Last weekend, we were given a chance to take a peek Cebu’s newest destination for nature and animal lovers — Cebu Safari and Adventure Park — at Sitio Toril, Carmen, Cebu.

Carmen is a municipality located next to Danao City and is dubbed as Cebu’s Northern Oasis due to its abundance of fresh water and springs. This water supply supports the town’s vegetation and farmlands as well as its neighboring town. Large sugarcane farms are also evident aside from cornfields and mango farm. This town is making a name as it houses the soon to be an eco-tourism destination in the Philippines, the 170-hectare park for animals named as Cebu Safari and Adventure Park, which is owned by Cebu’s pawnshop magnate, Michel Lhuillier.

With tips from Missus V’s post and an available slot for 5 persons scheduled for last Sunday, our attendance was confirmed. Though the park is not publicly open yet, special previews can be booked at PHP 800.00 per person, inclusive of lunch. Kids below 2 feet are FREE while 2-3 feet gets 50% DISCOUNT (PHP 400.00). Regularly check for announcements in Cebu Safari FB Page or email at sales@cebusafari.ph. Only reserved guests will be allowed to enter as there are limited slots per special preview. Park opens at 8AM and closes at 5PM.

It takes approximately 30km ride from Consolacion to Carmen and 8km ride from the national highway to the park. For our convenience, we rode on our own vehicle. Be aware that the park is located at a higher altitude. For old model vehicles like ours, be sure to check the vehicle’s condition before hitting the road. Ours tend to overheat when trying to climb higher terrains, so we have to take it slow. Thankfully, we made it to the park without engine troubles. If your vehicle can reach Temple of Leah at Busay, Cebu without problems, then you’re good.

We arrived at Cebu Safari and Adventure Park at past 9:00 o’clock in the morning and were told to went straight to the ticketing counter for confirmation. Once confirmed, we were given park’s bracelet tag (ticket) and meal stubs.

Itinerary

Orientation:
The staffs greeted us with warm welcome. We were given an overview of the park which housed 111 different kinds of animal species. They discussed the Dos and Don’ts while in the park, our lunch schedule and options on where to take our lunch. Trams are waiting for us to lead to our first destination. These trams are available to take us anywhere within the park.

Orchid and Mayana Farm:
First stop was at the garden where the matriarch’s collection of orchids and mayanas are displayed. According to the guide, the orchid farm is a 40 year old heirloom.

Tiger Turfs:
We saw spotted deer and peacocks on our way to the tiger turfs. With the thick glass that separates the dining area and the tiger, viewer has a face-to-face chance encounter with the animals. Hope the glass is too strong in case the tiger flares up 😉 (or might not happen though since their tigers are way too calm 🙂

Orangutown:
When we reached the pavilion, we caught this Orangutan swinging in the tree and those Celebes Macaque, with a funny looking butts waiting for the peanuts thrown at them, were just fun to look at. We feed them with peanuts.

African Savannah:
Includes a 2-minute adventure tram ride to view the African animals the Zebra, Antelopes and Wildebeest. The guide mentioned that as much as possible, they try to mimic the natural habitat of the animals, so they can freely roam. After the ride, we went to the crocodile’s pond and had a chance to feed it. Feeds is at PHP 50.00.

Lunch:
Lunch is served between 11:30PM – 1:30PM. We were served with a full-course lunch. We had Ginataang Puso ng Saging and Kinilaw ng Guso for appetizers, Tortang Talong, Pancit Fried Chicken and Humba for the main dishes, and fruits for desserts like sliced watermelon, pineapple and papaya. Busog jud! Sulit!

Eagle and Pony:

Safari Outpost:
Follows the trail from Meerkat to Aquatic Birds to Cassowaries, Macaw Aviary, Emus.

Aviary Dome and Rotonda:
Dome that houses birds like the lory and the Victoris crowned pigeon. When we get there, its the bird’s feeding schedule to visitors had a chance to interact with the birds. The birds ate cooked banana and papaya. Feed is at PHP 20.00

Roundabout
We ended our adventure at the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park’s roundabout featuring statues of the animals.

Overall it is very recommended for family activity. What I personally like about the trip is the chance for wildlife interaction and of course be educated. Rather than caged, I love that they can roam freely and while I don’t have the opportunity to travel and visit the African Safari, this park is the closest that I can get to be just meters away from giraffes, zebras and tiger. Surely you’ll enjoy it!

CONTACT DETAILS
Cebu Safari & Adventure Park
Toril, Barangay Corte, Carmen, Cebu
Email: sales@cebusafari.ph
Social: Facebook Page
Website: www.cebusafari.ph