Posted by geemiz | Posted in Cebu | Posted on 12-02-2018
Tags: Carmen Cebu
Several times I have passed by the massive farm estate of pawnshop magnate Michel Lhuillier. Each time, I just wanted to get a peek on what is inside most especially when I heard the locals chatter about animals and beautiful flower garden inside and I saw the beautiful horses on their ranch at one of the barangays in the highland of Carmen.
When I heard that the Lhuillier’s is opening their long time keep farm estate and named it Cebu Safari Adventure Park, I just can’t contain my excitement and from then on I am looking forward to getting a glimpse of the flora and fauna inside.
Cebu Safari and Adventure Park Location and How to Get There and Travel Time
Cebu Safari Park is located at Barangay Corte, Carmen, Cebu. The means to go there are below.
- Private Vehicle – From Carmen Public Market, on the left side of the road watch out for a signage that says To Cebu Safari Adventure Park. The road is the same road going to Shemberg.
- Public Vehicle – Ride a bus going to North of Cebu at North bus terminal. The fare is 40.00 php then ask the driver to drop you off at Carmen Public Market or Plaza.
- There are habal-habal near the drop off then ask the driver to take you to Cebu Safari Adventure Park – distance is 8km. Habal-habal fare is 100.00 php per habal-habal and it can accommodate up to 2 persons. Note, you will just be dropped off at the main gate of the safari and you will have to ask for the guard to call for a tram to take you at the Welcome Pavilion which is around 350 meters from the main gate.
- There is a van in Carmen plaza where you can commute to Cebu Safari. The fare is 100.00php per way and it will take you up to the Welcome Pavilion.
About Cebu Safari Adventure Park
The park is owned by pawnshop tycoon Michel Lhuillier. It is part of their 2000 hectare farm estate in Carmen Cebu. 170 hectare of the farm is used for this world-class and largest Safari theme park in the Philippines making it among one of the largest zoological garden and theme park in Southeast Asia.
The safari adventure park showcases around a thousand animals belonging to 100 species from all over the globe and also from our native land. To name a few the safari houses lions, tigers, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, impalas, wildebeest, gibbons, ring-tailed lemurs, kangaroos, crocodiles, turtles, llamas, American bison, meerkats, orangutans and more monkey species, capybara, various birds, deer, and our local Visayan Warty Pig.
Capybara is the largest of the rodent species
For flower lovers, they have Michel’s Garden that showcased a terrace filled with the 1.2 million orchid private collections of the owner. *Some of the animals mentioned are already in the safari but is not available for public viewing since the place is still under construction.
The 1.2 million orchid collection of Michel Lhuillier
Around Cebu Safari Adventure Park
There are trams in the park that can bring you to any parts of the safari. Walking is a not a problem too. Aside from the main safari road, canopy trails and boardwalk can be use and the shade of the trees makes the walking bearable. There are so many things to see that you won’t feel tired but if you do there are benches for resting.
Tram that will take visitors in any part of the safari
You will start from the Welcome Pavilion for your ticket and briefing. From here, there is already a gorgeous scenery of green mountainous landscape. Next view upon going to the main show zones is the Safari Fountain that features remarkable statues of wildlife animals and is the second astounding landmark you will notice next to the Aviary Dome a 12-meter-tall steel walk-in structure that houses 11 species of beautiful tropical birds. To the right is a downslope going to the 1.2 million Michel’s Garden and to the left going to the elevated road starts the wildlife adventure.
As of this writing the main attractions aside from the Aviary Dome and Michel’s Garden, Macaw Aviary, Tiger Turf currently houses 3 Bengal tigers and 1 white Bengal tiger, Orangutown with a family of 3 orangutan, Deer district, Giraffes, Cheetahs, Crocodile pond with raised steel walkways that has the world’s rarest crocodile species – the Philippine Crocodile and lastly the African Savanna located at the farthest end of the safari which can only be access through a safari truck tour and only opens for a limited time starting from 10:30am.
The zebras are playful when we visited them
My Experience and What I Love About Cebu Safari Adventure Park
Visited the park last February 3, 2018, with the husband as a celebration for my birthday. The park is still under construction and not all animals are available for viewing plus the weather decided to be a little gloomy but it did not hinder us from enjoying the place so much.
The entrance gate is still under construction
The fresh air while walking around is a luxury say exercise while sightseeing. Getting to know the animals through the well-informed caretakers is very educating. Yes, animal handlers are well informed about the animals they are caring and most of them have been in the safari for more than 5 years.
A walk to remember
The staffs are very friendly that you can just throw a chitchat to them anytime. They will answer all your questions enthusiastically and share stories about their experience in the safari and the animals they are looking after.
Our bubbly tour guide for the African Savanna Tour
We were lucky to meet and befriend with Jeof a curator at the safari who is so passionate about animals. He has recommended us to beautiful safari and zoo around the globe and some juicy info about the growing animal love of some of Philippines elite. We have also seen Anwar the bird trainer from Singapore in action. He is training the white eagle some tricks for the upcoming bird shows when the park will be fully opened.
These friendly macaws wanted to say hi
Food is essential after long hours of sightseeing and to regain back the energy for more exploration. The buffet food served is delightful. Simple and homey is what I can say. There is pancit, humbang baboy (to die for), lechon manok, tortang eggplant, insalada, and fresh fruits. There are two restaurant options, one is in between the giraffe and pelicans and the other is at the Orangutown beside the Celebes crested macaque apes.
The restaurant at Orangutown
Overall experience is exceptional. The open zoo practice makes the animals feel like they are in their natural habitat. I love the idea of the safari helping in the conservation of endangered species. They have the rare Visayan Warty Pig found only in Negros and only 7 in captivity that will be giving birth soon. Animals are well-taken care off and as a sign, they have already given birth some tigers.
Tigers are the largest of the cat family
The place is paradise and a must visit for those living in the cities. It is perfect for families and for children to get closer to nature.
One of the most valuable in the collection is the grey crowned crane
Cebu Safari Adventure Park Opening and What to Expect
There is no exact date on when the Cebu safari will be fully open but they are trying to be fully available this summer of 2018. By then more animals can be viewed, there will be bird shows and the zip line will be available too. As mentioned earlier construction is going on at the Safari but because of its vastness, you can hardly feel it. In the next three years, they are eyeing to finish all adventure rides like the Giant Swing, Obstacle course, spider walk, sky bike, and a giant Ferris wheel as well as a Hotel Accommodation situated on top of the mountain opposite the Welcome Pavilion.
The adorable giraffe
Cebu Safari Adventure Park Rates, Reservation and Contact Information
- Safari is open every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They are closed Monday and Tuesday.
- Entrance fee is 800.00 php.
- For kids: Not more than 2 feet tall are free, 2-3 feet tall is 50%, 3 feet and above will have to pay the full price.
- Restaurants are available inside the Safari.
- Contact numbers are 0945-301-3700 and 0929-196-8191.
- Send them email at sales@cebusafari.ph
- Social media: Facebook Page, Instagram, Twitter
- Visit their website www.cebusafari.ph
Pelicans having a good time at the 10ft pond
Shout out to dong Carlyle for having our reservations and making my birthday extra adventurous.
PHOTO’s CEBU SAFARI ADVENTURE PARK
The truck for the African Savanna Tour
Playful meerkats
A restaurant at Tiger Turf. A glass wall to clearly see the tigers
Peacock and Peahens are also available at the safari
More walk at the amazing Michel’s Garden
The cheetahs are the fastest mammal on earth
How sophisticated can Grey Crowned Crane be
The giraffe saying hello to us
A close encounter with a tiger
A terrace of flowers at Michel’s Garden
CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS
Connect with Geemiz
Facebook Twitter Google Plus Youtube Instagram
It looks like a lovely day out. I have never heard or seen of a Capybara before but I think it looks really sweet! Michels gardens look really stunning too!
The capybara’s where shy when we went there. Agree, Michels garden is a lovely corner of the park.
I am visiting the Philippines in two months, I may go to Cebu too. I didn’t know that there is a park like these there! Thank you for the information 🙂
Cebu is such a nice place. If you have a spare time then you can visit the Safari but visit the beaches first.. hahaha.
will there be habal-habal also in the place that we could hire going back to town?
Hi Felipa, yes there are habalhabal in the safari gate that will bring you back to Carmen Public Market.
It really looks like a paradise and I agree and love the idea too of the safari helpping to the conservation of the endagered species. Hello to the friendly staff and Happy birthday to you! I’ve never visited a Safari Park and I’m hopping on visiting this one this summer.
That is on top of the list why I love Cebu safari. I hope they will continue doing this.
Love your photos! I also can’t believe there’s 100 species of animals in the park!
Thank you. I know right!
Oh wow I didn’t know there’s a safari adventure park in Cebu. It’s also amazing that there are meerkats inside and Zebra too!
It has just opened but not fully yet.
Oh my goodness, the orchids are stunning and a zipline through the park sounds like fun. He has invested a lot into the park, I hope it is successful. 🙂
The orchids are really to die for. They sure did invest a lot in here. 🙂
Wow, what a beautiful place and such awesome pictures. would love to visit it. Hope to do so some day!
This has now made it to my bucket list…will visit this place surely
Looks like an amazing place to escape into nature and explore the different species of flora and fauna in Cebu! Would love to check out the capybara as it’s so adorable and cute 🙂 Thanks for sharing about this safari – sounds exciting!
It is a lovely place. Great place to hide away from the bustling city.
OMG you saw meerkats! I have never seen those in real life (only tv). Looks like you had a great time at the safari! Thanks for sharing!
They have around 8 meerkats. It is my first time to see them too.
I’ve only ever seen a Capybara in pictures before. Actually, when someone first showed me a Capybara, I thought they were making it up trying to trick me.
I’d love to see one here in real life!
They are like the biggest rat I have every seen but cuter.. hahaha.. I hope you will see one soon.
Cebu safari park looks beautiful, seems like a perfect place to spend our weekend. Thanks for sharing such a detailed post.
Indeed a perfect place for the weekend. 🙂
The gardens certainly looks beautiful, but I generally try not to visit zoos unless they’re held to a certain standard. It is good to see they have some breeding programs in place, but I imagine those offspring will probably stay in the zoo and never actually see their natural habitats.
This zoo adheres to an international standard and so far it looks like the animals are well-taken care off so I have no worries about it. 🙂
Did you try their buffet? How was it?
I have tried their buffet. The foods are simple yet delicious. It is like eating a home cook meal.
You captured some great closeup shots! Looks like you got a full days’ worth of wildlife 🙂 I just adore the meerkats…they are super fun, aren’t they?
Such a nice safari park.. I wish I could go there and experience the park!
Great post!
How’s the road going up there? Is it cemented/asphalted?
The road is cemented and safe.
Thank you for this blog.
My experience on Cabu Safari and Adventure Park was unforgetable. It was my first time seeing giraffe, tigers, cheetahs, orangutan, and many more. At the moment, it’s my happiest flora and fauna experience. The place was so big, there are hundreds of animal species which i just now encounter. The employees there are friendly and approachable, plus they greet you alot with a smiling face.
At the moment they have10 bengal tigers. 8 orange tigers and 2 whites which is a male and a female. Currently, they only allow the male white tiger for viewing as the female one is still adapting to our environment. All the orange tigers are available for viewing though.
They have 10 lions but sadly, for now, they are still not available for viewing as they too are still adapting to our climate and environment.
There are 2 bird shows on sunday, the schedule are at 10:45 and 1:45. The atv ride is now open.
Lastly, 800php entrance doesnt include any meals now. 800 entrance is still worth it thought.
PS. Cebu safari provides van service to and from the theme park. The cost is 100 per person per way. In Carmen, they park at the plaza. There is no schedule it depends on the passenger count.
Wow! Thank you Geenez for the nice comment. I will update the details on the blog and I am glad that you had a great time at Cebu Safari.
Hello! Very informative blog! I just want to ask how much should I budget for lunch at Cebu Safari?
Thank you!
Hi Cates, around 500 for 2 persons.