Baluarte Zoo Vigan was just a few steps away from us since we stayed in Safari Hotel Villas in Ilocos. If you are traveling to Vigan with kids, this place usually ends up on the list. I visited Baluarte Zoo Vigan again after my first trip back in 2011, and the changes were easy to notice within the first hour.
About Baluarte Zoo
Baluarte Zoo Vigan is a private zoological park in Vigan, Ilocos. Many people see this as a must-visit in the area. Years ago, most animals stayed in one open space. Now, the park feels larger and more spread out, with dedicated sections and shuttle stops across the grounds.
The zoo houses different animals like Bengal tigers, lions, ostriches, deer, and more. Some areas allow close interaction, which Audrey enjoys a lot. Deer roam freely in certain sections, while bigger and carnivorous animals stay inside enclosures. The place feels maintained overall, though some parts still need work. Because the grounds are wide, visitors ride a shuttle that stops at each area.
Our Experience at Baluarte Zoo
We arrived around 11 in the morning. The sun felt intense and unforgiving. There are two tour packages available. We chose Package B since it covered more areas and felt more complete. We only paid for two adults. Audrey entered free during our visit.
Package B included access to the feeding area, safari gallery, big cats, giraffe area, crocodile park terrarium, and the show area.
Ticket prices vary depending on the package. Rates may change without notice, so checking their official pages before visiting helps.
Stop 1: Feeding Area
We started at the feeding area. An ostrich stood near the entrance, calm and gentle, so we took photos right away. Camels stayed nearby, and guests could feed them too. Snack stalls were available here if you needed ice cream or quick refreshments. I also noticed cracker packs for Indonesian deer sold for Php 20 each. Buying early helped since this became useful later.
We waited around five to ten minutes for the shuttle to arrive before moving to the next stop.
Stop 2: Gold Mining Gallery
This stop focused on gold mining and smelting. The gallery explained how gold gets extracted and processed, with displays showing tools and methods used through the years. It felt educational but brief. It is more of a transition stop before the next area.
Stop 3: Safari Gallery
This large indoor gallery displayed taxidermied animals hunted by the founder, Manong Chavit Singson.
This part felt heavy for me. Seeing the animals up close made me uncomfortable, especially their glassy eyes. This was also the only air-conditioned area, so many people gathered inside to escape the heat.
Stop 4: Big Cats
The big cats stayed inside secure enclosures. Tigers and lions rested quietly during our visit, likely due to the heat. The viewing areas felt safe, though you mostly observe from a distance.
On the second floor, a tiger area allowed photo opportunities for an additional fee.
Stop 5: Crocodile Park Terrarium
This section featured crocodiles inside controlled spaces. Some stayed still in the water, while others rested along the edges. Signages explained their species and habits, which helped kids understand what they were seeing.
Stop 6: Indonesian Deer Feeding Area
This became the highlight of our trip. The Indonesian deer rushed toward us once we opened the crackers. The shuttle driver even handed us a tree branch so we could feed them more easily. The deer moved freely around the area, playful and energetic. From what I saw, the animals looked healthy and active, and the enclosures felt properly maintained.
One thing worth noting. We booked this tour mainly to see the giraffe up close. Sadly, the giraffe had already died before our visit. This information was not reflected in the package details. That part disappointed us, even though we still enjoyed the rest of the tour.
Planning Your Visit at Baluarte Zoo
Bring your own water since the heat can drain you fast. Snack booths appear at most stops, but having water on hand helps. Shade is limited in several areas, so expect long exposure to the sun.
A few visitors raised concerns about animal welfare.
Some areas look unfinished or in need of repair. The restrooms were not functional during our visit. There was no running water, soap, or sanitizer available.
Visiting early helps avoid larger crowds and extreme heat. Sun protection and hydration matter here. Choosing the right package makes the experience smoother, especially if you visit with kids.
Despite the flaws, Baluarte Zoo Vigan still creates strong moments for families, especially during animal feeding stops. If you plan your visit well and manage expectations, the experience can still feel rewarding, especially for kids seeing these animals up close.
Baluarte Zoo Contact Information
Address: Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
No official website or Facebook page listed
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