Do you know that elephants are extremely intelligent creatures with complex emotions, sentiments, compassion, and self-awareness? Elephants are an important species in the ecosystems. Their large footprints gather water when it rains to serve as waterholes for smaller animals. When elephants eat, they also break up grass and shrubs so new plants can develop, while dispersing seeds through their faeces as they walk. We couldn’t imagine how the ecosystem would be without these amazing beings!

In Malaysia, you don’t have to travel to another country to get up close with these beautiful gentle creatures. Here in Kuala Gandah, you can explore the National Elephant Conservation Centre. Listed below are several fun activities that you should look forward to when you are there!

Read also: Exploring Gua Charas Temple Cave at Panching, Kuantan

Table of Content

1. Activities at Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary
2. Hand-feed the Elephants
3. Bathing with Elephants
4. Visit the Elephant Museum
5. Watch the Video Show
6. Visitor's Timetable
7. Ticket Prices & Packages
8. How to Get to Kuala Gandah
9. Contact Information

Visiting the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, Pahang

Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, Pahang

Activities at Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary

It is important to note that elephant rides are not available here. Visitors are advised to understand the purpose of this sanctuary, which is to educate and not to entertain. Therefore, rides are prohibited as a way to protect the elephants.

There are a few things that you should keep in mind before planning a trip to Kuala Gandah. Firstly, make sure to wear a cap and bring along a bottle of water with you as the mid-afternoon sun can get hot and unforgiving. Bring along extra clothes and a towel if you plan to participate in the elephant bathing activity. We also suggest that you bring your own snacks and water. There is a small stall selling refreshments but the choices are limited so do pack some in advance!

You can get up close and personal with the elephants at the Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation Centre

Hand-feed the Elephants 

Enjoy the experience of feeding the elephants at this large sanctuary. You can feed them directly through the mouth or by letting the elephants playfully curl their trunks around the sugarcane. There is a stall selling these treats by the bundle for only RM3. This is definitely going to be a fun activity to do with your family!

You can buy sugarcane to feed the elephants at the sanctuary 

Let the elephants playfully curl their trunks around the fruits as you feed them

Bathing with Elephants

You will get a chance to bathe the elephants under the careful supervision of the caregivers. There is a schedule for bathing activities, which are available from Monday to Thursday only. It is advisable for you to bring extra clothes and a towel if you’re planning to jump into the river to give the baby and adult elephants a long, good scrub!

Elephant bathing at the Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation Centre

Follow the sign to find your way to the elephant bathing area by the river.

Visit the Elephant Museum 

At the Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation Centre, you can find a small museum which allows you to learn more about this endangered animal and their history in the country. There are also replicas of elephant bones and skulls being displayed in the museum.

After visiting the museum, make your way to the baby elephant paddock to say hi to this cutie!

Watch the Video Show 

If it’s too hot outside, you can make yourself comfortable in the air-conditioned room while watching a documentary on elephants. The video sheds light on their dwindling habitats and the involvement of the Trans-location Team in safeguarding the survival of this threatened species. The showing duration is around 25 minutes.

Visitor's Timetable

Please note that all river activities are subject to the water level for safety purposes.

Time	Location	Activities
10.30am-11.00am	River (Wooden bridge)	Bathing adult elephants in the river
10.30am-4.00pm	Exercise yard	Observe elephants in grazing area
10.30am-4.45pm	Activities area	Observe and hand-feed baby elephants
11.00am-11.30am	River (Activities area)	Bathing baby elephants in the river
11.30am-12.00pm  (Except Friday-Sunday and  Public Holiday)	River (Wooden bridge)	Bathing adult elephants in the river
2.15pm-2.45pm /  3.00pm-3.30pm (Friday)	River (Activities area)	Bathing adult elephants in the river

Ticket Prices & Packages

As for the entrance fee, it is only RM10 for adults and RM5 for children. As for the activities inside the sanctuary, no fees will be charged – you may enjoy the fun as much as you want!

You will be required to sign this indemnity letter before entering the conservation centre

How to Get to Kuala Gandah

You can arrive at Kuala Gandah, Lanchang in the state of Pahang from Kuala Lumpur by car, which will take approximately 2 hours using the East Coast Expressway or Lebuh Raya Pantai Timur.

Contact Information

Address: National Elephant Conservation Centre, Kuala Gandah, 28500, Lanchang, Pahang.

Opening hours: 10.30am - 4.15pm (Monday to Sunday)

Contact number: +6012-322 3934

There are so many fun activities for everyone at the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary. Which one is your favourite? Comment below and let us know!

Don't forget to share your travel & dining moments with us on Instagram by tagging @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Happy travelling!