Ever since I heard of the Caluit Game Preserve Sanctuary in Palawan, I always dream of visiting this Philippines’ version of a Safari. I would like to believe that the Caluit Game Preserve was created as a zoo playground for Bong Bong Marcos. But nobody really knows the story behind the creation of this sanctuary in Palawan (Would you know?). I actually admire Marcos for such an ambitious vision of creating our own safari in the 70’s.
With childlike excitement, I patiently endured the 2-hour boat trip from El Rio Y Mar resort in Busuanga, Palawan to Caluit Island. I can’t believe that my dream of seeing the Giraffes and Zebras with my own eyes is about to come true.
The problem with Caluit is you have to go with a group so that you can enjoy the safari-like trip with other people and to make the trip cost effective.
The beauty of Caluit Island is that all the animals are free to roam around in their natural habitat. So, they need to ensure that there are no predators like lions and tigers in the island. It was super hot and dry in Caluit when we got to the island. The first moment we saw the animals, all of us started taking pictures. I forgot for a moment the teachings of Master George that the enemy of the photographer is the excitement of pressing the shutter button too soon.
This trip was a dream come true.
My only disappointment was the entire island was not developed ever since the first couple of animals were transported in 1975 from Naomi, Kenya. The zebras and giraffes were already from the third generation. Most of them are “filipino” animals already because they were born here.
The best time to go to Caluit is early in the morning before 9am where most of the animals come out.
Trigger Happy Photographers with long lens to capture the Giraffe.
Feeding the giraffe in Caluit will definitely be in my top 100 awesome experiences in the Philippines!
One other animal attraction worth mentioning is the Palawan Bearcat. Also known locally as binturong, it is one of the biggest land mammals in mainland Palawan.
There was an interesting trivia about zebras. Is it a black animal with white stripes? or a white animal with black stripes? I believe that it was the latter. They were very elusive. So you need to earn their trust before they would approach you instead of running away from you.
When Aidan turns 5-7 years old, I will bring him to Caluit to see these animals.
Text and Photos by Anton Diaz. Copyright 2008.
- TAO PHILIPPINES (A Review): Coron to El Nido 5 Days 4 Nights TaO Expedition @TaoPhilippines
- TAO EXPEDITION: Coron to El Nido Expedition Pre-Departure (A Photo Essay)
- TAO EXPEDITION Day 1: From Coron to Patcy (A Photo Essay)
- TAO EXPEDITION Day 2: Patcy Breakfast, Maltayok Beach & Buluang Karaoke! (A Photo Essay)
- TAO EXPEDITION Day 3: Cliff Jumping & Guinto Basecamp (A Photo Essay)
- TAO EXPEDITION Day 4: Linapacan Clear Waters, Tao Farm & Tao Village (A Photo Essay)
- TAO EXPEDITION Day 5: Bacuit Bay, Small and Big Lagoon, El Nido Town (A Photo Essay) @TaoPhilippines
Apulit Island Resort Experience (2011):
- Apulit Island Resort Experience (formerly Club Noah) [1of3]
- Apulit Island Resort: What to Do and Eat in Apulit? [2of3]
- Apulit Island Resort: How to Get There? [3of3]
Coron, Busuanga Experience (2008):
- Coron, Palawan – 8 Awesome Experiences in Coron, Palawan
- Caluit, Palawan – My Childish Dream Come True
- Club Paradise, Coron, Palawan
- El Rio Y Mar – 10 Reasons Why I Prefer El Rio over Club Paradise
El Nido Palawan Adventure (2006):
Wow, your photography just keeps getting better! I love the pictures.
oh my gosh this is one fabulous site… i love it.. I’ll linked u up.
Looks indeed like a nice place!
Great pictures!
aww! sweet! my long time dream too to go Calauit an Coron!
I need to when I get back to Pinas :D!!
wonderful place!
Hi Anton! We’re having problems on finding a very cheap but nice to stay resort/accomodation! Any suggestions?
thank s so much for admiring my town coron.
wow safari! this is awesome and i heard the beaches there are gorgeous too! lovely photos!