Seri Melaka, built by the Dutch, was the official residence
and office of the Dutch Governor of Melaka when the Dutch ruled Melaka during
the 17th Century. It is located on top of St. Paul’s Hill, next to the ruins of
St. Paul’s Church. During the period of British rule, the building continued to
serve as the residence and office of the British governor of Melaka.
The Department of Wildlife and National Parks established
Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre in 1989. The centre is a base for the
Elephant Relocation Team, 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 translocating problem elephants from areas where
their habitats are constantly being encroached by plantations.
The centre also strives to educate the public about the
importance of habitat and environmental preservation. visitors are encouraged
to view a video on elephant translocation and special programme can be arranged
for school groups.
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.
Contact:
Jabatan Perhilitan
Kuala Gandah
28500 Lanchang
Pahang Darul Makmur,
Malaysia.
Tel : 09-279 0391
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.
Cameron Highlands is the smallest district in the state of
Pahang which is located in the north-western corner of the state. One of the
wonders of Malaysia, it is the largest and most famous hill resort in the
country. This highland paradise still retains much of the charm of an English
village with unique architectural styles.
The Deerland Park is a privately owned and managed deer park
in Lanchang, Pahang. The park has some 30 Indonesian deer (Cervus timorensis).
There are two entry points to the National Park of Tanjung Piai –
Sungai Belukang and Desa Sri Piai. There is an entry fee of RM3 for adults and
RM5 for foreign nationals which must be paid at the Tanjung Piai visitor’s
complex at the park.