Last pack of the holiday this morning - and that was a good feeling.
We have seen some impressive animals during our visit to Borneo - but getting involved with the Elephant Sanctuary was priceless. We organised a last minute trip with a volunteer Zali Mn (Contact on jungletrekker69@gmail.com). I had read about him on Trip Advisor and though we would try him as we couldn't find other tours on short notice.
Peter, the children and myself worked with the elephants handlers - preparing the food, feeding the elephants, cleaning the pens, visiting all the enclosures and helping to wash the baby elephant int he river. Some of the routine was very touristy - but that was OK as we got to be behind the scenes and up very close in the pens with the elephants.
Placing your hand inside the elephants mouth was not for the faint hearted (Peter tried to throw the food in - but that doesn't work!) - but that is how they got their papaya and sugar cane. A pat on the trunk and then to the next enclosure for more feeding. Don't forget to feed any elephants - they get very jealous.
The baby elephants are so cute - they will feed out of your hands as they learn to eat. Look out for Miss Velcro - she just loves the sound and feel of your shoes. A definite place to spend some time for a hands on experience and well worth the 1.5/2 hours travel.
Our cost included Zali hiring a car, lunch at a local restaurant (typical Malaysian food on the street), entrance to the park and drinks/ice creams during the day.
Zali has been volunteering at the sanctuary for 27 years - after he developed an interest when he was with the Malaysian SES. It splits his time between his life in Malaysia - and England where his wife and son live.
What a way to end the trip! Just amazing.
Then to Kuala Lumpur to catch an 11.45pm flight back to Australia.
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