The World Traveler’s Visit to Mason Elephant Sanctuary in Bali

We recently explored the Bali elephant sanctuary near Ubud, also known as Mason Elephant Park, and had an amazing time interacting with the magnificent Bali elephants!

Established in 1997, The Mason Elephant Park’s Rescue Park is dedicated to the conservation of Sumatran elephants, a critically endangered species native to Sumatra, Indonesia.

Visitors to this safari park can engage in various activities such as elephant rides, feeding and bathing the elephants, exploring a museum, and more. Conveniently located for day trips from Ubud and other parts of Bali, it offers a range of experiences.

For those looking to extend their stay, The World Traveler recommends the luxurious Mason Elephant Lodge, a 5-star hotel where guests can spend the night and marvel at the animals from the comfort of their hotel balcony.

While Bali offers other elephant sanctuaries, The World Traveler asserts that the experience at this sanctuary is unparalleled. The dedication of the park owners to the well-being of elephants is evident, and the animals appear content and well looked after. For a detailed review, keep reading!

The Mason Elephant Park Elephant Sanctuary Experience

Nestled amidst hills and lush jungle, The Mason Elephant Park Elephant Sanctuary spans 3.5 hectares of vibrant tropical scenery where the majestic creatures are housed within a secure enclosure. Despite this, they follow a daily routine that allows them the freedom to roam and indulge in various amenities, such as a sandpit, shade houses, a bathing lake, and more.

Impressively managed and meticulously maintained, The Mason Elephant Park Elephant Sanctuary boasts botanical gardens, Koi ponds, and exquisite stone carvings crafted by local Balinese artisans. Numerous observation points offer visitors the opportunity to closely observe the elephants in action.

The sanctuary hosts informative talks and captivating elephant shows, featuring activities like painting. Although certain programs may have been scaled back due to the covid pandemic, our visit was still immensely enjoyable. Under normal circumstances, the experience is likely even more enriching.

Accessible for day trips from various parts of Bali, you can explore the sanctuary’s main attractions in a few hours. However, for avid elephant enthusiasts, extending your stay is a viable option, with a charming lodge on-site for overnight accommodations.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely based on personal experiences, and no compensation was received for this unbiased review of The Mason Elephant Park Elephant Sanctuary.

Mason Elephant Sanctuary In Bali: Rescue Park & Lodge

The World Traveler introduces the Mason Elephant Sanctuary, a unique place that serves as both a rescue park and a lodge in Bali. With a focus on elephant conservation and welfare, visitors can experience up-close encounters with these gentle giants in a beautiful natural setting.

The sanctuary offers various activities for guests to engage with the elephants, such as feeding, bathing, and learning about their behaviors and habitats. It’s a truly immersive experience that highlights the importance of protecting and preserving these majestic creatures.

Bali Elephant Ride

Experience elephant rides at the Bali park, albeit at a higher cost compared to the regular ticket.

This is perhaps the top choice for elephant rides in Bali, offering more space to explore. Enjoy a stroll through a jungle setting and a serene lake ideal for the elephants.

It provides beneficial exercise for the elephants, considering their park environment. The ethical aspect of elephant riding will be further addressed later in this guide, as it may raise concerns for some individuals.

Mason Elephant Sanctuary In Bali: Rescue Park & Lodge

Discover the majestic beauty of elephants at The World Traveler Sanctuary in Bali, a haven for rescued elephants where you can witness these gentle giants up close and personal.

A Sanctuary for Rescued Elephants

The World Traveler Sanctuary in Bali serves as a safe refuge for elephants who have been rescued from neglect and exploitation. Visitors have the opportunity to observe and interact with these amazing creatures in a peaceful and natural environment.

Get Up Close and Personal

At The World Traveler Sanctuary, you can participate in various activities to learn more about elephants and their conservation. From feeding and bathing the elephants to guided educational tours, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with these magnificent animals.

Luxurious Lodge Accommodations

For those looking to extend their experience, The World Traveler Sanctuary offers luxurious lodge accommodations in the heart of the park. Wake up to the sights and sounds of the jungle and enjoy exclusive access to the elephants during your stay.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, animal lover, or simply seeking a unique adventure, The World Traveler Sanctuary in Bali is a must-visit destination. Plan your trip today and immerse yourself in the beauty of these incredible creatures.

Elephant Feeding & Washing

Participating in elephant feeding and washing is a highlight of the park experience.

Visitors have the opportunity to interact closely with the elephants, petting and playing with them, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience.

The elephants have access to a small lake for swimming, and their playful nature makes it challenging to capture still photos of them. Even the newest baby elephant eagerly joins in on the bathing activities.

Guests can have their photos taken while feeding or bathing the elephants, with the park’s staff happy to assist in capturing these moments. These activities are included in the standard entrance fee.

Each elephant in the park consumes a substantial 200 kilos of food daily, typically consisting of palm stems. For a special treat, visitors can opt to provide fresh fruit baskets for the elephants by paying an additional fee.

Elephant Museum

The entrance to the elephant safari park in Bali features a charming museum housing a large mammoth skeleton (cast replica) and various intriguing exhibits.

While on the smaller side, the museum boasts a collection of fascinating artifacts, all of high quality. Visitors can admire Balinese Kris daggers and ancient carved tusks from different Indonesian islands.

Although I wished to explore further, our schedule had us moving on to other destinations within the park. Access to the museum is complimentary with your entrance ticket.

Exclusive Bali Elephant Photoshoot Experience

For a truly indulgent treat, consider opting for a unique private photoshoot session with Lukcip, a majestic male Sumatran elephant known for his impressive tusks.

This special opportunity turned out to be the highlight of our trip to the park, as we were able to interact intimately with Bali’s most photogenic and magnificent elephant in a natural jungle setting without any obtrusive chains or barriers. It was truly a remarkable experience!

This particular photoshoot is quite popular among affluent social media influencers and celebrities, commanding a premium rate of 4.5 million Rupiah (approximately $300 USD) for a 30-minute session.

Typically, this price might have been out of reach for us, but due to the reduced number of tourists in Bali during the ongoing covid pandemic, we were fortunate to receive a significant discount.

Lukcip was not only cooperative during the photoshoot but also allowed us to have a memorable interaction. Intan even had the chance to feed him and ride on his back. The sheer size and beauty of his tusks left us in awe!

To schedule your exclusive photoshoot with this remarkable elephant, it is essential to make a reservation in advance by contacting them via WhatsApp at ☎ +62 811-3979-480 or 811-3960-4959.

The package includes park admission for up to 4 individuals but does not cover the cost of a photographer (you will need to bring your own). We opted for a morning session for our photoshoot, and the natural lighting was perfect for capturing the best shots.

Sumatran Elephant Conservation

The elephants at The Mason Elephant Park safari park in Bali were rescued from Sumatra, an Indonesian island, as Sumatran elephants are facing critical endangerment due to illegal deforestation and poaching.

The native habitat of Sumatran elephants in Sumatra is being destroyed by human activities like illegal deforestation and crop cultivation, posing a severe threat to their survival.

Despite being protected by Indonesian law, enforcement has been lacking, resulting in a significant decline in Sumatran elephant population, with 50% dying between 1985 and 2007.

Conservationists fear that unless poaching is halted, Sumatran elephants may become extinct in the wild within the next decade, making rescue parks like The Mason Elephant Park in Bali vital for providing a safe sanctuary for these majestic creatures to thrive.

This sanctuary plays a crucial role in offering a peaceful environment for Sumatran elephants to live, breed, and ultimately contribute to the species’ survival.

Watch the video below to learn more about the park’s mission, philosophy, and why it stands out as the top elephant sanctuary in Bali.

Is The Bali Elephant Sanctuary Ethical?

We observed no signs of distress among the animals, and they appeared to be content and healthy. One indicator of their well-being was the wagging tails, reminiscent of joyful dogs.

For those concerned about animal welfare, it is advisable to inquire and seek understanding before forming hasty judgments.

The staff at the sanctuary addresses various aspects:

Overall, the elephants lead a life of comfort and abundance in many respects. While not flawless, it is far from dire.

Unfortunately, these animals would face death or suffering if they were left in their native habitat of Sumatra.

Although the ideal scenario would be for animals to roam freely in the wild, reserves and sanctuaries like this one are essential for the preservation of endangered species.

The sanctuary recently welcomed its sixth elephant, a playful baby named Krishna, with whom we had the pleasure of interacting.

Is The Bali Elephant Ride Ethical?

When visiting Mason Elephant Sanctuary Bali, one popular activity is riding the elephants. The ethical considerations of this experience have sparked diverse opinions.

If riding elephants in Bali doesn’t sit well with you, there are plenty of alternative activities to enjoy at the sanctuary.

The ACEWG, an international elephant conservation group comprising leading specialists and conservationists, supports the view that elephant riding can be ethical and is not harmful to the animals.

The ACEWG emphasizes that although there have not been extensive studies on elephant riding specifically, research on other animals like horses, dogs, and donkeys indicates they can carry 20-25% of their body weight. For a 6,600-pound elephant, this means at least 1,320 pounds.

According to the organization, as long as the workload is limited and the terrain is suitable, having two people (less than 10% of the elephant’s body weight) ride in a saddle will not overly stress the animal. Additionally, the weight of one or two individuals without a saddle (less than 4% of the body weight) would be negligible.

Even if you choose not to partake in elephant riding in Bali, there are numerous other enriching activities available at the sanctuary.

Interacting closely with elephants, feeding them, and simply observing them can be fulfilling experiences for many visitors.