CALAUIT SAFARI PARK TOUR

Calauit Safari Park is a wildlife sanctuary nestled in Calauit Island. It has an area of 3,700 hectares among Calamian group of islands in Palawan. It used to be popular for growing 8 species of animals from Kenya, Africa including zebras, giraffes, antelopes, bushbucks, elands, gazelles, waterbucks, and impalas, with a total of 104 animals. This reserve was created by the former President Ferdinand Marcos under Presidential Proclamation No. 1578 on August 31, 1976. Currently, there are only 4 surviving species in the island, while half of the species was not able to adapt to their new habitat and died out in 1999. The wildlife is also home for some indigenous animals such as Calamian deer, Palawan porcupines, mousedeer, Palawan bearcats, crocodiles, and wild pigs which are considered endangered up to this date. It has become an eco-tourism attraction under the administration of Palawan Council for Sustainable Development to the Provincial Government of Palawan to continue the protection of the surviving and remaining endemic and African animals in the island.  

The tour in Coronislands 2 days ago was very fatiguing. The fact that I had my first flight that day via Cebu Pacific, I went straight to my tour all the way from the airport and did a lot of activities which needed strenuous physical exertion. Hence, without any second thought, I took one day break and wanted to be sedentary just for a short time. In a way, I was recharged and sure that I was ready for Calauit safari tour the next day.

Even though, this particular tour was terribly pricey compared to other tour packages in Coron, I had no other reasons to delay or miss this.

The long wait was over, and the weather that day was sunny and hot, but humid all day. Everything seemed to be in perfect shape and I thought I would surely enjoy this most-awaited tour to the safari.

Land transport service

Because of incessant excitement, I didn’t have enough sleep and had to wake up as early as 3:30 in the morning. I took a quick shower and made sure that I would not leave with an empty stomach. It was exactly 5 am when our guide, Angelito, arrived in the accommodation where I stayed and picked me up. We were only 4 in a coaster which I thought a van. According to him, they had a total of 45 guests that day compared to the other day with only 11 guests. I just expected it that it would be a day full of waiting.

Our breakfast: sunny-side up egg, fried hotdog, smoked fish, 

steamed rice, and a cupful of hot coffee

We went on and picked other guests from 3 different hotels along the way. We were complete and finally started our journey at exactly 5:43. After about an hour drive from the town proper of Coron, we came by the town of Salvacion of Busuanga and had a quick breakfast served in Bernat’s Kapehan sa Pantalan, an eatery situated by the shore and a few meters from the town’s docking area or commonly known as pier by the locals. At 8:15 am, we took an outrigger boat which brought us to Calauit Island. It only took 15 minutes to reach the island.

The docking area to Calauit Island

One of the most poisonous specie of jelly fish according to our guide

All guests were required to register before they would start the tour. After a brief orientation regarding the behavior of the animals, the do’s and don’ts when feeding the animals, and the important things to avoid while staying in the area, we had to go on foot from the reception area to the giraffe's feeding area.

The reception area

This probably took about 15 minutes. We couldn’t help ourselves, but to stop momentarily and take some photos when we spotted a herd of zebras along our way. It was such a heart-stopping moment to see them several inches distant from you. Since the number of tourist was hard to handle all at once, we were divided into 3 small groups. 

Feeding area

Feeding them should only take 15 minutes by batch

Each group was given 15 minutes to stay in the feeding area. After a while, we were instructed by our tour guide to follow the trail to the breeding ground of some zebras. Not too far from the area, you can spot some wild pigs inside a protected cage. 

A part of this safari experience, there were few small jeepny available to transport the guests to various places in the island. And we were lucky to try this on and more exciting while being on the top of this vehicle. 

Can't help it but to take this photo. LOL!

The final stop was the place where you could see cages of some endemic animals including 2 of the playful monkeys, calm but savage huge python, some dozy bearcat, cute freshwater turtles, an eagle, and a very elusive porcupine. Most of us hadn’t noticed that it was almost lunch time. Finally, we decided to return to the town of Salvacion for lunch. As you could notice it, the stroll was pretty exhausting but our itinerary was only halfway done.

Calamian deer

Wild pig

Python

Bearcat

Our lunch was great. It actually composed of very flavorful mussels without the shells, one serving of fresh lumpia (fresh vegetables wrapped in a very soft dough with special sauce), and a cup of steamed rice served at exactly 12 noon. Our lunch should have been in buffet to give us more energy for our next activity that afternoon. Right after our lunch, we headed for the first island- North Cay, and arrived here 10 minutes before 2pm.

Our lunch

The place was pretty amazing. I just realized how blessed Busuanga was with so many stunning islands and natural attractions, each of which has unique qualities and splendor. Lagoons, lakes, and marine parks in Coron Island Tour have their own dazzling beauty, but North Cay and Pamalican Islands have special character that made them more appealing to most tourists. 

North Cay Island

Pamalican Island

Basically, both islands are isolated, yet the biodiversity is well preserved and protected. These islands have broader beaches with white fine sand and pristine water, perfect haven to relax and have fun. You can stay under the shade of some trees and take a moment of contemplation of this god-given gift.  North Cay Island, in particular, has shallow and placid water, ideal for snorkeling and swimming compared to Siete Picados with big waves most of the time. And if you’re lucky enough, you can find some giant clamshells in their sanctuary not too far from the coastline. We were only given an hour to explore each island.

Turon as our snack that noon

It was already 5pm when we docked in Salvacion. And to end our tour, we were given light snack like a piece of turon and a cupful of hot coffee. Most of us were still wet and never had a chance to change, but had no choice to depart the town and go back to Coron. The guests were brought in their respective accommodation until 6pm.

Rom and Ciolo, whom I met during the tour

Sites:

1. Calauit Island

2. North Cay Island

3. Pamalican Island

Important Reminders:

1. Don’t stay behind the zebras. They will literally kick your ass out.

2. It’s advisable to stay inside the feeding area instead of feeding the giraffes outside the fences to avoid accident. It is actually the best spot to capture photos and videos of these gentle animals.

3.  Stay certain distance from the animals. Remember that their behavior is unpredictable.

Tips:

* Pack light. Bring only the essentials.

* Wear light clothing, preferably shirts with long sleeves, long pants, comfy shoes, hat or cap, ideal for Calauit Safari tour.

* Wear proper swimwear: rashguard with long sleeves, the ower must be upto the ankle in length, snorkeler or goggles.

* Don’t forget to bring sunscreen or sunblock lotion.

* Extra clothes after island hopping tour.

* Water and some food. You’ll get starved every after attraction.

* Selfie sticks or monopod. Very essential especially if you’re a solo traveler. It was very useful on my part.

Rate

Calauit Island Safari Tour                         P 2300-2600 per person

Inclusive of:

- van transport service

- 1 guide

- boat transport service

- 1 life vest per guest

- plated breakfast

- plated lunch

- light snack

- entrance and permit fees

For inquiry, you may contact these numbers below

+63917-4222-816 (Globe)

+63932-546-2273 (Sun)

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Blogger's Note

Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise you to visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.