mikahaziq: Elephant Sanctuary ; Kuala Lumpur Day Trip

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary: An elephant demonstrating how elephants go to sleep.

The first time we visited Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary and Deerland, Lanchang was almost two years ago when we tag along with bro-in-law and his friend for a road trip to Cherating, Pahang. We have been meaning to pay a visit to Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary again since my second son is really interested in elephants, finally, hubby agreed to the day trip from Kuala Lumpur last week.

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary - The Elephant Show

The road to Kuala Gandah from Kuala Lumpur (if you take karak highway) is really winding, better pack some motion sickness pill if you tend to get car sick and drive safely since we saw 2 accidents on the way back.

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary : An elephant taking a bath

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary: Make way for the elephants!

Based on previous visit, we timed our arrival at Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary at 2.30pm since that is the time the elephants usually come back from the jungle to the sanctuary for a bath and most activities starts then. If you arrive earlier than 230pm, there's not really much activities except for looking at baby elephant and feeding them. The other activities such as bathing with elephants, riding elephants and a super short elephant show is all after 2.30pm. Activities such as bathing with elephants and riding elephants requires a yellow entrance sticker (limited to first 100 visitors per day - call ahead before you go as they will set aside 40 stickers out of this 100 for phone booking) while feeding the elephants are open to all visitors. There is no entrance fee for Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary though donations are greatly appreciated.

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary: Feeding papayas to the elephants.

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary: Feeding Time!

Activities starts with the Elephants taking a bath, so once the elephants starts to come to the sanctuary, it's best that you scramble straight for a good spot to see the elephants taking a bath, then comes the short elephant show, elephant feeding and once the feeding is finished, scramble again to be first in line for the elephant ride.

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary : The Elephant Ride

We got the yellow sticker - out of pure luck since someone cancelled their phone booking last minute- but was late in getting in line and since our two small kids can't really stand the heat, we didn't really want to stay and wait.

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary has improved a bit since our last visit, they have put up more benches, and some black overhead netting to provide some shade to visitors though it's almost impossible not to melt in the hot weather. Baby facilities are still lacking and food and drinks options are also limited. But, if your children is really into elephants like mine, they would really enjoy the trip.

Deerland entrance @ Lanchang

Feeding the deers at Deerland; Lanchang

Next, we headed for Deerland @ Lanchang since it's really just 3-4 km away from the elephant sanctuary. Admission for deerland was RM6 for adults and RM3 for kids. We were there to feed the deers and also to see the sun bear. Unfortunately, the sun bear has since been taken by the authorities. So, the kids fed the deers and saw some pheasants, hedgehogs, hamsters, an albino python that has just eaten a live chicken and fed some rabbits. Nothing much to see here, so if your kids are around 10 years of age, you can give it a miss.

All in all, it was an ok day trip from Kuala Lumpur, had it not been for the winding road, I wouldn't mind going there often since my no 2 keeps asking for it :)

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary is open all year long except during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidil Adha holidays. Call +6092790391 for confirmation.Opening hours are as stated in the below pic.