The highlight of my trip to Bali this time was a visit to this amazing Elephant Sanctuary. Situated a 2.5 hour drive from Seminyak, it is a high quality wildlife sanctuary caring for its 24 elephants including the 5 who have been born there since 1997 when the sanctuary began rehousing Sumatran elephants whose habitat was being destroyed by deforestation. You start at the museum, which is fascinating and includes the skeleton of a woolly mammoth, shipped from the USA where it was discovered . The experience of washing an elephant was one I will never forget. Forty seven year old Dewi truly was a gentle giant, and she seemed to enjoy her bath. I cannot describe the feeling of being so close to such a magnificent being, it made me quite emotional. Then feeding the elephants was so special, in particular 7 year old Arjuna, the youngest baby there. There is a theatre where the mission of Nigel Mason , the founder of the sanctuary, is explained. They receive no government backing, the visitors are what keeps this amazing 3 hectare piece of paradise for elephants going. A delicious buffet lunch was included and then a browse in the gift shop, heaven for people who love elephants . Our driver Nyoman from the company was professional navigated the traffic with ease. You can also stay at the sanctuary, which would be very special. 5 stars for this excursion.