Home> Calauit 2005 Profile

Jose Rene F. Villegas
PDO II

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

Ulawan Hill

One potential hiking trail is along the southern fence from the crocodile enclosure to Ulawan Hill. The said hill overlooks the Illultuk bay and part of the northern coast of Busuanga. A viewdeck with bird watching blinds can be established here. Traversing from this point towards the Bearcat enclosure is another trail featuring various ecosystems that hikers will definitely appreciate. From the bearcat enclosure, the hikers can continue to the visitor's area in the operations center. Estimated length of traversing by foot from Ulawan Hill to the operations center is around 3 kilometers.

Ditapic Mangroves

A mangrove tour along the Ditapic channel at the southern portion can also be developed since the mangroves in this area are relativlely intact and hold a diverse array of wildlife species.

Balatbat Point

This is a warden observation post at the mid-southern portion of the island wherein a view of the wildlife feeding range can be seen. A viewdeck with bird blinds can also be established here where the visitors would not only appreciate the grazing animals below but the various bird species as well. Estimated length of traversing by foot from the operations center to this point is around 4.5 kilometers.

Tambon Hill

This is another warden observation post wherein a view of the area along the operations center and the giraffe treatment enclosures can be seen. A viewdeck with bird blinds can again be established here. Estimated length of traversing by foot from the operations center to this point is around 600 meters

Handicrafts

There is currently a situation in the Sanctuary regarding homestead claims of former settlers in the island. Thus, these communities exist mostly along the fringes of the island. A holistic research programme with an ecosystem approach is currently being conducted by the PCSD Staff. Partial findings reveal that some residents of the said communities engage into basket and mat weaving. These can be enhanced if a suitable proper marketing scheme be identified with Sanctuary guests as one of the end users and/or links to other potential guests / end users.

EcoVillage

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

There is also a concept of establishing an Eco Village. This is to create a place designed to give people the opportunity to enjoy themselves by finding out more about the place in which this establishment is situated, which is on an attractive site on Busuanga mainland, and accessible throughout the year. By learning about the ecology of the area they will be able to appreciate it more and thus wish to make better economic use of local resources and to help conserve these for the benefit of future generations.