Best Wildlife refuges in Philippines

We visited the safari in March 2024. It was a bit dismaying to see some giraffes with severe wounds on their bodies. On a positive note, the caretakers are tending to the injured giraffes with medication. The wounds are inflicted by their own actions due to their animal behavior and are not a result of human interaction at the safari.

I spoke with someone (who shall remain anonymous for privacy reasons) who shared insights into the safari's situation. They mentioned that the safari is in great need of proper management by the local government or whoever has jurisdiction. Additionally, there are illegal hunters on the island targeting wild animals. Although the island is supposed to be a sanctuary, some people disregard the lives of these innocent animals.

This statement is not meant to criticize the area or those responsible but to raise awareness about our actions and the importance of protecting the animals at Calauit Safari National Park. It's a great place to visit and learn about different animals and their characteristics. I would love to visit again in the future and hope to see improvements in the area.

It’s horrible. Just few animals in small cages. One of the giraffe had a bad wound since last year. They said a veterinary is come but it look very bad. It’s not a park it’s a zoo and they treat badly they animals.

The place doesn’t look much like a national park or sanctuary. boat crossing costs 700 pesos, entry per person costs 1,250 pesos, they also ask you to pay for feeding the giraffes. the staff bothers the animals so that visitors can take a photo. some animals have wounds. I do not recommend visiting this place. peace!

I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE TO GO TO THIS SAFARI PARK. I attended as part of a week long organised trip with a tour company. The initial impressions were that it was a cool place where the giraffes and zebras were free to roam. However, this quickly changed when seeing the first giraffe with large bloody and oozing cuts along his back legs. The large majority of the giraffes also had these injuries. When I asked what they were from the tour guide mentioned that the giraffes like to rub on the sharp bamboo and injure themselves, I don't know if this is true but it looked very unnatural. Then we were brought to the 'small zoo' which had porcupines, turtles, givet cats, alligators, monkeys and a python. My heart broke when I saw these animals and the conditions that they were being kept in. The cages were tiny and unsanitary. It looked like they hadn't been opened in years and the water the animals were living in was stagnant and disgusting. The space provided to the animals was disgraceful, especially after seeing the giraffes and zebras 'roam free'. The guide was also quiet unfair to the animals in my opinion, touching and aggrivating them purposely trying to get a reaction for the audience. The porcupines were terrified, the monkeys were depressed and the givet cats looked like they had completely given up. The python was HUGE and needed an enclosure 5 times the size to what was provided to him. I understand that Busuanga Island is a poorer island and that I shouldn't have expected alot from a Safari park, but I really thought all animals would be roaming free or with at least humane living areas. If you can not provide ethical and humane treatment DO NOT keep these animals for show. I am embarrassed to know that I even paid towards funding this place. So heartbroken after attending. PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW AND DO NOT ATTEND. UNETHICAL AND INHUMANE.

This was part of one of our tours. The park itself is quite nice. But only a few animals to see. We got to feed the giraffes and take pictures with the zebras. There were a few other animals but to me it seemed their cages were so small.

Feeding Giraffe is the highlights, zebra, deer, crocodile, porcupine, monkeys, snake

Getting up close with real live giraffes and zebras was a remarkable experience. These magnificent animals roam freely on the island, giving you a taste of their natural habitat. Plus, the highlight - feeding the gentle giraffes!

While the safari was amazing, I do have a concern about their mini zoo. The crocodiles, civet cat, and Philippine porcupines are housed in rather tiny enclosures. I hope they can work on improving their living spaces for these animals.

It's important to note that getting to Calauit Safari is a bit of a journey, nearly a 2-hour drive from Coron town proper. The surroundings may not be teeming with attractions, but the experience of being so close to these incredible creatures is truly worth the trip!

Getting up close with giraffes, zebras, deers and other animals. Truly an amazing experience. I would love to visit the place again.

One of the best experiences you may have at the place is the chance to interact with and feed the animals, as well as the chance to watch them up close. I hope to add additional species, and congrats on protecting the surrounding nature.

If you're a fan of giraffes and zebras, don't miss the opportunity to visit Calauit Island National Park. The park tour costs 725 PHP per person and a boat ride to the island costs 700 PHP per boat. If it's raining, it's essential to take a ride, as the paths can get slippery and hard to navigate.

Once inside the park, you'll find numerous giraffes and zebras lazily strolling around the grasslands. There's a center where visitors can feed the giraffes. Holding a bunch of leaves, you'll see the giraffes gravitate towards you. It's a moment when you can gently embrace them, or even lean your head against theirs. A visit to this unique place is indeed a worthwhile experience.

Very well maintained park. Staff is also good. Worth visiting to see well maintained animals

You can rent a motor to get there (from 500 pesos - 9$). 2-3 hours from the Coron city (200 pesos road fee -4$). Then you need to take a boat (700pesos - 12$). And entrance fee 600pesos - 11$ (400 pesos for Filipinos). The bus inside cost about 200pesos - 4$ but not worth it. Take raincoat, hat, water, food. Better to use the road near cost. Worth to go if you like animals.