Short Family Trip to Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary
H (Husband), his family and I went on a short trip to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary two weekends ago.
We drove there from Bukit Tinggi and it took about an hour (it would have taken only 30 minutes if only there were clearer directions to get there - so tourists or even locals do be wary). It was a hot day and I do not think my children were that excited. Well my daughter is only one and though my son is three; he is not really an animal fan. He will shout and screams when he sees a cat at the porch or even when seeing a lizard (home lizard - cicak) walking pass his toys.
I do not remember the roads that we took but nevertheless after exciting the Toll (urm, I forgot which toll) there is a large sign board at the traffic light which shows the direction to the Elephant Sactuary (i.e. to the right of the traffic light). From there on the journey is rather easy. As it draws closer to the Elephant Sanctuary the road becomes narrower until you hit the main gate to the Sanctuary.
If you really want to know more about the elephants and the works that are being done at the Sanctuary, do head to the Education Centre first. As for me, I took the short cut (having two kids will not allow you enough patience to sit around unless you show them the elephant first). The parking area is large enough with ample of parking spaces but considering the weekend that I was there it was not a public holiday. I do think that more shades (due to lack of trees as some renovation works were being undertaken at one side of the area) are needed as the day was really warm and hot.
I went straight to the elephant den (I am not sure if it's the correct word). I guess the main point of this trip is to expose the children to the elephant. It was just a short walk to the den (five minutes but it was ten minutes for me as my daughter insists on walking). As predicted my son was not so interested in the elephants (and there were four young or infant elephants at the den). I bought sugar canes and peanuts for the elephants and urged my children to feed them. It is amazing how the elephants are able to use their trunk or at the end of the trunk (snout) to pick up the small peanut on the palm of my hand. A little ticklish and watery (saliva anyone).
We did not swim or bath the elephants as I don't think my children are keen, further we were not really prepared (did not bring any bathers and bikinis are no allowed too - bummer). So we took off after a stroll at the grounds. There were a lot of informative boards and shelter houses built in the elephant viewing area, I guess you can have a picnic there if you have brought your picnic basket with you.
For more information check this site out http://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/kuala-gandah-elephant-sanctuary.htm
After the visit we went to Bentong for a quick lunch at this famous kopitiam named 'Kow Po' which serves cool cold 'ice kacang' and 'cendol'. Blame it on the hot weather and the short walk at the Elephant Sanctuary that I practically gobbled down my nasi lemak and the icy cold cendol.
It was a good short trip and I will be taking the children back to the Elephant Sancuary again when they are little older. (Maybe a swim with the elephants next time).
