The Calauit Safari Park is located on Calauit Island in Busuanga, Palawan, is a unique wildlife sanctuary that blends African and Philippine fauna. Established in 1976, it was the first safari park in the Philippines that was originally created to house African animals. Over time the park has also become a haven for endemic species contributing to conservation efforts in the region.
A Blend of African and Philippine Wildlife
The park spans 3,700 hectares and is home to various African species including giraffes, zebras, and antelopes which were introduced in the 1970s. In addition to these, the sanctuary also houses native Philippine species such as the Calamian deer, Palawan bearded pig, and the Philippine crocodile. This combination offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience a diverse range of wildlife in one location.
Conservation Efforts and Challenges
While the introduction of African species was initially aimed at conservation, it has raised questions about ecological balance and the impact on native species. In addition to providing tourists with a unique experience, its unusual fusion of African and Philippine species draws attention to the continuous difficulties and initiatives in protecting biodiversity.
Other Information:
- Entrance Fee is ₱400.00 for locals and ₱600.00 for foreigners
- Opening Hours: The park typically welcomes visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Giraffe Feeding: A combined entrance and feeding package is occasionally offered for an extra ₱525.00 per person
- Packages & Tours: Transport, lunch, a guide, and the use of a safari vehicle are usually included in the about ₱2,600.00 per person cost of guided trips
- The cost of a group boat trip to Calauit Island is about ₱500.00
- For a guided tour of the wildlife park, a tour operator or safari vehicle usually costs about ₱1,000.00 per party
How To Get There?
Location: Calauit Island, Busuanga, Palawan, Philippines
- By Car: If you’re starting from Busuanga Airport, arrange a private van or car to take you from the airport to the mainland jump off point at Macalachao or Salvacion. This drive typically takes about 2 to 3 hours through scenic but sometimes bumpy terrain. From there, hire a passenger or chartered boat to Calauit Island. Boat fares generally range between ₱1,000.00 to ₱2,500.00 per group depending on the vessel and group size
- By Commute: If you’re traveling independently, take a van, jeepney, or bus from Coron town proper after reaching Busuanga via flight or ferry to the Macalachao or Salvacion port. Shared van transfers typically cost around ₱200.00 to ₱500.00 per person while private van rentals can be about ₱5,000.00 per vehicle. Once at the jump off point, you’ll need to hire a boat ferry to Calauit Island. Expect fares between ₱1,000.00 to ₱2,500.00 per group.
The intricate nature of wildlife protection can be seen by Calauit Safari Park. Its unique blend of African and Philippine species offers a distinctive experience for visitors while also highlighting the ongoing challenges and efforts in preserving biodiversity.
