Home> Calauit 2005 Profile

Jose Rene F. Villegas
PDO II

Calauit Profile > Facilities> Visitor Statistics> Potential for Ecotourism Development > Issues & Concerns

AVAILABLE RECREATION ACTIVITIES/ PRODUCTS

The CGPWS features six African animals (Giraffe, Zebra, Bushbuck, Eland, Waterbuck, and Impala) that are free-ranging. Endemic free-ranging animals can also be seen such as the Calamian deer and wild pigs. Resident and migratory birds are also present in the island as well as a wide array of small mammals, reptiles and amphibians. The standard tour starts with a briefing by the tour guide about regulations and what to expect. Starting from operations center or the nearby guests' quarters, the tour proceeds eastward. Along the way, guests can witness free-ranging Calamian deers, other giraffes and zebras, as well as resident and migratory birds. The tour also includes a visit to enclosures (active display) of Palawan bearcats, Palawan porcupines, python, and the Mousedeer breeding area. The tour ends at the Ponda Point Docking Area where guests can view a beachfront as well as distant islands. If the tour starts from this point (guests that arrive from Club Paradise Resort), the sequence is reversed and ends in the operations area. Regardless of where the tour starts, guests are brought back from their point of entry.

VISITOR FACILITIES

Administration/Operations Center

Located at the southwestern portion of the CGPWS, exists a visitors' briefing/debriefing room with a long wooden table having a seating capacity of 10 persons. Two wide and open windows on the south and eastern panel of the room provide natural ventilation. The area also has an array of vintage photographs of the endemic and exotic wildlife in the island. Conservation awareness posters as well as animal life cycle and population charts also adorn the walls. A large map reflecting the geo-physical features of the sanctuary hangs on the west wall.

This structure also houses the offices of the CGPWS Project Manager and the Administrative and Operations Staff, as well as the Communications Room.

Guests Quarters

Located about 50 meters east of the Administrative and Operations Center, this is a structure made of concrete with wooden slat windows and 5 rooms that can accommodate up to 3-4 persons per room. Management can provide amenities for an overnight stay. The guest quarters also has an indoor food preparation and dining area. Completing the indoor features is a lavatory, a bathroom, and a living room with furniture made of natural materials.

Outside the guest quarters is a back-door type kitchen where food is prepared and then cooked using firewood. Guests can also avail of food preparation and dining implements. On the southern portion is a dining area that has two long wooden tables that can accommodate around 20 persons per table.

Main Docking Area

This is where guests disembark coming from either the Busuanga mainland (across illultok bay) or Coron municipality. Guests can opt to walk or be fetched by the visitor's service truck and brought towards the operations center.

Ponda Point Docking Area

Located at the eastern part of the sanctuary, guests coming from Club Paradise Resort get off here and are fetched by the visitors service truck and partake the tour of the sanctuary going westward to the operations center and guest area.

Visitors Service Truck

A six-wheeled diesel-powered vehicle that provides transportation for the sanctuary tour. It can accommodate up to 20 persons. It also has steel crossbars to protect guests from any untoward incident/s that may come from the external environment.

Motorized Bancas

Motorized boats that can accommodate 6 to 8 people (excluding the operator). Guests can avail of this service if they would want a coastal or mangrove tour including an open water dive only upon prior arrangement and consent with and by the management.