Thoughts from Anywhere in the Country: Elephant Sanctuary

If you leave the bustling capital, Kuala Lumpur, and head East, you find yourself on a major highway cutting through the rolling mountain range of Titiwangsa very quickly. Not all that different looking from I-80 breaking through the Rocky Mountain front range actually. Just a little less snow. :)

The views were breathtaking. Mountains upon mountains covered in a lush green landscape. Mini rain storms were common along the route, and proper drainage systems were appropriately built whenever a steep slope met the highway. Pretty impressive engineering.

We drove along this winding highway for about 2 hours before reaching the little town of Pahang. From there, we weaved through the thick rainforest on little roads that passed through even smaller "towns." Many native Malay live in these little locations in longhouses. Felt a bit odd driving through the area. We finally reached the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary.

This sanctuary aims at translocating the Asian Elephant from areas of Malaysia where their natural habitat has been destroyed by plantations to areas that are consistent with their lifestyle. The Asian Elephant is an endangered species and so its preservation is critical. Now that you are well informed of the Asian Elephant and its respective sanctuary, as I know you all wanted to be, I'll share the fun stories.

While visiting this sanctuary, you can feed and ride these huge animals. The elephants are led by the staff over to a large covered cement platform where they are washed and prepared for feeding. Bins of fresh fruit are lined up at the front and guests are welcome to pick up a couple pieces and walk over to the elephants. From there, it's a feeding frenzy and you're lucky if you come out with your arm still attached.

"Stampy"

"AAAAAAA"

After the elephants are nice and full, the oldest and largest are led over to a loading platform, about 20 feet off the ground. After climbing up the platform, you are helped onto the elephant for a brief ride. I was lucky enough to be one of the two people whose elephant was led down to the river. The elephant walks into the river and proceeds to take a "nose-dive," with you still on top! The elephant tosses you off its back and you're thrown into the water. Quite the surprise!