Geoheritage from the remote rainforest: hidden treasures in the upstream of the Pertang River, Taman Negara Kuala Koh (National Park), Kelantan, Malaysia

Abstract

A scientific expedition carried out by the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia and Malaysian Geological Heritage Group in May 2015 has revealed the hidden geological and potential geoheritage features in the upstream of the Pertang River, in the dense and pristine rainforest of Taman Negara Kuala Koh (National Park), Kelantan, Malaysia. The river offers outstanding geological features that make the area important to be exposed in terms of geoheritage values. This paper discusses the geological aspects of the river and its potential geoheritage resources. The area consists of the Lotong Sandstone from the Gagau Group which, based on the field observation, mainly comprises two lithofacies: pebbly sandstone–sandstone facies and sandstone–siltstone–mudstone facies. The prominent potential geoheritage resources of the area are some beautiful waterfalls, the Pertang canyon/gorge, and plant fossils. All these features possess geoheritage values, including scientific (and educational), aesthetic, and recreational values. Geoheritage evaluation of this area has been conducted by using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis. Conservation and development efforts should be applied to this remote area so that this area can be utilized properly such as for research and educational activities as well as geotourism development mainly in the state of Kelantan.