UUM mobility students discover the wonders of Langkawi’s Geopark and cultural heritage on day one adventure!
Photos Nur Hayati Md Sharif
LANGKAWI, 13 October 2025: The first day of the Explore Langkawi: Learn, Bond, Discover! kicked off with great excitement as Universiti Utara Malaysia’s (UUM) 36 inbound mobility and full-time international students from Afganistan, Brunei, China, France, Indonesia, Pakistan and Uzbekistan embarked on an enriching journey to experience Langkawi’s unique tapestry of nature, culture, and craftsmanship. Organised by the Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation (CIAC), the trip was designed to deepen students’ appreciation of Malaysia’s natural heritage while fostering cross-cultural understanding and experiential learning.
The day commenced at the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark Discovery Centre (GDC), where the students were greeted with an engaging briefing on the island’s geological marvels. Nestled at the foothills of Gunung Machinchang, the GDC serves as a hub for environmental education, showcasing Langkawi’s 550-million-year-old rock formations, rich biodiversity, and ongoing conservation efforts. Students discovered how Langkawi earned its prestigious UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2007 – the first in Southeast Asia – and how sustainable tourism continues to safeguardd its invaluable natural resources.
From there, the group proceeded to Kompleks Kraf Langkawi, a cultural treasure managed by Kraftangan Malaysia. Upon arrival, the students were warmly welcomed by the centre’s officers, who shared insights into Malaysia’s traditional handicrafts and creative industries. A highlight of the visit was a guided tour of the Malaysian Stingless Bee (Lebah Kelulut) section, where students observed the bee hives, learnt about the five distinct stingless bee species, and discovered the intricate prcess of honey production – culminating in a delightful tasting of kelulut honey.
The excitement continued as students immersed themselves in one of Malaysia’s most cherished art forms: batik painting. With brushes in hand and vibrant colours at their disposal, they channelled their creativity into crafting beautiful batik designs to bring home as treasured keepsakes. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter, collaboration, and artistic expression, making the activity both a cultural exchange and a celebration of shared creativity.
By the end of the day, the students had not only gained a deeper understanding of Malaysia’s natural and cultural heritage but had also engaged in sustainability, creativity, and craftsmanship in ways that were both educational and memorable. The blend of hands-on learning, cultural immersion, and environmental awareness set a strong foundation for the days ahead.
CIAC expressed hopes that through this experiences, UUM’s international community will continue to broaden their global perspective while nurturing respect for Malaysia’s environment and artistic traditions. Indeed, Day One in Langkawi was an inspiring start — a vibrant mix of learning, discovery, and friendship under the island sun. – Mohd Azri Abdul Aziz
