Welcome to the Nature lodge activities page. Browse through the tabs below in order to read about the diffenent things you can do while visiting Nature Lodge and Mondulkiri.

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.

Swimming in a pool.

Swimming in a secluded pool.

Bu Sra Waterfall.

A beautiful river pool.

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.

Bu Sra Waterfall.

Have a look at our accommodation Nature Lodge and learn more about us.
Facts and photos of Mondulkiri and a simple step by step travel guide and transportation info.
Find out about the different attractions of Mondulkiri, things to see and do including jungle trekking and elephant riding.
Download a site seeing map of Sen Monorom.
This page displays Ads posted by the Mondulkiri community members.
Contact us for reservations and information.
Back to our home page.
Visit Mondulkiri's Waterfalls

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).

Bunong guide in the forest.

Trekking in Mondulkiri.

Bunong family with their elephant..

 

Our Trekking programs, help to create a positive livelihood for our guides and their families. Mondulkiri is still a relatively isolated destination and cotourism is new here, please help set a good example by showing the locals you care about the environment. Please help collect left over litter from the campsite before you leave.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Putang to Domray Choan overnight forest expedition:
Departure from Nature Lodge at 8:30 am after breakfast.
Driving out to Pum Putang Bunong village, a brief tour through the village, visit traditional homes, from there going into the forest. Follow an ancient Bunong forest path, it will eventually take you close to the magnificent Buddha’s head Waterfall there you set camp overnight, The following morning, you may visit some Bunong families living on their forest gardens. You might see some monkeys, deer and other various birds and animals. Make your way through some virgin forest until you arrive at Pum Domry Choan ( The elephant stampede village) in the afternoon.
Average trip duration:
8 30 am – 4 pm the following day
The Trip Includes:
guide (English speaking), transportation, camping equipment, drinking and four meals.
At least two people are requiered for this trip
Cost:
Group of two: $25 per person .
Group of three to four: $ 20per person .
Group of five or more: $ 18 per person a day

 

 

 

Three Days Deep JungleTrekking Adventures:
Trekking for three days allows you to go much further into the heart of the forest. You will get a much better chance to see wildlife the further you go. Along with your guides, you will experience an ultimate jungle survival adventure, spending two nights camping outdoors, collecting some of your food and fishing.
Average trip duration:
8 30 am – 4 pm the following day
The Trip Includes:
guide (English speaking), transportation, camping equipment, water and seven meals.
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:$18per person a day

 

Preparing for your trek
For  trekking on foot, you will require some comfortable walking shoes, long trousers, warm clothes to wear at night and swimming geara small backpack, a torch and mosquito repellant. Sun protection is advisable.
In wet season, you would need a raincoat. If you don’t have one, let us know and we will provide one for you.
You will need to carry your personal sleeping pack (weighs 1kg and 100 g) and your water bottles. Your guides will carry the rest of the equipment.
Please have breakfast and be ready to leave at 8 15 am, transport will depart at 8 30 pm.

Provided meals description:
For lunch: Takeout from Nature Lodge
Over night campfire dinner: Vegetable soup, roasted potatoes, BBQ beef/chicken, rice.
Over night breakfast: Baguette with boiled eggs and jam, coffee or tea.
Second day lunch: noodle soup with rice.
Your meals might be complimented by freshwater fish and forest vegetables.

 

 

 

 

Have a look at our accommodation Nature Lodge and learn more about us.
Facts and photos of Mondulkiri and a simple step by step travel guide and transportation info.
Find out about the different attractions of Mondulkiri, things to see and do including jungle trekking and elephant riding.
Download a site seeing map of Sen Monorom.
This page displays Ads posted by the Mondulkiri community members.
Contact us for reservations and information.
Back to our home page.

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

About The Bunong and their Elephants


The Bonong people see elephants as magical beings.  They believe that the spirit of an Elephant is made when a pair of of each kind of cattle and farm animal all get bonded together.
 The elephant has a very important religious in Bunong culture, elephants still perform at most rites and ceremonies.  Before 2003, there were no cars, motos or roads in Mondulkiri.  Elephants were used for transport through the forest and in farm work.
In those old days, special hunting experts could capture new elephant calves from 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.
Breeding elephants is considered Taboo under Bunong religion. The creation of baby elephants without an official elephant “marriage” ceremony and sacrifice rituals is believed to bring misfortune or death to the village. Organizing the ceremony is very difficult and expensive, making it almost impossible.
The great majority of Mondulkiri’s Domestic Bunong elephants were killed by the Khmer Rouge soldiers during the terrible events of the 70’s.
In the Sen Monorom area, about a dozen elephants still live and work with the Bunong . They are still being used as forest transport and carriers. Most of these animals are over 40 years old.  Although there is usually one family in charge of the elephant care, some are actually jointly owned by 10 - 20 families. Tourism activity revenues get shared between all families.
Some of the local Bunong communities in the area offer tourist elephant rides. In order to protect the elephants from possible back injury, visitors climb special mounting ladders instead of letting the elephant kneel down.

 

Swimming in a pool.

Elephants getting a bath.

Bu Sra Waterfall.

Riding through the jungle.

Elephant riding trips


At Nature Lodge, we’re very concerned with the both animal and people’s welfare. We organize rides directly with Bunong elephant owners, but only after they have agreed to keep the following Bunong traditional elephant keeping laws:
It is forbidden to work an elephants more then the total of 4 hours per day, 20 days in a month. The elephant must be released to graze in the forest for the rest of the time.
These programs help to divert tourism income for both the animals and families, as well as maintaining the Bunong elephant heritage. The income goes directly to the villagers with no middle man.
Some animal rights activists claim elephant riding is abusive. In reality, it all depends on individual cases, riding circumstances, health and environment.  In Mondulkiri, the riding isn’t commercial, the forest riding environment is natural and very close to an elephant’s natural habitat. The mahouts do have a bamboo crop but will rarely use.
Our horses are just over 300kg – yet they’re very comfortable with a 60 – 80 kg rider. Our ponies seem pretty happy before going on a ride. They see it as their “walk out”, they will  stop to eat and be sure footed. Is riding horses abusive too ? Most owners are very concerned and care very much for their elephant, it is considered a member of their family. Elephants are also very valuable and irreplaceable, they’re worth approx $ 20,000 . For most owners, their elephant is their only source of income. Would they sabotage or hurt their sole source of income?
Sadly, not everyone is always following the rules. Sometimes elephants are being used to transport heavy timber or sometimes worked for too long. We would never want to support owners of abused or overworked elephants. If you have witnesses abuse during your activity. please describe the abuse in writing and hand it to reception. We will discuss it with the villagers and if necessary, excluded them from the tourism program.
Note: 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.


During Khmer public holidays. We sometimes may not be able to organize elephant rides as some villagers may not be working.

 

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.

Bu Sra Waterfall.

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.

Have a look at our accommodation Nature Lodge and learn more about us.
Facts and photos of Mondulkiri and a simple step by step travel guide and transportation info.
Find out about the different attractions of Mondulkiri, things to see and do including jungle trekking and elephant riding.
Download a site seeing map of Sen Monorom.
This page displays Ads posted by the Mondulkiri community members.
Contact us for reservations and information.
Back to our home page.

Young Bunong mahout.

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

Taking a break from traveling

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!

Bird Watching At Nature Lodge

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.

 

Welcome to the Nature Lodge home page. this site contains tourist infornation about travel to Mondulkiri, information about trekking and activities