Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary

The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) established National Elephant Conservation Centre in 1989. The centre is the base for the Elephant Unit - Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, 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 trans-locate problem elephants from areas where their habitats are being encroached by development. These elephants are then relocated to safer habitats including Taman Negara National Park. Over the past 30 years, this team has helped to resolve human-elephants conflicts and minimised the economic losses caused by such conflicts by relocating more than 700 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 which are related to elephant translocation and conservation.

The centre is open to visitors throughout the year. 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 activity filmed in 1996 together with the National Geographic at the centre. Upon request, special programme can be arranged for school groups.

Families that are traveling with kids should not miss a visit to Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary. Kids will forever fall in love with elephants after they experience the close interaction at the Elephant Sanctuary. Visitors can witness feeding and bathing of the elephants; a great experience especially for children. To minimize stress for the elephants visitors can only see the elephants 2 times a day.

Bathing of the elephants is only possible if water levels are high enough. Important to watch is the National Geographic Video documentary that is shown a few times daily; weekdays at 1.00 pm, 1.30 pm & 2.00 pm (on Fridays only), weekends at 12.30 pm, 1.00 pm & 1.30 pm.

Getting There

It is roughly a two hour drive from Kuala Lumpur (around 200 km). There are organized tours from Kuala Lumpur, though you can also get a taxi or rent a car to drive there yourself. The Elephant Sanctuary is located along the East Coast Expressway between Kuala Lumpur and the city of Kuantan in eastern peninsula.

From the main highway you get off at exit 816 Lanchang Interchange (Lanchang / Raub / Kuala Lipis). From there you can follow the signs to Kuala Gandah (or keep heading towards Lanchang).

The sanctuary is opened daily between 10.30 am and about 4.00 pm.

Attractions in Pahang