Baluarte Zoo

Background

Baluarte Zoo is a 120-hectare zoological park owned by Filipino businessman Luis Chavit Singson. Baluarte came from the Spanish word which means a fortification or bastion. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Vigan City and it is just twelve minutes away from the historical Calle Crisologo. Baluarte Zoo houses different kinds of native and imported animals such as ostrich, zebra, snake, Bengal tiger, lion, leopards, peacock, civet cat, cloud rat, camel, antelope, giraffe, and many more. It aims to preserve imperiled species and wildlife in and out of the Philippines. Also, it intended for the Ilocano to see the exotic animals without going abroad. The main attraction at the Baluarte Zoo is the Safari Gallery which exhibits Chavit Singson’s memorabilia as a hunter during his time in the African continent and other parts of the world.

In accordance with its history, in the past decades, Baluarte was a rest house for the well-known politician and businessman Chavit Singson. As the years passed by, Chavit Singson considered opening a zoo in Baluarte as his hunting trophy collection from his hunting diversion grew significantly. For this reason, Chavit Singson planned and developed the Baluarte Zoo as an interactive wildlife sanctuary that would serve to uplift his supporter and safeguard endangered species. In the year 2021, Baluarte Zoo closed to the public because of the worldwide pandemic. Even so, after a few years of rehabilitation, Baluarte Zoo is now open to all tourists coming from different parts of the world. So if you’re an animal lover and you want to see numerous animals that are rare in our country then visit Baluarte Zoo as soon as you can.

Name: Baluarte Zoo
Location: Quirino Boulevard, Tamag, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Features: animal sanctuary and Safari Gallery

My trip to Baluarte Zoo

It was 10:46 am on a very hot day when we arrived at the parking area of the Baluarte Zoo. After our driver successfully park our van we started to walk towards the entrance gate of Baluarte Zoo. Upon paying the necessary entrance fee of 100 pesos, we start to walk around. At first, I noticed that there are small stores inside the Baluarte Zoo that sell authentic souvenirs such as t-shirts, keychains, hats, and mugs.

As we continue to move forward, I instantly discern that some animals like deer and camels are just candidly roaming around the spacious fenced area. For this reason, we take pictures of them, and a few seconds later we strike a group pose at the Baluarte signage with the background of a lofty dinosaur figure to our right side. Then as we continue to explore the surrounding, we spotted ostrich and different types of colorful birds which are very entertaining. Without a doubt, kids, friends, and families here are having a good time in Baluarte as the ambiance here is really nice and the place is clean and well-maintained.

As we reach the top of the hill, we noticed that many of the tourists there gather in one place. For this reason, we head towards that place and we found out that there’s a great and meaningful white lion that can be seen at a shorter distance and tourists can even put their hands on the skin of the white lion.

Then we noticed that there was a certain amount of money needed to take pictures of the big white lion. So each member of the group decided to contribute 45 pesos to lessen the expense. Because there are many tourists lined up for the picture taking at that time, we wait for fifteen minutes to have an up-close picture of the big white lion. As soon as we have our turn, we all have smiling faces as we are so delighted to see and touch the animal that we don’t often see regularly. As a result, we will never forget this kind of moment. Without a doubt, Baluarte Zoo is an interactive wildlife sanctuary. From my perspective, the main attractions inside the Baluarte Zoo are the tigers and white lions.

After the picture taking with the big cat, we headed to Safari Gallery to see Chavit Singson’s showrooms and collection depicting the preserved remains of animals he hunted in different parts of the world. Even though I don’t consent to the killing of different animals, it is an interesting sight to see the items, paintings, and prized collections portraying the slaying of the different kinds of animals hunted by Chavit Singson. As a matter of fact, we take group pictures in the middle of the Safari Gallery to have a remembrance of this fantastic gallery.

After that, we start going down the Baluarte Zoo and we spotted the high-rise golden tower mansion of Chavit Singson. On the ground, we noticed the fascinating turtle and other reptiles eating their favorite food. Then for one last time, our group have a group picture with the Baluarte signage before we leave the zoo. After exploring Baluarte Zoo, we buy a mouthwatering strawberry taho just outside the entrance gate.

Reminders and Tips:

• Baluarte Zoo is open daily from Monday to Sunday from 8 am in the morning up to 6 pm.

• The entrance fee or admission fee at Baluarte Zoo is 100 pesos per person.

• Bringing food, drinks, and pets is strictly prohibited inside the Safari Gallery.

• If you want to have an up-close encounter photo with a white lion then you must have extra money with you and you should bring your own camera or cellphone. The solo picture with the white lion taken by the guide is 150 pesos. On the other hand, for two persons the picture cost 250 pesos, and for three to seven persons the pictures cost 300 pesos.

• If you want to avail their shuttle services then you have two options to choose from. Package A costs 150 pesos per person and it will take visitors to three stations (feeding area, reptiles area, and Safari Gallery). On the other hand, Package B cost 300 pesos per person and it will take visitors to Safari Adventure where they will have close encounters with giraffes, tigers, lions, and antelopes. Note: children, senior citizens, and PWD (Persons with Disabilities) have a discount on their shuttle services.
  
  
  
  

How to Go to Baluarte Zoo

By commute

1. From the Partas bus terminal in Cubao Quezon City, ride an air-conditioned bus bound for Ilocos Sur and tell the bus conductor to alight you at Vigan City. 
2. Then from Vigan City, ride a tricycle going to Baluarte Zoo. 

By private car

1. From Calle Crisologo, head south and make a left turn at Rivero Street. Then turn right toward Quirino Avenue. Drive straight until you reach the arc of Barangay Salindeg on your right side. 
2. Then enter Barangay Salindeg and make a right turn and you will see a welcome sign to Baluarte Zoo.
   
   
   

There you have it, animal lovers. Take a good look at God’s wonders and they’ll take your breath away. From top to bottom, I hope that this blog has been notable to you and to your family. God bless us all and have a nice day to you.