Kenyir Elephant Village (KEV), Terengganu

Remember me? I am the traveler that loves zoo.

Just my luck right, visiting Kenyir Elephant Village in Terengganu!? When everyone else is looking forward for the Waterpark at the lake here, I was counting hours to my elephant trip (still excitedly jumping up and down while writing this, despite the fact I visited quite a while ago). My expectation was simple and very low (I hate getting disappointed you see), I assume it is similar to those I saw in Thailand or perhaps the one in Kuala Gandah Pahang. Both are equivalently good but nothing much to shout about, unlike the one I visited in Sri Lanka; Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. That was quite an experience, something that I will share with everyone and encourages everybody to visit with no regrets. You can read my Sri Lanka stories HERE.

Enough rambling Lily. Let’s talk about the one in Kenyir. The one I lowered my expectation. The one I assume I get to see the elephant in the usual surrounding.

Boy, was I wrong. VERY WRONG.

Ahaks.

(Good that I am wrong though)

Upon arriving to Kenyir Elephant Village, I was rather impress with the new parking lot, but then again it is not the parking lot I wanted to see (I calmed myself [lowerkan expectation tuh]). After the entrance area, we are required to walk and climb a tall building/structure.

“Hemmm…. For the life of me, I can’t brain this. Why do I need to climb this 2-3 storey high building? Not that the elephant sits on a tree (eyes rolling)” I told myself, half curious and half annoyed. Abit judgemental pulak. Aishh….

Just then I heard water streaming down the river, my immediate respond was to look up… CANOPY WALK! Apa lagi, I ran up the building to naik the titi gantung lah. I am pelik liddat!

Mind you, that was not the only canopy walk, there were many more and you can see elephants taking a stroll in their natural habitat. Perfect.

Background :

Kenyir Elephant Village is the latest addition to Tasik kenyir’s vast attractions, it was built in 2012 and cover of 256 hectares of land, but only 20% of the area are developed and the rest of them remain untouched. The purpose of keeping the 80% area untouched is to protect the wild also the forest.

The main concept of KEV is to educate public about the habitat and behaviour of the elephant and brighten up the nature atmosphere to the public. Additionally, Canopy walk are built for tourism to experience a majestic adventure with different viewing angle for the habitat of elephant and discover the scenic view of the nature forest.

Aside from the show, there are also elephant education tutorial whereby the rangers with teach the public on awareness, there are 2 session as of now; 10:30am and 3:30pm, elephant ride, photo opp, feeding the mamals and bathing time of which most people enjoy watching them taking their bath.

I have to admit, I am fascinated with the whole attraction area and how the management came out with such a great idea. Let me stress again, the place is big huge! You can check out my pictures HERE.

Managing Human-Elephant Conflicts

Kenyir Elephant Village was conceptualised and built in 2012 to educate the public on nature and wildlife. It was set up by the Elephant Management Unit under the authority of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Central Terengganu Development Authority and Terengganu State Government. The Elephant Camp is the foremost authority on elephant translocation to ensure a healthy elephant population and reduce human-elephant conflict.

Source : http://www.nst.com.my/node/4126

Café is located nearby the bathing area (river) where one can view this beautiful creature relaxing while being showered by their caretakers (giler jeles). The scene here is pretty awesome I must say.

How To Get There

If you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur, you can either drive or take a bus to Tasik Kenyir. The trip will take six to seven hours. But if you’re flying to Kuala Terengganu, you can take a taxi (RM100 per car) to the main jetty, Pengkalan Gawi, at the lake. There are also buses to Kuala Berang, the nearest town to Tasik Kenyir and from there taxis cost RM80 per car to Pengkalan Gawi. From this point, the last leg of your journey to your preferred resort or chalet will be across water. Water transportation is the most important mode of travel in Lake Kenyir. All boats are located at Gawi Jetty. Lake Kenyir is 40km west of Kuala Berang and 55km from Kuala Terengganu.

Address

Kenyir Elephant Village

Pengkalan Gawi, Sungai Telemong

Tasik Kenyir

Hulu Terengganu, Terengganu

Malaysia.

Email : Kenyirelephantvillage@yahoo.com

URL : http://www.kenyirelephantvillage.com/

Note :

Terengganu International Squid Jigging Fest 2015 or Pesta Candat Sotong Antarabangsa Terengganu 2015 is sponsored by the state government of Terengganu, this annual squid jigging carnival aims to introduce as well as relive the old tradition that was once livelihoods for many along the coast of Terengganu between April and August each year.