I was always very skeptical about taking any kind of animal ride, never mind an elephant. We are always led to believe the animals are miss treated. Our elephant ride in Bali was the exception. Our elephant trainer, Boo was from Sumatra, and he and his elephant, Phoebe had come together as part of a elephant conservation project in Bali. Elephant and trainer work together and have an amazing bond. We were pleasantly surprised, and had a great experience.