As a tour guide with MyTravelLane for over a decade, I’ve taken countless visitors to attractions across Malaysia. I can tell you that the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary is something special. It’s not just a place to see elephants; it’s a genuine conservation center with a critical mission.

Many people get a little confused about the logistics, like the entrance fee and daily schedules. It’s a common point of discussion on my tours leaving from Kuala Lumpur.

The most important thing to know is that this center is run by the government’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks, known as PERHILITAN. This is why general entry is free, though your donations are what truly fuel their work.

So, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to plan your visit. We’ll cover the details on fees, the daily opening hours you need to know, and the can’t-miss elephant feeding times.

Kuala Gandah Entrance Fee Details

You can walk right into the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary without paying a mandatory entrance fee. Yes, admission is completely free for all visitors.

From my experience, this often surprises people. The reason is that the sanctuary’s primary goal is elephant conservation and public education, not profit. However, many visitors choose to give donations to help support the incredible cost of caring for these animals.

Is there a cost for general entry to Kuala Gandah?

No, there is no cost for general entry to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre. You can access all the main public areas, including the observation platforms and the small on-site museum, without any charge.

This free access allows you to:

  • Watch the educational video presentation about the sanctuary’s rescue and relocation work.
  • Observe the elephants in their spacious, fenced enclosures.
  • See the main elephant show and feeding sessions from the viewing areas.

The only time a fee is required is if you choose to participate in specific hands-on activities. A popular one is bathing the baby elephants, which, as of 2025, requires hiring a nature guide for a fee of RM10 per adult and RM5 per child. This activity is also limited to just 100 people per day, so it’s a good idea to register early.

How can I donate for feeding activities?

Donating is the best way to support the elephant conservation work at this wildlife sanctuary. The easiest method is to give directly at the official donation counters when you register your visit.

You can also purchase food like sugarcane and bananas on-site to feed the elephants yourself. The proceeds from these sales go directly into the elephants’ care fund. It’s a great way to have an interactive visitor experience while contributing to their welfare.

A crucial tip I always share with my clients: only donate through official channels. PERHILITAN has explicitly warned that they do not accept money through third-party bank accounts. To be safe, make all donations in person at the sanctuary or through their official website at www.wildlife.gov.my.

All donations made on-site directly benefit the rescued elephants at the National Elephant Conservation Centre, which is a key part of Pahang tourism.

What are the Opening Hours of Kuala Gandah?

The Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary has a set daily schedule, but it’s important to know the timings to make the most of your day.

The sanctuary is open to the public daily, including on weekends and most holidays.

  • Daily Visiting Hours: 10:30 AM to 4:15 PM.
  • Last Entry: Registration at the main gate closes at 3:30 PM.

While the original hours were slightly different, recent updates for 2025 confirm these new times. On Fridays, the schedule may be adjusted for prayer times, so it’s always wise to double-check if you plan to visit then.

From my experience guiding tours from Kuala Lumpur to the state of Pahang, I strongly recommend arriving no later than 1:00 PM. This gives you enough time to register, look around the museum, and get a good spot before the main afternoon activities kick off around 2:00 PM. The sanctuary is about a two-hour drive from the city, so planning ahead is key.

When are the Feeding Times at Kuala Gandah?

The elephant feeding and bathing sessions are the highlight for many visitors at the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary. These activities are scheduled for the afternoon, giving you a chance to see the elephants up close and learn about their individual stories from the keepers, known as mahouts.

What are the scheduled feeding session times?

The main events happen in a specific window each afternoon. It’s the busiest and most exciting time at the wildlife sanctuary.

Here’s a typical schedule for the main activities:

  1. Documentary Video (1:00 PM & 1:30 PM): Before the elephants come out, you can watch a fascinating documentary in the auditorium that explains the center’s crucial work in relocating elephants from conflict zones.
  2. Elephant Bathing (2:15 PM): Visitors can watch the mahouts bathe the adult elephants in the river. This activity is dependent on the weather and the river’s water level for safety.
  3. Elephant Show & Feeding (2:45 PM – 3:15 PM): This is the main event. The elephants are introduced to the audience, and you get to participate in feeding them fruits like papaya and cucumber provided by the center.

The “Bathing the Baby Elephant” activity, which allows visitors to get in the water, has been reintroduced as of 2025. As I mentioned, this is a separate, paid activity limited to 100 participants daily, so you must register for it as soon as you arrive. It’s an unforgettable experience, especially for families visiting from places like Alor Star or even nearby Taman Negara.

Conclusion

The Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary operates on a simple and powerful idea: helping elephants while teaching people about wildlife conservation. Because there’s no entrance fee, anyone has the chance to visit and learn.

The real support for their mission comes from your donations and participation in activities.

The opening hours and feeding times are clearly structured, making it straightforward to plan a memorable day trip. Whether you’re watching the main elephant show or feeding these gentle giants, your visit contributes positively to both the animals and the growth of Pahang tourism.

FAQs

1. What is the entrance fee for Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary?

The National Elephant Conservation Centre does not have a fixed entrance fee, but donations are highly encouraged to support wildlife conservation. A suggested contribution is typically around RM50 for locals and can be higher for international visitors who wish to contribute more.

2. What are the opening hours of the elephant sanctuary?

The wildlife sanctuary is open daily, with visitor hours generally running from 10:30 AM to around 4:15 PM, though it’s always best to arrive by early afternoon to catch the main activities.

3. When can visitors join elephant feeding or bathing sessions?

Elephant feeding usually takes place in the afternoon, often between 2:15 PM and 3:15 PM, after an educational talk. The opportunity for visitors to participate in bathing the elephants depends on weather, river conditions, and animal welfare considerations for that day.

4. Is there an elephant show at Kuala Gandah?

There are no circus-style shows; instead, the sanctuary holds educational demonstrations where mahouts showcase the elephants’ natural behaviors and intelligence as part of their conservation awareness program.