One of the best day trips out of KL is the Elephant sanctuary in Kuala Gandar. Isaac is currently fascinated with elephants and is one of his most frequently uttered words so it is a guaranteed winner for him. It is about 1 ½ drive from home and a quick visit can be made enroute to Batu caves which have significant spiritual importance to Hindus.

Climbing the Batu caves 272 steps with toddler is tow is certainly a challenge, particularly with the rubbish left after the Thaipusam festival, celebrating one of the holiest days on the Hindu calendar, which was earlier in the week. The rubbish brings out plenty of scavenging monkeys who brazenly snatch bags from your hand if not careful. We reserved our tickets at the elephant sanctuary and went to the deer park 5 minutes down the road where we hand fed deer, stroked a python, and enjoyed a picnic lunch.

What I love about the elephant sanctuary, unlike many animal related activities in Asia, is that the animals are obviously well looked after. It is free entry, so money making is not the motivation for owners and staff and it shows. Firstly we saw the elephants bathed. After that we were able to help with the feeding either straight into the mouth or via the elephant’s trunk. The obligatory elephant ride followed, and for those with a change of clothes, swimming with the elephants.

Steps to the Batu caves

At the entrance

More stairs to climb

At the deer park

These guys were a little to close for Isaac's liking

He did'nt mind getting up close to the elepants

Riding with Ginalyn, our maid