Elephant Sanctuary and Deerland, Pahang.

It was a short notice invitation for a day trip event to Elephant Sanctuary & Deerland in Kuala Gandah, Pahang. Its about one and half hour journey from Kuala Lumpur.

Four cars, total of 13 of us gather at the first check point, which is the Sg.Besi Petronas. Fill up our tanks and move to the next checkpoint, the Leha KelFood in Gombak for breakfast. Macam-macam ada (nasi lemak, krabu, dagang, hujan panas, lontong, bubur & alot more!). Leha KelFood is situated on the MRR2 from Ampang towards Gombak, just before the Gombak Petronas + McDonald's + Fire Station buildings.

It was almost 1000hours when we finally drive pass Gombak toll towards Lanchang. Met a few big bikers along the way, and I waved at them! Hahahaha, highway can be boring sometimes. Lanchang is the first exit after Karak toll. Should not worry about the directions to Elephant Sanctuary & Deerland. There is a huge signboard just after the exit. Attractions is written with brown background. Follow the signboard, and within 15 minutes you should reach the Elephant Sanctuary.

It was 1100 when all of us reached the sanctuary. Parked our car outside (parking space for visitor are under construction still). Walked in to redeem our booked tickets. The sanctuary did not charge any fees on the visitor, but donation are always welcome. There are two types of ticket. Yellow tickets permit you to enjoy a ride & take a quick bath with the elephants, while the red ones can't. The yellow tickets are limited to 120 person per day. Reach early and redeem your tickets. The actual event will on start at 2pm everyday. We had our photo session with Langsat, a three year old baby female elephant. She showed us her "tunduk hormat" and we feed her with peanuts.

Next attraction is the Deerland, located about 5km away from the sanctuary. Entrance fee is RM6 for adult/RM3 for kids (student card will be consider as adult price). First stop is to feed the deer. We walked into the open area, and the person in charge gave us a bucket of fruits to feed them. Those deer were very hungry by the time we arrived. You are advise to hold the bucket above your head, and feed them by hand. Some of us scream, while others are enjoying very bit of it.

Everyone had their opportunity to feed the deer, and we move on to the next point. To hold the "ular sawa batik" with your bare hands. It was such an experience. They fed the snake once a month. The skin was a bit slimy & it having such a strong muscle.

After facing the fear of snakes, we moved on to take some photos with the bear. The guide keep on reminding us to always listen to him, to ensure our safety. One of the workers took a log full with termite and gave it to the bear. While the bear was busy having 'lunch', we were busy petting him & taking pictures. All tourist have to be quick to give the others an opportunity to get close to the creature. There are drinks sold here at RM1.50 per can, and some others souvenirs just before exiting the place.

Besides deer, snake and bear the place also place other difference kind of animals. More like a mini zoo. Love this place very much because it was not commercialize like other places. You are free to bring along your own camera and take as many photo as you want, without any extra charges.

We drove back to the Elephant sanctuary just in time for a quick lunch and standby for the main event to start at 2pm. Bring your own lunch, because there isn't any food stalls nearby. Siput, one of the baby elephant feet was cut off when was being hunted by illegal hunters. The oldest elephant around was 72 years old! A total of 21 elephant were rescued and taken care in the sanctuary. Only eight were available today, while the rest stayed in the reserve forest. The cutest elephant was called Cherry, and she cant stop dancing in front of us.

All visitor (yellow & red stickers)were given the opportunity to feed them with fruits (banana, papaya & watermelon). We were told that Malaysian government spent about RM100 on food for each elephant in the sanctuary. That's a total of RM2100 a day! Once we fed the elephants, its time for elephant rides & bath with them in the river nearby (only yellow stickers holder are permitted). Bathing with elephant will only be permitted due to the water level at the given time. As for our trip, only adults were allowed to follow on this activities (due to high water level in the river)

We had an awesome day with the wildlife. But it was hot and humid. So on our way back to Kuala Lumpur, we stopped by at Lentang recreational park to dip ourselves on the cool river water. The recreational park is accessible by car, just after entering the Bentong toll.

So, by end of the day, everyone was exhausted but satisfied!

Directions :
From Kuala Lumpur get into Lebuhraya Pantai Timur in Gombak (RM5). Passed Bentong (RM3) and get into Karak. Take the Lanchang exit (RM2.80). Once you exit the Lanchang toll plaza, take right and go straight till the end of the road. From the toll exit, you will able to see a signboard "Elephant Sanctuary" in brown color. About 15 minutes you will reach the place. Deerland is located nearby the sanctuary.