Going on a wildlife safari is an adventure most people shy away from because of the perceived expenses. The experience may not be as expensive as you imagine. There is a place nestled in the islands of Palawan that make that opportunity reachable for the less privileged but still adventure-hungry.
An hour and thirty minutes away by plane from Puerto Princesa (Palawan’s provincial capital) is Calauit Island, a game preserve and wildlife sanctuary. It is located in the North western coast of the group of islands.
Back in the 1970s, President Marcos released Presidential Proclamation No. 1578 to help the International Union of Conversation of Nature of Kenya save their diminishing number of animals due to the civil war in that area of Africa. In 1977, eight species of animals arrived on the island including eighteen impalas, fifteen giraffes, fifteen zebras, twelve bushbucks, twelve waterbucks, eleven gazelles, eleven elands and ten antelopes. Residents of the island were relocated to neighboring islands.
After five years, the population increased from the initial 104 to 201. Some of the species eventually died out like the antelopes and gazelle but the rest continue to thrive. The animal population has more than quadrupled within a decade.
At present, the 3,700-hectare island also houses local wildlife threatened with extinction. The giraffes, zebras, impalas originally from Africa live together with endemic rare animals like bear cats, deer, mouse deer and peacocks. An aviary was also recently added.
The island automatically transports the travelers to a whole new world. The animals roam about freely in droves and the endemic birds fly about in flocks covering the sky sometimes. Feeding and petting are allowed for the less dangerous animals. The place is teeming with photo opportunities. It’s not limited to the animals because the scenery is quite breathtaking as well. The sunset, flora and fauna add to the experience. All in all, it’s an African paradise set locally.
The best way to get to the island is to rent a vehicle from Coron. For those who can’t be bothered fixing their own safari, five-star resorts dotting the island offer preset packages that take care of arrangements. Tourists can go around the island on a jeep with a tour guide for only $5 USD with an additional $5 for entrance. Not a bad deal to get a Jurassic Park-like experience. Wet season is between July and October. The rest of the year is dry. Make sure to visit this place for the Savannah time of your life!
