botolan wildlife farm

This place is listed as an attraction, but it is also an accommodation. I spent here two nights just because I wanted to have time to interact with the animals.The place is not very big, yet I find that it had plenty to see. It was nice to see quite wide range of species: birds, lizards, fishes and small and big mammals. One of my favorite was Bambi, small deer running freely with cats and dogs. What a cutie!Almost all cages had some kind of info sign, but they were in bad shape. Little upgrade would be nice. Also, some sort of info about feeding times would be nice too. Small things that could give good value for the visitors.The room is simple: bathroom, bed, fan and access to balconu. Shower didn't have hot water but I didn't really need that either. Room was quite hot at the day time but when the sun went time, I could easily sleep even without the fan.Just a little reminder: this place is filled with birds and they will wake you up around six in the morning, if not earlier. If you want to sleep late, this is not your place.The food they served was good. This is just my opinion, but I don't really like the food in Philippines but this place offered probably the best meals I've got here.The staff living there is friendly, but since this place is an attraction after all, I'd hope to see more activity from their side. They don't really interact with you unless you interact with them. When I arrived, I was kinda confused what to do and who to talk with because no one didn't really welcomed me in. And I didn't know who is working there and who is just a visitor. I didn't meet the owner, which was kinda sad.Anyway, this place was worth visiting and if you want to see a nice little wildlife farm and relax a day in nice environment, this is for you.

You get warmly welcomed by the Swiss Owner and his family. They have a nice little zoo and simple but well priced rooms. With dinner and breakfast included u pay only 1800 php per night for 2 persons. A special trip can be arranged. You go by caribou town cart on a 6 hours trip to a mountain village. Starting at 5 in the dark u will be treated by a wonderful scenery that unfolds when the sun is rising. Partly sitting when u cross the river and partly walking we had a very special experience. Food is supplied as well as a bed to stay overnight in the mountains, but for the bed u will hate Martin just a few minutes. It was a pleasure to stay here 4 nights and it was nice to feel so warmly welcomed.

Have been to the Wildlife Park with some family and friends. Wanted to show them the Wildlife Park. As one of the friends worked in zoos for many years, it was especially interesting for him. It is a little up the hill but offer very much tranquility and a nice place to see some local and imported animals during your beach visit to Zambales

This small place between Zambales mountains and South China sea is a unique Wildlife farm run by a family of Swiss zoologist. Around their villa, which serves also as a guesthouse, there is a large number of cages and waterpools and hutches for animals and birds. They have a pretty big collection considering it is a family business. Numbers of birds include parrots, stork, crows, eagles, 2 ostriches, owls and more. They have many subspecies of tortoises and they are certified to keep sea turtles, which are released back to sea when they reach a size to survive. There is a crocodile hatchery, vivariums with snakes, cages with monkeys, cibet, rabbits, iguana lizards. Among other animals there is philippinian deer and 10 years old siberian tiger (not together with the deer though ;) ). I think such a close encounter with this biggest wild cat is the one everybody remembers most. He is within a metre distance from the fence so be careful not to get sprayed with teritorrial markings!The family is very friendly and they make you feel very comfortable. You can help feeding the animals, holding little crocs, shaking hands with monkeys. If you stay overnight they serve dinner and breakfast. A place no one wishes to leave...

For a pretty small operation, the place is impressive with its collection of wildlife animals. Despite their cages, I think being surrounded by nature helps the animals relax, unlike some zoos that are located in the middle of the city and creates a stressful environment for them. I like the idea that you can go around on your own, but the staff (few as they are) are friendly and are willing to chat with you. There are picnic areas where you can stay in (already part of the entrance fee), and you are expected to clean up after you. We weren't able to explore the whole place and we definitely missed the snakes. Be careful of the ostriches: They roam about freely and may swipe at your lunch. Harmless creatures though. I also like the idea that the farm works with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to take in injured wildlife animals, take care of them then release them to the wild. I hope the farm will open up for volunteers and partnership with other groups of similar interests to help improve the facilities.

OK, it's not the San Diego Wild Animal Park in terms of volume, but in some ways it is better. This is a family run operation, very inexpensive, and they basically just leave you alone to roam around the place. Philippine deer, ostriches, a tiger, snakes, turtles, and a pot bellied pig that thinks he owns the place. I wouldn't make a long trip to go here, but if you are in the area I think it is well worth a visit, especially with children.