There are many places to visit around Sen Monororm, waterfalls, minority villages and incredible views from the hill tops. In order to make your visit easier, you can download our sightseeing map or get one at Nature Lodge.  Using our map makes exploring on your own simple. You can walk to the closest destinations. You can hire a bike and drive around. Rental fees are between $ 8-15 per day, depending on the bike’s type and condition. Please only consider driving yourself if you’re an experienced dirt road driver as the roads around Sen Monorom are challenging, especially when wet. You can always hire local Moto drivers to drive you around instead. This has another advantage as they know they way to every destination.

There are many waterfalls around Sen Monorom, some are Well known, have an easy road access and can be easily located on our map. There are many other less known falls, hidden in the jungles of Mondulkiri, these would only be accessible on foot or on elephant. The large waterfalls are very nice to see, the smaller waterfalls are a good choice for a secluded pool side picnic on a sunny day as they are hardly ever crowded. You're most likely to have it all to yourselves...

BU SRA FALLS. Famous throughout Cambodia – Bu Sra has the highest drop (25 meters) and a few levels. Tourist usually get to climb up and down the first two on bamboo ladders. Bu Sra is around 37 km from Sen Menorom, the usual cost for transport there rises slightly in the wet season.
Parts of the road to Bu Sra is still in bad shape. It may be risky to attempt driving there yourself if you have no experience. At the falls there's an entree fee of R 5000.

Bu Sra Waterfall.

Special Thanks to: Jerry, Maria and Mie, Chris and Mat, Adel, Mel, Milan, Gav and Bat Sheva for their amazing photographs.

The only way to reach Mondulkiri’s most beautiful natural spots is by trekking into the surrounding forests. There are many hidden ancient paths and untouched waterfalls to visit.
We can help you arrange a Mondulkiri Forest trekking adventure.
Trekking provides a great chance to see the beauty within the local forests and a chance to spend time with some of the Bunong minority people. Being part hunter gatherers, the Bunong people have an incredible knowledge of the forest, its terrain, plants and animals, food sources, medicinal plants and other useful skills. While trekking along with them, you will get a good chance to observe they’re ways from up close.
Trekking groups are usually led by one Bunong tracker and an English speaking guide (optional).
Treks includes some climbing, hiking, swimming and camping, the trek can be modified according to your level of fitness and or special needs (trekking with kids etc).

One Day forest explorations:

Trekking to K’bal Preah waterfall:
Departure from Nature Lodge at 9am after breakfast.
Driving to the beginning point at Domray Choan Bunong village, from there taking a foot path into the deep forest. A picnic lunch and swimming by the spectacular K’bal Preah waterfall. There are many chomkas ( forest gardens ) to visit in the area. Start heading back in the afternoon.
In the wet season, it’s a good idea to leave a little earlier as it might rain in the afternoon.
Average trip duration:
9 am –3-4 pm
Trip Includes:
Guiding, transportation, takeout lunch and water.
At least two people are requiered for this trip
Cost:
 Group of two: $ 25 per person .
Group of three to four: $ 20 per person .
Group of five or more: $ 18 per person a day

Village visit in Putang:
Departure from Nature Lodge at 9am after breakfast.
Driving our to Putang Bunong village, taking a tour through the village, visit the tiny village school, meet your guide’s family in their traditional home. From there, on foot into the surrounding forest. Meet some of the locals working on their forest gardens. Heading back towards the village in the afternoon.
Average trip duration:
9 am – 3 - 4 pm
Trip Includes:
guiding, transportation, take out lunch and water.
At least two people are requiered for this trip
Cost:
Group of two: $ 25 per person .
Group of three to four: $ 20 per person .
Group of five or more: $ 18 per person a day

Two day (overnight) adventures :

Night camp in the Jungle (Pulung):
Departure from Nature Lodge at 8:30 am after breakfast.
Driving our to Pulung Bunong village, a brief tour through the village, visit traditional homes. From there on foot into the forest. Spend the night camping outdoors surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. There are many lovely waterfalls and streams along the way, you can help your guide to gather some edible forest vegetables. You may visit some Bunong families who live in the forest. You might see some monkeys, deer and wild boor.
Average trip duration:
8 30 am – 4 pm the following day
The Trip Includes:
guide (English speaking), transportation, camping equipment, water and four meals.
Cost:
Group of two: $25 per person a day
Group of three to five: $20per person a day
Group of six to ten: $18 per person a day

Special Thanks to: Jerry, Maria and Mie, Chris and Mat, Adel, Mel, Milan, Gav and Bat Sheva for their amazing photographs.

About The Bunong Elephants

Traditionally The elephant has a very important religious role and ceremonial meaning in Bunong culture. The Bonong people believe that the spirit of an Elephant is a formation of two spirits of each kind of cattle and farm animal that joined together.
Breeding elephants is considered Taboo in their religion. The only way to create a baby elephant is by organizing an official Elephant marriage ceremony and sacrifice rituals. It is very complicated and expensive, therefore basically impossible.
In the old days, special hunting experts could capture new elephants in the wild.
Today, this custom is strictly banned by conservation bodies in their efforts to save what is left of Cambodia’s wild elephant population. It is said that the great majority of Mondulkiri’s Domestic and wild elephants were shot and killed by the Khmer Rouge soldiers during the terrible events of the 70’s and the chaos that followed.
Today, a small number of elephants are the last that remains of this special part of Bunong heritage. They are still being used as forest transport and carriers. Tourist rides were introduced as a way to generate income for both animals and families. Most owners are very concerned and care very much for their elephant, it is considered a member of their family.
By the Bunong traditional laws, it is forbidden to work an elephants more then 4 hours per day, 20 days in a month. The elephant must be freed to graze in the forest for the rest of the time. Sadly, it isn’t always the case. Not everyone follows the old ways. Some elephants are being used to transport heavy timber out of the forest or worked too often for too long.
At Nature Lodge, we organize rides only with owners that agreed to keep the traditional ways. We would never support owners of unhappy or overworked elephants. therefore, during busy periods, for instance the Khmer public holidays. We sometimes may not be able to organize elephant rides.

Elephant riding trips

Please book elephant riding trips at a day in advance as the mahout (elephant caretaker) needs time to find the elephant in the forest and recapture it.

One day elephant riding trip:
8:30 am, travel to a Bunong village (Pulung or Patang), where you meet the elephant and their family, mount and ride through the countryside and into the forest.
Lunch time: the elephant released for a feeding break. During that time, you can enjoy your time by Pulung or O’ranna waterfall. Have lunch, swim and walk around in the near by forest.
Afternoon: head back to the village on a different forest trail
Average trip duration:
8 30 am – 4 pm
The Trip Includes:
elephant ,transportation to the village, takeout lunch and drinking water.
Cost:
$ 25 per person
At least two persons required for this trip

English speaking guide can be hired at $ 15 per day on your request.

Preparing for an elephant riding trips: bring some swimming gear and sun protection.
Please have breakfast and be ready to leave by 8 15 am. The elephant is brought to the village to meet you. If it waits too long, they might try to wonder back into the forest...

Carring the rice harvest.

Elephant riding in Mondulkiri.

Over Night Elephant Trekking
Departure from Nature Lodge at 8:30 am after breakfast.
Driving out to Pulung Bunong village, a brief tour through the village, visit traditional homes, meet the elephant and their family, mount and ride through the countryside and into the forest . There are many lovely hidden waterfalls and streams along the way. If you wish, your mahout will show how to ride sitting on the elephant’s neck.   Help your mahout give the elephant a bath, gather some edible forest vegetables. Spend the night camping outdoors surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. You may visit some Bunong families who live in the forest. You might see some monkeys, deer, wild boor and various birds.
Average trip duration:
8 30 am – 4 pm the following day
The Trip Includes:
elephant and mahout, transportation, camping equipment, water and four meals.
Cost:
$25per person a day
At least two trekkers are required for this trip

English speaking guide can be hired at $ 15 per day on your request.

Special Thanks to: Jerry, Maria and Mie, Chris and Mat, Adel, Mel, Milan, Gav and Bat Sheva for their amazing photographs.

Traveling is a great experience but moving fast from one place to another can also take it's toll. on your mind and body. If you ever feel the just stop and take a break. Here at Nature Lodge you will find peace and quiet, a cool, green place to relax and let yourself recharge with positive energy. Here are some ideas for relaxing activities:

Sauna

Get rid of the road dust and purify your skin at the Nature Lodge sauna. Steam up with special herbal blends in a pleasant Lao style sauna. If you'd like to use the sauna, please contact us in advance.

Book Exchange There's nothing like reading in the hammock… We can help when you're out of good books.

Practic here if you're learning circus arts, juggling, yoga or sports, there's a big lawn and lots of space for you to just do your thing...

Around the lodge there are perfect jogging/walking paths.

Express yourself. get inspired, The hills of Mondulkiri will surely get you in the mood for painting or drawing.

Also avalable are board games, cards and a pool table...

Bird watching

A bird watching couple from the UK had managed to identify 71 different species of birds on the Nature Lodge grounds – in only two days!

We host seasonal courses in:

Meditation, yoga, martial arts, photography and cooking.

Nature Lodge Offers special rates for instructors who bring their students here for retreats, just contact us for more info.