When you think of Coron and Busuanga, turquoise lagoons, beaches and shipwrecks probably come first. But travel north across Busuanga and you will find something completely unexpected: giraffes and zebras roaming an island in Palawan.
Welcome to Calauit Safari Park, one of the most unusual day trips you can make while staying in Coron.
What Will You See?
Calauit is a wildlife sanctuary covering approximately 3,700 hectares on Calauit Island, north of Busuanga. African wildlife was introduced to the island in the 1970s, and descendants of the original giraffes and zebras can still be seen today.
But Calauit isn't only about African animals. The sanctuary is also associated with native Palawan wildlife, including the Calamian deer, Palawan bearded pig and other indigenous species.
The experience is very different from a conventional zoo. Much of the attraction is simply seeing animals against the open landscapes of northern Palawan.
How Do You Visit From Coron?
Expect a full-day excursion.
Most visitors leave Coron early in the morning and travel north through Busuanga by van before taking a short boat crossing to Calauit Island. Another option is to arrange a private tour.
Current organized tours commonly combine Calauit Safari with Black Island, turning the long journey north into a full-day Busuanga experience. One published tour tariff lists the Calauit Safari + Black Island itinerary at around ₱2,600 per adult, while current online tour offers are in a similar range. Prices and inclusions can change, so check with your tour operator before booking.
Is Calauit Worth Visiting?
Yes — particularly if you want a break from island hopping.
Calauit is especially interesting for:
- Families travelling with children
- Wildlife and nature lovers
- Photographers
- Travellers staying several days in Coron
- Visitors who want to explore northern Busuanga
If you only have two or three days in Coron, prioritize the famous lagoons, reefs and islands first. But with four or more days, Calauit can add something completely different to your itinerary.
There Is Also a History Behind Calauit
Calauit's story is more complicated than its safari photographs suggest.
The island was declared the Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in 1976, and African animals were subsequently brought to the island. The creation of the sanctuary also affected Indigenous communities living in the area.
Visitors interested in Calauit should therefore see it not simply as an unusual place to photograph giraffes, but as part of the environmental, cultural and political history of the Calamianes.
Make a Day of It
The journey to Calauit takes you through a very different Busuanga from the busy tourism center of Coron. Combining the safari with Black Island is one of the best ways to make the most of the long trip north.
Bring sun protection, comfortable clothes, water, a camera and some cash for expenses not included in your tour.
Already explored Coron's lagoons? Go north and discover another side of Busuanga.
Discover more places, experiences and practical travel guides on ilovecoron.com.
