Heritage Type
Volcanology.
Value
Geoheritage site of international significant.
Description
The Toba supereruption in North Sumatra 74,000 years ago—the largest volcanic event in modern human history—had global impacts, pushing early humans to the brink of extinction. Volcanic ash blanketed Southeast Asia, extending as far as India, Africa, and even Antarctica.
In Malaysia’s Lenggong Valley, ash deposits reached 6 metres thick, with localized accumulations of up to 10 metres. Today, Bukit Sapi offers the clearest exposure of these ancient ash layers, which contain rhyolitic rock rich in minerals like quartz, zircon, tourmaline, and mica.
Significant
This site is clear evidence of the colossal scale of the Toba supervolcano eruption, one of the largest volcanic events in earth's history. The thickest deposit outside Sumatra (~10 m thick) can only be found in the Lenggong area.
Other Heritage
The Lenggong Valley, where Bukit Sapi is located, contains evidence of early prehistoric human habitation dating back millions of years. The thick and widespread Toba ash layers are directly associated with human activities from prehistoric times up to the present.
