Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark Sets Sights on UNESCO Recognition by 2028
From ancient geological wonders to a new original song, Selangor’s geopark is finding fresh ways to share its natural and cultural heritage as its 2026 reassessment gets underway.
HULU LANGAT, 28 October 2026 — What if rocks, forests and waterfalls could tell stories millions of years in the making? At Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark, these natural wonders are part of a much bigger story connecting geology, biodiversity, culture and the communities that call the area home.
The geopark is undergoing its five-day National Geopark reassessment from 26 to 30 October 2026, a process conducted every four years to determine whether it continues to qualify for its National Geopark status, first awarded in 2022.
Covering approximately 112,000 hectares across Gombak and Hulu Langat, the geopark features 20 main geosites showcasing its geological heritage, biodiversity, cultural heritage and history.
Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari highlighted the value of the landscape, saying, “With just a few days of visiting the geopark’s sites, the appraisers will gain a deeper appreciation of the beauty of Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark, which is a source of pride for Selangor.”
The assessment is led by Prof. Emeritus Dr. Felix Tongkul, with Madeline Anak George Pau and Fredolin Javino participating as observers. The panel is visiting key locations, including Bukit Tabur, Batu Caves, the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Sungai Tekala Waterfall and the Dusun Tua Hot Springs Complex, while engaging with local communities, Geopark Schools and tourism operators.
Beyond evaluating conservation and management, the reassessment also examines sustainable tourism, public education, community participation and strategic partnerships. The findings will help guide the geopark’s next steps as Selangor works towards a potential UNESCO Global Geopark nomination by 2028.
Meanwhile, the geopark is also finding creative ways to get more people interested in its story.
One of the programme’s highlights was the launch of the official song and music video, Pesona Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark, performed by Layla Sania. The production brings the area's natural beauty and cultural heritage to audiences through music and visual storytelling.
Canon Marketing Malaysia supported the music video production with professional filming equipment and technical expertise. Tourism Selangor and Canon also signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to strengthen destination promotion, document natural heritage, develop photography and videography talent, and raise public awareness.
The event also brought together government agencies, researchers, local authorities, educational institutions and geopark communities, with certificates of appreciation presented to recognise their contributions.
Their involvement reflects a key part of the geopark's long-term success: protecting a landscape takes more than preserving its natural features. It also means helping communities understand their heritage, encouraging responsible tourism and ensuring that future generations can appreciate what makes the area special.
As the reassessment continues, Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark is looking beyond retaining its National Geopark status. With its natural treasures, cultural stories and community partnerships, it is laying the groundwork for its next chapter — and inviting more people to discover the stories written in its landscape.
