Kuala Gandah

The Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre (coordinates: 3˚ 35'34.4”N and 102˚ 08'37.7”E) is essentially a sanctuary for orphaned elephants found in Malaysia. Situated within the bio-diversified wilds of the Krau Game Reserve, the centre was set-up in 1989 under the Department of Wildlife & National Parks, Malaysia. The Sungai Teris acts as a natural border between the reserve and the Che' Wong Orang Asli village - the last tribe of its kind found in Malaysia. The name Kuala Gandah is, itself, taken from the small stream that runs through the electrified parameters of the centre within which the elephants are allowed to roam from 8.30 a.m. till 2.00 p.m. before they are confined to the roofed holding area. Before the establishment of the centre, the Elephant Capture & Translocation Unit (ECTU) -- a mobile operating team established in 1974, had its temporary base at the Jengka Pusat plantation, where a huge area of jungle was carved to make way for the planting of oil palm and rubber trees. This was part of the programme aimed at helping to eradicate poverty among the rural folks as well as to rid the area of communist terrorists at the tail end of the protracted silent war known as the Malayan Emergency, which ended in the 1980s. The clearing of the jungle created consistent confrontations between the wild elephants and the settlers. The unit remained here until 1981 before it moved to Kuala Lompat on the north eastern side of the Krau Game Reserve. However, it must be noted that the cutting down of the forests here was done for the overall benefit of the local population and not blatantly to satisfy the greed of unscrupulous corporate and political land-grabbers. As such the centre should not be seen as primarily a show-piece for the delight of visitors but a responsible effort to help the elephants. This unit is one of its kind in the world where the possibilities of being charged or trampled by enraged wild elephants happens for two weeks every month! It is a thankless job where initially only a very tiny percentage of the general public is aware of the existence, dedication and sacrifices these dedicated men and women make to provide a win-win situation for both the wild elephants and the planters! There are 24 full time and 6 contracted staff working and living in and near the centre. Please be informed that 'fun' activities, including elephant rides at the sanctuary is not the main factor in the establishment of the place. It is to add value to the place now that it is known far and wide as a must visit site among tourists to view this species of gentle pachyderms. Frankly, it quite pains the heart to see them having to carry load after loads of shrieking visitors on their back.

GETTING THERE :
From Kuala Lumpur, take the Karak Highway to Lanchang, passing Karak along the way. At Lanchang, turn left into the road just before the BP station, then follow the ample direction signage towards the Elephant Sanctuary. You will pass by an Orang Asli settlement before reaching the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary. The journey takes about 2 to 2 ½ hours (roughly 160km from Kuala Lumpur).
OPENING HOURS :
The centre is open from 8.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily but activities mostly begin from 2.00 p.m. onwards. Entrance is free. Please be reminded that despite some advise from certain quarters (websites notwithstanding) that the centre needs donations from visitors, this is not necessary as the centre has ample financial allocations for its upkeep. The centre can get busy during the weekends, so it it would be better for you to visit it on weekdays. Note: Please come early because if the quota for elephant ride is full (120 persons per day), you may be issued with a red pass instead of the coveted yellow pass, which only allows for viewing, hence, no elephant rides.
FACILITIES :
A visitor information centre provides information and video presentation on the centre's elephant conservation efforts. Visitors can participate in daily activities, like feeding and grooming the elephants and helping with the bathing of each animal in the nearby stream. There is no accommodation at the centre but you may want to stay overnight at Temerloh or Mentakab.
ACTIVITIES :
In the morning, visitors can view the exhibition and a video presentation on elephant translocation before proceeding to watch the elephants in their enclosure. Elephant feeding, rides and bathing start after 2 p.m. There is a small warung (cafe) run by a local where you can get drinks and local food. Public toilets and showers for those who want to have a wash after bathing in the river with the elephants. Food to feed the elephants is provided so there is no need to bring any of your own.
CONTACT :
Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, Jabatan PERHILITAN Kuala Gandah 28500 Lanchang Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia Tel : 09-279 0391 Email: necc@wildlife.gov.my	Office hours: Monday – Sunday: 8.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. 2.30 p.m. - 4.30 p.m. Friday: 8.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. 2.30 p.m. - 4.30 p.m.