Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Center: Itinerary + Travel Guide + Budget

What comes to your mind when we say crocodile?  At the South of Puerto Princesa Palawan city center, you will be amazed of this sanctuary for crocs. Why they farm crocodiles? It's because Salt water crocodile and Philippine crocodile is currently included in the endangered species list.  This also provides meager livelihood for Palawenos developing products from croc meat. When we were at the city, I noticed a lot of food stalls for sisig crocs. Maybe next time, I'll try it. 

ITINERARY

09:30 AM - 09:45 AM   :   ETA Crocodile Farm/Pay Fees 

09:45 AM - 10:00 AM   :   Snacks/ Wait for our batch for the tour

The best time to go is on weekday since it's quite full-packed on weekends.  I looked for the pay booth and paid our fees. There was already a batch of visitor on tour so we had to wait. While waiting, we decided to eat some snacks first because it was so hot. Then we took our photos by the signage.  It was so fun!

We ate cuchinta/puto and cupcake with Royal softdrinks. The canteen was really clean except for some flies.

10:00 AM -  10:15 AM  :   Intro of the Tour/Photo shoot

The tour is one by batch. Kind tour guide and facilitators in complete uniform would attend to you. During our visit, there were 3 of them. They also take pictures which you can buy after the tour and also hand them your phone or ipad so they'll take the picture for you. 

It was so amazing to see inside the glass chest the huge skeleton of the sea water crocodile said to be caught somewhere in the inland after it devoured a young child. Imagine that?! So scary. 

close enccounter photo by mom

On the wall was its skin looking old but interestingly huge as well. It was used for display since the sea water croc was more than 6 years old. According to our tour guide, when the crocs skin reaches 6 years old more, it is no longer salable in the market. Their skin 6 years old below, are sold and made into bags and other materials so it is still marketable.

10:15 AM - 10:45 AM   :   Tour Proper

After the picture taking, our batch began the tour. We first passed by some closed room, the small museum which according to the tour guide we can see later. 

First stop of the tour was the Hatchling House.  We saw small crocs in white vasins. They were placed according to their maturity - from eggs to small crocs.  They look like huge lizards and harmless but still we were told not to extend any part because they can snap and leap. Their colors are mostly brown and black. Their eyes already puffing huge. Their teeth still so small but the tails are long.

Walking a few meters more, on a metal pathway bridge, we came across bigger and adult crocs that are really huge. Goosebumps! We also saw the huge salt water crocodile and Valentina, who was caught during Valentines Day. Another huge croc was Mac-Mac so happy waggling his thick tail because of the water coming out from the hose. 

I asked the tour guide, why farm these crocs when they are dangerous?  She answered "crocs are the top predators, without their existence on top, the food chain or cycle will not be balanced."  I was analyzing her answer.  Still cannot comprehend. hahaha.  Anyway, you be judge.  

The crocs hatchling house and dens are carefully monitored, secured and taken-care of to make sure they are bred well. Even temperature is monitored.

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM   :   Photo with Croc/Yellow& brown python

After that, we were brought to an area where a young adult croc with mouth tied and pythons on table are rested. We took pictures with them. You can buy the pictures or just use your phone or camera. They take the pictures for you too.  It was quite scary but they seemed sleeping so that's ok. 

11:00 AM -12:00 NN  :   LUNCH at the canteen 

12:00 NN - 01:30 PM  :   Stroll/Take Photos/ETD to Bakers Hill

We had a great time with the tour.  We decided to snack a bit since it's lunchtime.  We ate halo-halo and pansit.  Chesca and Hailey enjoyed the seesaw.  We also took pictures of the cockatoos and bearcat.  You can also buy some souvenirs and shirts there if you wish so.

so beautiful morning at Palawan

Philippinen Eagle (baby)

HOW TO GET THERE
pls click image to see full resolution

Take a 25-30 minutes ride to the rural south of the city. It's a few minutes from Ihawig Penal Farm. You can hire a jeepney for 20 php or multicab going to the park which is far off for tricycles to reach. 

We hired kuya Ramon's for 1,000 (that's because aside from the tour, he was our mode of transportation there). 

There are two options:

1. City Tour Package 
Check out asistravel.com offering as low as 427 php/head.

2. DIY - a wise option especially if you opt for adventure. Just be ready with change for easier fare payment. Plus you have to add time for waiting for the transpo.

BUDGET

Entrance Fees
6 yo below     - FREE
7 - 12 yo         - 20 php
13 yo - Adult - 40 php
senior            -  30 php

Tour Schedule
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
01:00 PM - 4:30 PM