Tag: Malaysia

Get Close to the Endemic Elephants in Malaysia

Elephants, one of the most majestic species that continue to roam the earth in modern times, face a multitude of issues that threaten their continued existence. In the African and Asian continents, for instance, elephants are often hunted and killed for ivory, while in other parts of the world, elephants are also captured and sold for a variety of purposes. Furthermore, one of the fundamental concerns faced by this species is the loss of its natural habitat due to the growth in the human population, human settlements and destruction of the natural environment. The final outcome of these threats is the increasing fragmentation of elephant communities, leading to the isolation of the young calves. A number of organisations around the world have attempted to remedy such issues through the establishment of elephant orphanages, and the Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary is one such example in Malaysia.

Located close to Kuala Lumpur, the Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary was established by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Malaysia in 1989. For tourists staying at hotels such as AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, visiting this sanctuary is a must. Other things to do in Sepang include opting for a Mangrove River Cruise, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Historical Malacca and visiting Banghuris Agro.

As the Sanctuary is a fairly popular attraction for those visiting Malaysia, and given that the Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary regulates admissions based on daily quotas, it is recommended that tourists and visitors make advance bookings to avoid disappointment. Visitors to the Sanctuary will have the opportunity to watch elephants being fed and washed while also having the opportunity to ride an elephant into the river.

Visiting the Elephant Sanctuary is an exciting and interesting experience, especially for animal lovers, and is indeed a must-visit for tourists visiting Malaysia.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
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Gunung Raya

Langkawi, is an archipelago of a hundred and four islands scattered in the Andaman Sea, about thirty kilometres off the northwest coast of Malaysia’s mainland. The Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa offers a truly luxurious experience in a stunning natural setting. The picturesque islands are one of the most sought after tropical getaways in South East Asia.
Despite the indisputable beauty of the location, the history of Langkawi Island is shrouded in myth and legend. Gungung Raya is Langkawi’s highest peak, standing tall at around two thousand eight hundred and sixty feet. The mountain has a tale of its own. The locals believe the two soaring peaks Gunung Raya and Gunung Mat Cincang were once two giants named Mat Raya and Mat Cincang who ruled the land. Legend goes on to explain that Mat Raya’s son was to marry Mat Cincang’s daughter. A fight broke out between the giants on the wedding day and a large gravy pot that was thrown, overturned and is now Langkawi’s main town named Kuah, which means gravy. The two giants turned into two mountains facing each other; while a neighbour who came to settle the dispute also became a peak, Bukit Sawar, standing between them.
The mountain is located towards the centre of the Langkawi. Gunung Raya’s summit is accessible by car or foot and boasts breath taking views of the rest of the island and the surrounding seas. Visitors can buy a ticket for ten Malaysian Ringgits to climb to the top deck of an observation tower. The deck has a lounge which sells drinks though the ticket price includes a cup of ginger tea. A government complex is located at the top along with the MEASAT Satellite Control Centre, neither is open to the public.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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