Phuket: Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve With Meal & Transfer

Discover an ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket’s hidden forest, where rescued pachyderms roam freely without riding or bathing. Co-founded by Mr. Kong and Louise Rogerson, this unique experience emphasizes conservation and compassion through a vegetarian meal with scenic views and transportation. With flexible bookings starting at $99, visitors can enjoy the gentle giants’ natural habitat – but what exactly awaits them on this one-of-a-kind tour?

Key Points

• Explore the lush forest sanctuary that is home to four rescued female elephants in Phuket, allowing visitors to observe them in their natural habitat.
• Enjoy a scenic vegetarian meal while overlooking the elephants and learn about the co-founders’ mission to provide a life of freedom and dignity for the rescued elephants.
• Experience an ethical and educational tour that emphasizes the importance of compassionate care and conservation, without any elephant riding, bathing, or touching.
• Benefit from flexible booking options, including a "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Understand the tour’s guidelines, such as the need for comfortable shoes and sun protection, and the fact that the experience may not be suitable for those with health issues or mobility impairments.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve

Hidden in the lush forests of southern Phuket, the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve is an ethical sanctuary co-founded by Mr. Kong and Louise Rogerson.

It’s home to four rescued female elephants from the tourism riding industry. The elephants roam freely, socializing and engaging naturally in ponds, streams, and muddy wallows.

Visitors can meet and feed the elephants, take a scenic walk through the forest, and observe them from observation huts.

Visitors can meet and feed the elephants, take a scenic walk through the forest, and observe them from observation huts.

The reserve’s focus is on providing a genuine, ethical experience where visitors can appreciate the elephants in their natural habitat without riding or bathing them.

Ethical Sanctuary Co-Founded by Mr. Kong and Louise Rogerson

The Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve was co-founded by Mr. Kong and Louise Rogerson, an ethical sanctuary for rescued female elephants from the tourism industry.

This sanctuary provides a safe haven where the elephants can roam freely, socialize, and engage naturally in ponds, streams, and muddy wallows.

The co-founders’ mission is to:

• Rescue elephants from exploitative practices and offer them a life of freedom and dignity.

• Educate visitors about the ethical treatment of elephants and the importance of conservation.

• Advocate for legislative changes to protect these majestic creatures.

Four Rescued Female Elephants

At the heart of the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve are four rescued female elephants, each with a unique story of survival.

Nong Mai, Boon Rak, Jirung, and Sai Lin were once part of Phuket’s tourism riding industry. Now, they roam freely, socializing and wallowing in the ponds and streams of the sanctuary.

Under the care of Mr. Kong and Louise Rogerson, the elephants have found a safe haven where they can express their natural behaviors.

Visitors can observe the elephants’ tranquil daily lives, learning about their rescue and rehabilitation in this ethical, compassionate sanctuary.

Pricing and Booking Information

Pricing for the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve experience starts from $99.00 per person, with discounts available of up to 5% for early bookings.

Experience the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve for as low as $99 per person, with up to 5% off for early bookings.

Travelers can take advantage of the "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option, and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The duration of the tour can be customized, ranging from 3 hours to a full day, with varying starting times to fit one’s schedule.

• Reserve Now & Pay Later option

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

• Tour duration from 3 hours to 1 day

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Tour Itinerary and Highlights

The Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve tour begins with a convenient pickup from any area in Phuket, with the hotel name and address provided during booking.

After a 30-minute drive, visitors embark on a 2.5-hour guided tour of the sanctuary. Highlights include meeting and feeding the four rescued female elephants as they roam freely, socializing, and engaging in natural behaviors like swimming in ponds and wallowing in mud.

Guests can observe the elephants from scenic observation huts and enjoy a local vegetarian meal overlooking the peaceful forest setting.

The tour concludes with a 30-minute return to Phuket.

Visitor Experience and Feedback

Travelers consistently praise the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve for its genuine care for the elephants and the knowledgeable, friendly guides who lead the tours.

Visitors highlight several key aspects of their experience:

• Ethical approach with no touching, riding, or bathing of the elephants, allowing the animals to roam freely and engage naturally in their habitat.

• Scenic lunch overlooking the elephants in their natural environment.

Important Guidelines for Visitors

Visitors to the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve should come prepared with comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle, as the tour operates on a plastic-free policy.

It’s important to note that the sanctuary isn’t suitable for individuals with back problems, mobility impairments, heart issues, or serious health conditions.

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, transportation in an air-conditioned van, a vegetarian meal, an educational video, entrance tickets, and water refills.

Visitors can expect a genuine, ethical experience where they observe the elephants in their natural habitat without touching, riding, or bathing them.

Convenient Transportation and Pickup

As part of the comprehensive tour package, visitors are provided with convenient pickup from any area in Phuket.

Simply provide the hotel name and address during booking, and a friendly, English-speaking driver will arrive to transport you to the sanctuary in an air-conditioned van.

A friendly, English-speaking driver will arrive in an air-conditioned van to transport you to the sanctuary after providing your hotel details.

The drive takes approximately 30 minutes each way, allowing you to sit back, relax, and prepare for your immersive elephant encounter.

The tour’s seamless transportation ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on:

• Meeting the rescued elephants

• Exploring the scenic Hidden Forest

• Enjoying a delicious vegetarian meal

Since You Asked

Can Visitors Swim or Bathe With the Elephants?

No, visitors cannot swim or bathe with the elephants. The sanctuary follows an ethical approach, and does not allow any physical contact with the elephants to ensure their well-being and natural behavior.

What Time Is the Tour Available for Each Day?

The tour is available at various starting times throughout the day, which you can check for availability during the booking process. The duration of the tour is 3 hours to 1 day.

Are Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Meal Options Available?

The tour offers a vegetarian meal, but there are no non-vegetarian options available. The sanctuary follows an ethical approach focused on the elephants’ well-being, so only plant-based meals are provided.

Are There Any Weight or Age Restrictions for Visitors?

There are no weight or age restrictions for visitors. The sanctuary welcomes all guests who can participate in the guided tour and activities. Visitors with mobility issues or serious health conditions should consult the tour provider before booking.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Sanctuary?

Visitors can’t bring their own food and drinks to the sanctuary. The tour includes a vegetarian meal, water refills, and the sanctuary is plastic-free. Bringing outside food and drinks is not allowed to maintain the sanctuary’s ethical and eco-friendly environment.

Final Words

The Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve in Phuket offers a unique ethical experience where visitors can observe four rescued female elephants in their natural habitat. With a focus on conservation and compassion, the sanctuary provides a scenic vegetarian meal, transportation, and an English-speaking guide, all for a starting price of $99. This customizable tour is a great opportunity to connect with these magnificent creatures while supporting a responsible eco-tourism initiative.

You can check if your dates are available here: