Some unique and imaginative geological features (Mimetoliths) in selected limestone sites in malaysia: Study on their formational processes and geotourism potentials

Abstract

This paper presents some unique and imaginative geological features at five limestone sites/features in Malaysia and study on their formational processes and geotourism potentials. Field works were organized from 2013 to 2015 to investigate the recent situation of these features. Some examples of unique and imaginative geological features (mimetoliths) in limestone sites in Malaysia have been identified for this purpose. In Peninsular Malaysia, some features in Langkawi Islands (in the state of Kedah) have been investigated such as a “turtle” atop a limestone hill and a “shoe” in the Kasut Island, both are at the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park; and a “pregnant lady lying on her back” in the Dayang Bunting Island (part of the Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park). A prominent mogote hill known as Gunung Reng in Jeli District, Kelantan seems like a “human face looking upward”. Meanwhile, in East Malaysia, there is only one feature can be included for this study, it is the “Abraham Lincoln’s face” in the Deer Cave, Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak. Detailed observation and interpretation showed that these features were formed by both endogenic and exogenic processes, such as tectonic uplift, weathering (including solution), erosion, and so on. This study will recommend that all these features should be conserved and developed for some purposes, such as research and education as well as geotourism development in Malaysia.