of a grilled fish, prawns, mixed vege and fried rice and local fruits as dessert. While waiting for lunch to be served, you have the option to join the fish tour at RM5 per person or just sitting down to cool for a while.
After lunch we headed for the second leg of the tour and that is the Gunung Raya (Mount Raya) which is the highest peak in Langkawi. This is where you get to see the bird's eve view of Langkawi Island and now the latest discovery, Mahsuri's Ring. Mahsuri's Ring is a meteorite landing site millions years back. We reach back to Kilim Jetty and boarded the van again for Gunung Raya. On the way up there, we were lucky enough to see the Great Hornbills and Dusky Leaf Monkeys. Unfortunately, it started to rain and the clouds sets in blocking the view from the peak and we did not get to see the Mahsuri's Ring. Well what can we do, mother nature chose that day to dampen our day but overall the trip was worth it. We depart back to Sheraton Langkawi then and reach the resort at 4pm. Overall a really enjoyable trip!!!! Can't wait to see the photos that Fendy took.
