Kulen Elephant Forest

An amazing experience that allows you to share space with some incredible elephants getting a second chance at life. The Kulen Elephant Forest seems to be doing its best to care for these animals, support the local community and educate visitors about the importance of caring for elephants compassionately whether they come from the wild or have lived/worked with humans. Practices we observed were highly respectful and ethical. While visitor were allowed to feed and touch these former riding elephants (riding is absolutely no longer allowed), we were directed to approach in small groups and always to respect the elephants space. Our guide Seth was very entertaining and highly knowledgeable about elephant behaviour and biology. He made our group laugh constantly throughout and we felt like we were family while we walked alongside these amazing creatures!

Excellent morning with Toho as our guide. His English is quite good and he is very funny and knowledgeable . The elephants of course were amazing. The tour is a nice mix of information about the elephants and the sanctuary, up close photo ops, and time to walk along with them in their natural habitat. Definitely recommend!

What a wonderful afternoon we spent with these gentle giants. Helping to make food, feeding the elephants, walking with them through the forest, washing them with hoses at the end of the day. Such a privilege to be with them. Our guide Seth was knowledgeable, professional and fun to be with. He comes from the local area of the reserve and obviously cares deeply about the elephants. A wonderful place for them to grow old in.

Great place. The guides were very knowledgeable about the history of the elephants and the place. And I liked how the elephants had the freedom to decide if they wanted interact with us as tourists. Very relaxed environment and the elephant were pretty much free to walk their own way and pace.

This was a highlight of our trip! It was wonderful to interact with the elephants in a way that was safe for both the elephants and us. The caretakers are obviously passionate about protecting and caring for the elephants. The elephants are rescues from tourist attractions or logging camps and it is delightful that they are able to freely roam at this sanctuary. We made nutritious food balls for the elephants and then the elephants were invited to join us. The elephants who were interested came and we were able to feed them. We were able to walk with the elephants for a while and then observe as they received their daily care. As we walked with the elephants, we were able to scratch them behind the ears and they loved it! They would flap their ears and then lean into the scratches (again their participation in this was totally voluntary). We ended up fully splattered with mud, but we were delighted! Afterwards, we had a light vegetarian lunch at the sanctuary before driving back. The location on the Google maps is the main office where you meet for the departure to the sanctuary. We made our reservations at the office, but you can also make reservations using the Kulen Elephant Forest website rather than paying for a tour through a secondary site like Viator or Get Your Guide.

Amazing experience that I will remember forever. Seeing how they behave & being there to hear their calls & feel the vibration was incredible. Was glad to get so close to view their behavior without abusing the animals with activities such as riding & forced touching etc. Our guide Seth was great too. Telling us all the facts but also keeping it lively & making us laugh. Would recommend. Also take extra cash to buy some of their items to help the sanctuary too. Very cute bracelets, tshirts, bags etc

I’ve sadly only ever experienced elephants at zoos. I can distinctly remember the smell of the elephant house at the Bronx Zoo. So coming to Kulen to see elephants who have been given a place to spend out their lives away from the hard work and ostensibly abuse, of serving tourists at temples, was a true delight. Walking alongside these magnificent creatures is humbling. Shout out to our guide Tom.

Wonderful experience, you get to feed and walk with the elephants, however you are not allowed to approach them. If an elephant decides that a would like a fuss then they will approach you and then you can interact with them. Everything here has the elephants best interests, it’s the elephants that decide. Can’t recommend it enough