Walk with the Elephants
One day with the Bunong community, the jungle, and the elephants.
Join us for a full-day adventure into the jungle surrounding Putang Village, where you will discover the close connection between the Bunong people, their land, and the elephants they care for.
This experience is about more than spending time with elephants. Through the knowledge of our local Bunong guides, you will learn about traditional culture, daily life, farming, the surrounding forest, and the challenges facing local communities in a changing world.
We invite you to slow down, listen, learn, and experience this special place with respect.
- Full-day experience, approximately 8 AM–4 PM
- Meet the Bunong community
- Walk with elephants in the jungle
- Traditional lunch by the river
- English-speaking local Bunong guide
Difficulty: This experience includes approximately 30 minutes of walking each way on jungle paths.
Your Day with Us
8:00 AM — Pick-up and departure
We pick you up from your accommodation in Senmonorom and travel to Putang Village. Please be ready by 8 AM, wearing comfortable walking shoes and carrying everything you need for the day.
Discover Bunong Culture
Once we arrive in the village, your local Bunong guide introduces you to the community’s traditions, lifestyle, culture, and farming practices. You will gain an insight into the knowledge and customs that have shaped life here for generations.
Into the Jungle with the Elephants
From Putang Village, we walk approximately 30 minutes into the jungle to reach the elephants.
We spend time observing the elephants in their natural surroundings and learning about the local flora and fauna. Your guide will also share stories about the area’s history and the changes brought by globalization, including the challenges these changes create for local communities and their land.
You will have the opportunity to offer the elephants bananas provided by us. We encourage you to move calmly, pay attention to their behaviour, and follow your guide’s instructions so that your encounter is respectful and safe.
A Traditional Lunch by the River
Around midday, we take a break in a beautiful natural setting near the river. A Bunong cook will introduce you to the traditional technique of preparing fresh food in bamboo.
Enjoy your lunch surrounded by nature, take time to relax, and learn about local cooking traditions.
Afternoon with the Elephants
After lunch, at approximately 1:30 PM, we continue to the area where the mahout and elephants are located.
Depending on the day’s arrangements and conditions, you can accompany the elephants to a natural pool and observe their bathing routine. There may also be an opportunity to enjoy the water yourself and swim near the waterfall.
Throughout the experience, our priority is to respect the elephants’ welfare and follow the guidance of the local elephant caretakers.
Around 4:00 PM — Return to Senmonorom
After a memorable day in the jungle, we make our way back to Putang Village and return you to your accommodation in Senmonorom.
Tour Information
- Duration: Approximately 8 AM–4 PM
- Price: $50 per person
- Pick-up and return: Your accommodation in Senmonorom
- Walking: Approximately 30 minutes each way between Putang Village and the elephant area, in addition to walking during the day
- Guide: English-speaking local Bunong guide
- Included: Transport, guided experience, bananas for feeding the elephants, and lunch with water
- Additional experience: Opportunity to swim near the river and waterfall, depending on conditions
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light day backpack
- Swimsuit and towel
- A small water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking in a tropical jungle.
Where Your Money Goes
Your contribution: $50 per person
We believe in being transparent about how tourism supports the local community. Here is an example of how the income from a tour for two people is distributed.
- $40 — Support for the Bunong elephant community
- $20 — Payment for the local Bunong guide
- $15 — Payment for the Bunong cook
- $15 — Gasoline and driver
- $10 — Food and drinking water
Total: $100 for two guests.
Any surplus beyond the costs of running our tours goes directly towards Mondulkiri’s Local Project, helping us continue our work supporting the local community.
Your Visit Supports the Local Community
We believe tourism should create meaningful opportunities for the people who call this place home.
Your payment contributes to the work of the local Bunong guide, the community responsible for the elephants, and the local cook who prepares your meal. Transport and food expenses are also covered, and any surplus beyond operating expenses goes towards Mondulkiri’s Local Project.
By joining this tour, you help support local livelihoods and a community-based approach to tourism.
Want to Spend More Time with the Community?
If you would like a longer, more immersive experience with the Bunong people and their elephants, take a look at our Make Your Own Trek. It offers an opportunity to spend more time discovering the jungle, local culture, and community life.
Ready to meet the elephants? Contact us to reserve your experience.
