Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary
Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary – Rainforest Adventure: A conservation center dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating elephants in Malaysia. Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary is one of the most popular wildlife attractions in Malaysia.
The Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre is an elephant sanctuary located in Temerloh in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. within the Krau Wildlife Reserve. Here’s a quick guide:
About
Established in 1989 by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating elephants that have been displaced due to habitat loss or human-elephant conflicts. The center also educates the public about elephant conservation and offers visitors the opportunity to observe and engage with these majestic creatures in a safe environment.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lanchang, Pahang, Malaysia (~2 hours from Kuala Lumpur) |
| Established | 1989 by Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) |
| Purpose | Rescue, rehabilitate, and relocate wild Asian elephants |
| Visiting Hours | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Daily) |
| Best Time to Visit | Before 1:00 PM to catch feeding and activity sessions |
| Activities | – Educational talks on elephant conservation- Feeding elephants (fruits & sugarcane)- Bathing with elephants (seasonal)- Observation of elephants- Short documentary/video presentation |
| Entrance Fee | Free (donations encouraged) |
| Transport Tips | – Self-drive or private tours recommended- Limited public transport |
| Visitor Tips | – Wear comfortable clothes- Bring sunscreen and water- Follow staff instructions for safety- Photography allowed but no flash near elephants |
Location
Address: Lebuhraya Pantai Timur, Kampung Cempaka Kanan, 28500 Lanchang, Pahang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 13-908 8207
Visiting Hours
- Daily: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Best to arrive before 1:00 PM to catch feeding and activity sessions.
Travel Overview
| Rank | 11 |
| Destination | Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary |
| Location | Pahang |
| Difficulty Level | ⭐ (Easy) |
| Best Months to Visit | Year-round |
Why Visit
A sanctuary for rescued elephants, offering ethical interactions and conservation education. Ideal for all ages.
Mode of Transport from KL
Drive via E8 Expressway
Travel Time (Approx)
~2 hours
Admission
There’s no entrance fee for Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary in Pahang. However, if you want to join the “bathe the baby elephant” activity you need to pay RM50 for one Guide and RM10 per person in your group.
What to Expect
Visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of interactive and educational experiences:
- Elephant Feeding: Hand-feed these gentle giants with fruits and sugarcane under staff supervision.
- Bathing Sessions: Seasonal opportunities allow you to bathe elephants in natural pools—an unforgettable experience for animal lovers.
- Observation & Learning: Watch elephants roam, socialize, and interact in a semi-natural environment while learning about conservation challenges through guided talks and short documentaries.
Video Show
Visitors can watch documentary video in air-conditioned rooms. The documentary is about issues affecting wild elephants, habitats that are disappearing, the role of the Elephant Transplantation Team responsible for ensuring the survival of this endangered species as well as the process of saving wild elephants from conflict areas to new habitats. Showing time is around 20 to 25 minutes.
Schedule for Video Show
| Day | Time Slot 1 | Time Slot 2 | Time Slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | – |
| Saturday / Sunday | 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM |
Things to Do
Hand-feed elephants, bathe baby elephants, watch elephant shows, and learn about conservation efforts.
Activities & Experiences
- Educational Talks – Learn about elephant conservation efforts.
- Elephant Feeding – Visitors can feed the elephants fruits and sugarcane.
- Bathing with Elephants (seasonal, depends on water level & conservation rules).
- Observation – Watch the elephants roam and interact in semi-natural surroundings.
- Video Presentation – Short documentary about rescue missions and conservation.
Visit Note
Best to visit during weekdays to avoid crowds.
Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for outdoor activity.
- Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat for sun protection.
- Follow staff instructions closely for safety, especially around the elephants.
- Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash near the animals.
Activities
Visitors can hand-feed and bathe elephants, attend educational talks on elephant conservation, and observe elephant behavior in a natural setting.
Accommodation & Facilities
Accommodation options include basic chalets and guesthouses in nearby Lanchang town, homestay programs with local families, and hotels in Temerloh town, approximately 30 km away.
Entry Ticket Price
Entrance is free; however, donations are encouraged. Additional fees may apply for specific activities, such as bathing elephants.
How to Get There
- From Kuala Lumpur: ~2 hours by car (eastward on Karak Highway, exit at Lanchang).
- Public transport is limited, so self-drive or private tours are recommended.
Rainforest Adventure in Malaysia
A rainforest adventure in Malaysia is an incredible way to experience the country’s rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and indigenous cultures. Malaysia is home to some of the world’s oldest rainforests, offering thrilling activities such as jungle trekking, wildlife spotting, river cruises, and canopy walks.
FAQ
1. Where is Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary located?
It is located in Lanchang, Pahang, Malaysia, about 2 hours’ drive from Kuala Lumpur.
2. What is the sanctuary’s main purpose?
The sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates, and relocates wild Asian elephants that have lost their habitats due to deforestation and development.
3. What are the visiting hours?
- Daily: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Best to arrive before 1:00 PM to participate in feeding and activity sessions.
4. Is there an entrance fee?
Entry is free, but donations are encouraged to support elephant conservation.
5. What activities can visitors do?
- Feeding elephants (fruits & sugarcane)
- Bathing with elephants (seasonal, water level dependent)
- Observing elephants in a semi-natural habitat
- Educational talks and documentary screenings
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