Elephant Conservation Sanctuary
Advice and GuideDo you love elephants and want to get up close and personal with these big gentle creatures in the lush, peaceful surroundings of the tropical rainforests? Do you like feeding, touching, riding, bathing and splashing with elephants of all age and sizes?
You can get all these and more for free at the Kuala Gandah Conservation Sanctuary in Pahang, Malaysia! The sanctuary was first set up in 1990. It shelters wild and orphaned elephants, with a group of trainers and park rangers who are actively involved in the training and translocation of elephants. The centre started training elephants for exhibition to visitors in 1997. As the centre is owned by the federal government, the entrance, activities and facilities are free of charge. Families can take a ride on the elephant down river and will be eventually dumped by the elephant into the water – all in great fun and contagious laughter. About 64,000 visitors made their way to the sanctuary park in 2006.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience which can’t be exchanged for money. And the amazing thing is you only need to pay for toll charges of about RM6.80 for the wonderful experience.
How to get there? The sanctuary is located in Malaysia which is a small peaceful country situated in south-east Asia. It is located to the north of Singapore and south of Thailand. From Kuala Lumpur (the capital of Malaysia), take the road leading to Genting Highlands, passing the Karak toll and on to Lanchang. Exit at the Lanchang toll. Then turn right at the T-junction in the direction of Raub and Kuala Lipis. Drive for about 14 km and you will reach the Kuala Gandah elephant conservation centre. Don’t miss the best kept secret of Malaysia!
