Calauit Safari Tour: Wildlife Encounter and Countryside Excursions in Busuanga
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER
Truth be told, when I heard the word Calauit Safari, I immediately associated it with a zoo. Well, I couldn’t think of any description of a zoo but literally a facility in which all animals are housed within enclosures and displayed publicly. I thought wrong. It’s a lot more entertaining than seeing them in a cage. It was rather more personal, a unique wildlife encounter.
Calauit Island was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1977 which is now becoming a popular tourist attraction in Coron known as Calauit Safari Park. Calauit Island is an island of the Calamian Archipelago, just off the north-western coast of Busuanga Island. A creek divides the two island so the only way to get there is through a 5-minute boat ride.
When you book a Calauit Safari Tour, a van will pick you up as early as 5:00 AM. Travel time from Coron Town to Busuanga is almost two hours. Usually, Calauit Safari Tour includes breakfast but if you’re not sure, you may check the package inclusion from your tour operator. If you don’t have any travel agency in mind, you may check my recommendation at the end of this post.
What’s good about joining a group tour is that everything is already been taken care of, including the entrance fees. No need to line up and pay, just sit back, relax, and enjoy the safari adventure. However, attendance to the eco-tour briefing is mandatory.
Upon arrival in Calauit Island, you’ll visit the registration area first before going to the actual wildlife zone. There is a service vehicle for park goers as well if guests don’t feel like walking.
Each group will have a designated tour guide. As what I’ve learned from our guide, Calauit Safari Wildlife Sanctuary holds the single distinction as the first successful wildlife translocation experiment in Asia, as these wild animals were imported from Africa in the 1970s to save them from extinction to which then President Ferdinand Marcos responded positively by creation of such game preserve.
Before diving into action, my family took some group photos with the giraffe first. This long-necked mammal is the tallest land animal on Earth and it’s kind of exciting seeing them in flesh. We were actually amazed that despite being surrounded with visitors, they could stand still without moving an inch just like a statue.
Even zebras are just roaming around like a household pet. But of course, you have to be cautious not to be too close with them as like horses, they may kick you from behind.
There’s a mini-playground, cottage and store in one of the corner wherein you can do your thing while waiting for the main activity to start.
Then there’s the fun part. Feeding a tower of giraffes. The park’s personnel will gather some mangrove leaves for giraffes to munch on. These creatures know that it’s feeding frenzy time so they will go near the cage where the guests are stationed. It’s actually amusing thinking that the one who will be enclosed are not the animals, rather the visitors. Switching roles, eh?
Did I mention that I already tried Calauit Safari Tour before? Same month in two consecutive years, but different companions. Both are equally rewarding experiences given the two different timelines. It’s just good to be back and have a wildlife encounter once more.
My family all tried giraffe feeding with mandatory photo session except for one – my mother. She can’t hardly hold the mangrove leaves tight as she’s scared the giraffe would bite her. My mom thought giraffes are threatening the reason she reacted panicky but sorry mom, we find it very hilarious. LOL! She’s definitely an ice breaker.
After feeding the giraffe, we continued to stroll around the open area. We personally observed that the Calamian deers are on the loose too. They’re mostly in “silo”, having a world on their own. To date, African wildlife thrives in Palawan and continues inbreeding for four generations in a scenic place similar to the savannahs of Kenya.
When you’re done with the main highlight of the Safari Tour, a quick tour to a mini zoo in a nearby area will take place where other wild animals are enclosed in a cage like snakes, boars, monkeys, alligators, turtles, meercats and many more. The tour will end after two hours, just right before having lunch in Busuanga town.
COUNTRYSIDE EXCURSIONS
Not all Calauit Safari Tours are created the same. For your information, Calauit Safari itinerary is not just about wildlife encounters in Calauit National Park, but it also includes Black/Malajon Island (shipwreck, cave and coral garden included), Busuanga Town, Malbato Church, Concepcion Falls, and other optional destinations (e.g., Ocam-ocam Beach, Rio Playa).
Black Island
There is no direct joiner tour to Black Island but it is included in Calauit Safari Tour. Explore off-beat gems and head to an isolated island off the coast of Salvacion, Busuanga.
Mix one part history to two parts rugged beauty, and add a dash of trendy glamour. You get Black Island! Read more here: BLACK ISLAND
If you love spots hopping around Coron, consider booking CORON ULTIMATE TOUR. If you opt for triple beach treats beyond Coron, you may try ISLAND ESCAPADE TOUR.
Busuanga Town
The Busuanga town center, Salvacion, is tranquil compared to the one in Coron. There is less activity in the area but it’s a perfect route stop for your lunch. You can also take a group photo at the town plaza’s “I ♥ BUSUANGA”.
Concepcion Falls
Concepcion Falls is one of the side trip spots that is included in the Calauit Safari Tour. From the highway of Busuanga, you’ll walk for about 5 minutes to reach this place. When we reached to the area, we were surprised that the falls and its basin is kinda murky and smaller than expected. It’s probably dried up. The guide told us that the best time to visit the spot is from June to December, as the rains bring plenty of water to the falls.
Malbato Church
Malbato Church is also called the Church on the Hill. This church (more of a chapel) is reminiscent of one of the churches in Batanes. The facade of Malbato Church is interesting to see as it is made of pebbles or small rocks.
I love the afresco set-up of the church where natural air can flow in and out the church’s interior. You have to take few steps up to reach the top-most deck and altar but fret not because the view atop is great, so don’t miss it.
With all the unique experiences it offers – wildlife encounter and countryside excursions in Busuanga – I can totally say that Calauit Tour is one jam-packed day trip when in Coron. It’s totally one for the books!
For the most affordable and rad Calauit Safari Tour, book only with Wonderful island travel and tours, a legit and DOT-accredited tour agency in Coron. Check their facebook page for rates.
For the suggested itinerary and budget to Coron, please read the article Captivating Coron: DIY Travel Guide to the World’s Best Island.
