THE Bukit Ayer Forest Eco Park in Kangar, Perlis, with its primary and secondary structural geology makes it a unique geosite that is hard to find in other parts of the country.

The 3.72 hectare park located in the Bukit Bintang Forest Reserve and near Sungai Batu Pahat Snake and Reptile Park, consists of the Setul Formation which is believed to have been formed in the ocean environment some 480 million years ago.  The Setul Formation is the oldest carbonate rock formation in Malaysia and the region. Perlis Forestry Department director Awang Shaffie Awang Ahmadni said the park, which is under his department’s supervision, is popular for leisure activities among locals.

“The place is well-known for its beautiful natural surrounding and icy-cold clear water at the river and waterfalls. “However, it is special because of its primary and secondary structural geology where formations of travertine (limestone) can be found along the river, ” he said.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin (front) and members of his cycling team taking a ride around the Bukit Ayer Forest Eco Park in Perlis.

At the waterfalls, there are also several blocks of limestone containing stromatolite which are layered deposits mainly of limestones that are formed by the growth of blue-green algae, a primary structure formed in shallow water.

“These make the park unique, earning it the moniker as the travertine geosite of Sungai Batu Pahat.

“It is one of the more popular sites for swimming besides Gua Kelam Forest Eco Park and Bukit Jernih Recreation Centre in the state.”

Awang Shaffie said the Department of Minerals and Geosciences did a research in 2019 that involved detailed mapping of the area.

“Data was collected for conservation and sharing of general information for mutual benefit.

“The presence of stromatolite and travertine in the park’s waterfalls and river were later affirmed.”

Awang Shaffie was speaking to reporters during a recent visit by Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail to the park to check on the facilities available.

Travertine is a form of limestone deposits found along the river at Bukit Ayer Forest Eco Park.

Present were state secretary Azman Mohd Yusof, state legal advisor Mohd Radhi Abas and state financial officer Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin also spent time at Bukit Ayer Resort, Perlis Herbal Forest and Spa Alternative Treatment Center as well as Perlis Primate Park, which is a conservation park for beruk kentoi or ‘stump-tailed macaque’ in Sungai Batu Pahat.

Awang Shaffie said the Nakawan Base Camp camping site was created in the park to provide complete camping facilities for locals and outsiders, especially nature lovers to conduct camping activities.

“The State Forestry Department has plans to develop a glamping site as well as build a boardwalk to meet the high demand of camping enthusiasts besides providing facilities and convenience to visitors who use the jungle trail, ” he said.

Meanwhile, Minerals and Geoscience Department Kedah/Perlis/Penang senior assistant director (Geology Mapping) Nur Susila Md Saaid when contacted said the department picked only outstanding geological sites as geosite.

“A geopark should ideally consist of a few geosites. At present, we have 18 geosites in Perlis.”

“We picked Bukit Ayer Forest Eco Park as a geosite in line with the Aspiring Perlis Geopark vision that was launched in 2019. It is the vision of the state government and our department to explore and prepare geosites to create a national geopark.

“We are targeting to achieve the national geopark status this year, ” she said. Nur Susila said besides Bukit Ayer Forest Eco Park, other major geosites under the Aspiring Perlis Geopark programme are Gua Kelam, Gua Wang Burma, Gua Cenderawasih and Bukit Lagi.

“Bukit Ayer Forest Eco Park has beautiful waterfalls. There are levels in the waterfalls formed by travertine that look like they are cemented by humans. “But this is a natural formation due to the dissolving of limestone upstream.

“It is hard to find such waterfalls elsewhere, ” she said, adding that the park is easy to reach by children and adults.“Tourists should enjoy and appreciate the park and avoid vandalising it.”