A Day At Zoobic Safari

We drove for about three (3) hours from Metro Manila passing through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTX) to reach Zoobic Safari.  The drive is convenient and free from annoying traffic compared to the roads in Metro Manila.  It gets much better upon reaching the SCTX where there are stunning views of sprawling lands and sceneries.

As we continue to drive through this beautiful expressway, I cannot help appreciating development. I just hoped that somehow the environmental impact of government development projects such as the SCTX is alleviated to the least degree. Given a choice, I would rather have a pristine environment.

  

While the travel is convenient using the expressway, authorities should consider lowering the toll fees. I really feel that the toll fees are not that reasonable. It is sometimes why there are travelers to Subic that get discouraged. All we can say is that convenience has its price.

Upon reaching the Subic gate, we still have to drive to the Ilanin Forest inside the Subic Freeport Zone where the safari is located. Do not be afraid to get lost. There are signs along the way giving direction to the safari.

The thick forest cover that almost envelops the road to the safari immediately gives a feeling of calm and relaxation.  We got excited upon seeing the sign of Zoobic Safari.  After paying the entrance fee of less than Php 500.00 per person, we walked through a zoo full of different animals and beautifully colored birds. Also on display are different kinds of snakes and rodents.

If we are to compare Zoobic Safari with Avilon Zoo, the latter is much bigger with more animals. In Zoobic Safari, however, we got to experience feeding and petting animals such as the rare bearcat and lovebirds. This is the closest encounter one can get with rare and wild animals, rodents and snakes.

We also enjoyed the “Aeta’s Trail”. Our brother Aetas performed native dances to showcase their culture.  As we watch them execute their native dance, we cannot help appreciating our culture. The Aeta, Agta or Aytas are indigenous people of our country and are very proud of their culture and heritage as shown by their innate desire to show their craft.

Have you tried feeding crocodiles? We were able to experience feeding these ferocious creatures here in Zoobic Safari. You can dangle chicken meat and once they see your treat hanging on the pole, the crocodiles would suddenly transform to very agile and fast creatures from being mere statues.

The main attraction of this place is its “Tiger Safari”. This is where guests ride a customized jeep in an enclosed area and experience to feed a tiger or tigers on the loose. It is like being in a real African Safari where these predators roam the wild in search of prey.

As the guide was feeding the animal, everyone was praying for him not to lose his fingers or even his whole hand. The tiger with its very large teeth and huge jaws can devour a whole hand in just one bite.

After enjoying the tiger safari, we visited an enclosure or cages where the tigers are kept. This is seeing tigers in captivity up close. Take extra care in going over the cages. The Tigers are so near they have the potential of grabbing a guest or a visitor. The smell of the Tigers' urine is all over the place so better bring a handkerchief.

Zoobic Safari is the only tiger safari in the Philippines today. It is one place that is relatively near Metro Manila where you can see and appreciate a different kind of animals in a recreated but realistic habitat. I can say that a trip to Zoobic Safari should always be included in the traveler’s itinerary.