Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, Lanchang

The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) established National Elephant Conservation Centre (Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary) in 1989. The centre is a base for the Elephant Relocation Team, which began the elephant translocation programme in 1974. The only one of its kind in Malaysia, the team is dedicated to locating, subduing and then translocating problem elephants from areas where their habitats are constantly being encroached by plantations, to other suitable habitats throughout Peninsular, including Taman Negara National Park. Over the past 30 years the 24 strong team has helped to prevent the further decline of the elephant population by relocating more than 450 wild elephants. In addition of being the home to the translocation team and a herd of resident elephants, the centre also carries out public awareness activities related to the conservation issues of elephants in Malaysia. It also supports research activities on elephant translocation and conservation. The centre is open to visitors throughout the year. Visitors can assist in bathing and feeding them.

The awareness activities strive to educate the public about the importance of the species and habitat protection. Visitors are encouraged to view a video presentation on elephant translocation at the centre. 

The Resident Elephants at the Centre
The centre houses a number of resident elephants which were brought in from Thailand and Myanmar. These elephants are trained and used in translocation exercise of catching problem wild elephants in throughout Peninsular Malaysia. The centre also looks after orphaned elephants to ensure their continued survival.

The Asian Elephants
The Peninsular Malaysian elephants belongs to the Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) is listed as a critically endangered species, with less than 40,000 wild elephants in Asia, including a maximum of 1,200 wild elephants in Peninsular Malaysia. Protecting the Asian elephants help safeguard thousands of other species within its habitat. The elephant creates vital natural pathways by knocking over trees, allowing smaller species to feed, as well as dispersing plant seeds in its dung. However, due to habitat loss, elephants are forced to hunt for food in convert areas surrounding forest such as plantations, where they raid crops on a massive scale. This is why the translocation team has such a dire responsibility to move these elephants, to prevent them from otherwise being shot by farmers, or simply dying of starvation.

Donations
The elephant sanctuary welcomes any form of assistance and support. Contributions and donations can be made directly when visiting the centre in person.

Our Service

We arrange a day trip to visit the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary in Pahang where you can observe the Asian elephants, and watch a documentary on the pachyderms. It is approximately 2 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. On the same trip, time permitting, you will stop by the Deerland Park where you get to see the Malayan Sun Bears, Samba deer, peacocks, pheasants and many other wildlife.

Visitor Timetable at Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary Centre/ National Elephant Conservation Centre

The timetable below is directly sourced from the Malaysian Department of Wildlife and National Parks and do not constitute our Itinerary to you nor should it be viewed as the actual program as the center may change activities and schedule at their discretion. Scroll below for the actual itinerary from us. To avoid heavy traffic from Kuala Lumpur and return, the transport will pick-up approximately 9am, and leave from National Elephant Conservation Centre before 4pm to arrive in KL before 6pm.

The centre is not designed for commercial tourism hence visitors should not expect a destination designed for visitors comfort and pleasure.

Itinerary

There is no tour guide for this program. This is a self-guided program following the NECC's own schedule. The English speaking driver will provide casual information on attractions and destinations during the drive.

0900 Pick up from Hotel in Petaling Jaya or Kuala Lumpur
1100 Choose to go direct to the elephant sanctuary OR
visit Deerland Park (Pay own entrance fee).
This animal petting park is an opportunity for animal lovers to get up-close and personal with deers as well as a variety of animals such as Golden Pheasant, Bengal Cat, Rabbits, Parakeets, Phytons and few others.
Please discuss directly with driver.

1200 Have own lunch at local eateries
1300 Follow program as planned by Malaysian Department of Wildlife and National Parks. Watch a documentary showing translocation of wild elephants. Proceed to grounds to feed/observe bathing and cleaning of elephants given by mahouts (elephant guides) with explanations by NECC staff. There are no elephant rides for visitors.
1600 Meet driver to leave
1800 Arrive hotel

Times listed are approximate only. Expect unforeseen delays

Rate in Malaysian Ringgit

This is not a join-in/seat-in van/bus service. We offer private transfers only. Driver may share some information but is not a tour guide.

What does it include?

We provide a transfer service only

What does it exclude

Tour Guide, Donations to NECC, Deerland Entrance Fee, tips, meals/drinks, insurance

What to bring/wear?

Wear light breathable clothing, strapped sandals

Bring pocket money, snacks/drinks, first aid kit, personal medication, wet wipes and sun block

In case you are permitted to the bathe with elephants, bring a set of dry clothes, towel and a plastic bag to carry wet clothes. There are no proper bathing amenities for visitors.

Getting Here

The Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation Centre is located near Lanchang, Pahang. Drive duration is within 3 hours drive north east of Kuala Lumpur.