February 4,2025

The time stamp on this photo is 7:15am. Yep, some days it’s worth it to rise at the crack of dawn. This was most definitely one of them.

Walking through the garden to breakfast …

We decided to have breakfast inside…and almost immediately wished we’d opted for outside…

That watermelon juice is a staple throughout Southeast Asia…we love it.

After breakfast we decided to finish our coffees outside. There was a delightful breeze.

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I might have gone back in for another croissant

Waiting for our day to begin.

On our way to the Kulen Elephant Sanctuary in the Bos Thom forest we were treated to early morning street activity in Siem Reap.

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The ride out to the forest took about an hour on some pretty uneven roads.

In 2016 an elephant died at Angkor Wat as a result of heat stroke. The elephant had been ferrying tourists around the temple complex nonstop for two hours in 104 degree heat. This caused a global outcry which resulted in a World Wildlife Fund investigation…the report decried the cruel practice of using elephants in this way. In 2019 two working elephants (and their mahouts) from Angkor Wat were transported to Bos Thom forest and in 2020, the remaining eight were also given sanctuary. Kulen elephant sanctuary offers these beautiful animals an environment where they can live unburdened and roam free in their natural habitat.

We followed Savy over a bamboo bridge to the guest center.

We signed waivers and received a brief history of elephant tourism in Cambodia and the origins of Kulen sanctuary.

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This is Seth…a truly wonderful human. He told us that because the elephants had been in captivity for so long, they are only now, after five years, beginning to eat and enjoy the foods in their natural environment…so the sanctuary still provides a majority of the elephants diet.

We were offered the opportunity to mix up some breakfast

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The pathway to happiness …

Our first glimpse…

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I might have been a bit nervous…

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Savy our guide and Song our driver ♥️

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We spent some time feeding the elephants …they got used to us …we got used to them.

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Then they began walking…

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…we joined in…

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…and followed along…not quite sure what to expect…

The forest is beautiful …full of birdsong ♥️

Some of the elephants stayed on the path…

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Some of them just stop and hang out…

Seth♥️

The Mahouts all came over to the sanctuary (from Angkor Wat) with their elephants…

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Kulen Sanctuary is designated as an ethical sanctuary …the elephants are allowed to roam freely in a forested area without being forced to perform. The sanctuary provides a habitat where the elephants are free to socialize, forage and explore.

Visitors are strictly limited to reduce any stress on these retired gentle behemoths… Interaction is restricted to arms length feeding and walking along with them.

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At some point we realized we were off the path and quickly decided to retrace our steps

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We walked…

…we walked…

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Here’s the point where Savy had a conversation with Seth and they decided to call for a scooter for Timmy.

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Timmy left for the camp near the river… and Savy, Seth and I continued on foot. This is just another reason why we never want to do group tours.

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So freaking lucky to be able to experience something this rare.

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The next three photos are taken from a video I shot when three elephants rapidly came upon us from behind and we quickly stepped into the forest to let them pass.

Most of the elephants have suffered physical damage …one lost her eye and this one’s ear was partially torn off.

Timmy and Savy as the elephants passed by …they wanted to go more quickly than the pace that we were setting 😉

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Back at the river, I met up with Timmy

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So I was watching the elephants frolic in the river, this beauty came up behind me and I honestly was overcome with such a sense of well being and love…I briefly touched my face to her trunk…beyond magical.

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After three magical hours, we said goodbye to Seth..he asked Timmy for a hug.

If you know Timmy you are not surprised that he’d make such an impact on a fellow human…

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Back across the bamboo bridge

Cambodia is classified as a LDC by the UN…Least Developed Country

The rural roads definitely give a rural vibe …

We were happy to be back on paved streets.

Back at the hotel, we freshened up and headed to the Cafe for lunch.

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Surprised by the gentle breeze…we ditched our neck fans and enjoyed a long lunch…soft shell crab with pomelo salad for me and a club sandwich for Tim.

This is Prim Prey…Cafe D’Angkor’s manager…his entire staff is wonderful…probably because he sets the standard for hospitality.

After lunch, Timmy napped and I read pool side…

Such an amazing time with the elephants at Kulen sanctuary. We’ve had some wonderful experiences during our travels…this has to be up there in the top three. Thanks for following along ♥️