On June 30 this year, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared Lenggong Valley in Hulu Perak as a world heritage site. This declaration was made following the discovery of artifacts’ which were more than 1.8 million years old through excavation works by the country’s archaeologists and the beauty of this site is ancient remains from Palaeolithic, Neolithic and Metal ages – all in one site. Definitely, the declaration is something we have been waiting for, to place the Lenggong Valley on the world tourism map.
The complete skeletons of Perakman was the earliest human skeletal remains to be found in this region, believed to be around the age of 11,000. It was first discovered in 1991. Now that the archaeology site had been completely excavated, UNESCO awarded the Lenggong Valley Archaeology Site the World Heritage Site status based on the criterias set up by UNESCO; “to bear unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared” and “to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architecture or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history”.
A UNESCO heritage site is a place that possesses ultra special cultural values – it means its welfare is not only a responsibility of the locals, but also the global citizens.
However, Lenggong Valley’s status as a Unesco World Heritage Site can be revoked if it is not cared for properly. The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Global Archaeological Research Centre director Prof. Dr. Mokhtar Saidin said the authorities failed to barricade the entrances of caves and excavation sites at the valley, making it easy for people to walk in and out as they liked. The influx of people to these sites and the absence of proper management of the historical site will jeopardize the site’s condition.
We need to work quickly. Unesco will first issue a warning for the heritage site to be maintained if it feels that nothing is being done. It will then put Lenggong Valley on its ‘danger list’ if they feel that we do not show enough commitment in preserving the site before finally revoking the title.
Dr Mokhtar said both the National Heritage Department and the local authorities would closely monitor the situation. However, he urged all stakeholders to move quickly to draw up a conservation management plan for the site. “The management plan should include the dos and don’ts for the local authorities, tourism industry players and developers,” he added.
So, between now and the 2014 deadline, galleries to view artifacts and other items from excavation sites could be set up while tour packages should also be ready by then. The National Heritage Department should make an effort to renovate Museum to be turned into a World Heritage Office.
Lenggong is one of a place that contains many historical information and environmental place in Malaysia. There are many caves at Lenggong that also contain myths and legends.
One of the famous caves is the Gua Gunung Runtuh which is the final resting place for the Perak Man. Gua Gunung Runtuh is situated in Bukit Kepala Gajah in the Lenggong Valley of Ulu Perak. Perak Man skeleton founded in Gua Gunung Runtuh is a male with a height of 157cm, aged 50. He was buried in the fetal position, ie; with legs tucked towards chest, his right arm touching shoulder and his left arm bent so that his hand would rest on his stomach. Besides that, they found deposits of animal bones at right shoulder, to his left and to his bottom, and deposits of stone tools around the body.
Gua Puteri is a natural tunnel which pierces Bukit Kajang. There are no archaeological findings here, but instead the cave is known for its legends. Two stalagmites are believed to be a prince and princess who guard the cave. Locals say that if children climb up the stalagmites they will fall sick. Negrito cave drawings have been found at various sites but are not prehistoric, as they are only about 100 years old.
Gua Badak is one of the main places for these drawings, situated about 10 kilometres north of Lenggong. The Negritos are one of the aboriginal tribes of Malaysia. The Lanoh Negrito made the illustrative recordings of their every life.
One of the best cuisines which is hard to find now days is the fresh water fish dish. One local delicacy from freshwater fish is pekasam, where the fish is marinated in salt and toasted rice, followed by fermentation for two weeks. Lenggong is also famous with its calm and cold air. We hope that Lenggong will maintain its stories about pre-historic people at Lenggong.
If we on our way from Ipoh to Royal Belum, we will pass by Lenggong, Belum Valley which cover 300,000 hectares of pristine rainforest is known as Belum Temenggor Forest Complex and consist of several forest reserves area. The main area is the Royal Belum (North) and Temenggor Forest Reserve (South). This rainforest is estimated more than 130 million years and considered as one of the oldest rainforest in the world
Lenggong also has tea plantation but is now closed. Temperature in the tea estates here are cooler than in Cameron Highlands. Lenggong Tea is of high quality. Tea plantations will also provide employment opportunities to local residents. Currently, there are independent researchers from foreign countries who are conducting scientific research at this area. This place is conducive to set up Innovation Centre for any scientific research.
Can Lenggong Valley transform to World Class heritage site in order to welcome world class scientist, researchers and tourists? Facilities are very limited in Lenggong Valley. In Lenggong town, there is only one public toilet at bus station and unmanageable. Lenggong do not have any fast food restaurants for the use of local and foreign tourists. Mobile telephone use is also limited to certain line. Transportation by bus or taxi connecting Lenggong to other places is inefficient, no hotel, good chalet or motel in Lenggong except for a small resthouse. Nevetheless Lenggong is still famous for its ikan pekasam, Medan Ikan Bakar Tasik Raban and its waterfall; Lata Kekabu. With its so many lakes and streams, Lenggong can become the fishing spot for diehard anglers. With its temperate climate, Lenggong is suitable to become botanical farms similar to Cameron Highland.
If the Palaeolithic, Neolithic and Metal ages happened in Lenggong, then there must be reasons why they chose the Lenggong Valley.
It is a high time for Lenggong to make a change in order to be recognized in the world tourism map as well as mainted their UNESCO world heritage accreditaion.