A Safari in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines — It started with plants some 30 years ago – varieties of orchids on a plain, and terraces of mayanas, fruit trees sourced from all over the world and towering timber indigenous to the Philippines, surrounded by brooks and creeks.

Next came horses of various breeds, with different lengths of mane, freely roaming the plateaus and mountains of a rather simple ranch.

Michel Lhuillier loves Mother Earth and quite possibly everything that goes with it: trees and greens and blooms, animals and birds and creatures of the water.

Foremost a businessman, an entrepreneur and a pioneer in trades where few dared to tread, this gentleman farmer-rancher ultimately listened to his heart.

This gave the impetus – a serious rethinking followed by a flash of insight – for a big shakeup and a complete transformation, which led to the groundbreaking of a home for all these wonderful creatures. Eventually, Lhuillier decided to share it with the people from the island.

The work then began in earnest, as they searched for exotic animals and birds through the years, until finally, the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park came to be.

Although Cebu is proudly known for historical and heritage sites, beaches and resorts, shopping for artisanal items and all-night revelry, it will never be the same again – all due to this latest attraction and its accompanying activities, thanks to one man’s personal dream and unwavering passion.

Michel Lhuillier with a brahminy kite, fondly known as a red-backed sea eagle.

Located some 50 kilometers from Cebu City, approximately over an hour and a half drive away, the town of Carmen hosts this wildlife haven of 170 hectares, home to over 110 species, over a thousand in number, grouped together into the five continents of their origins: Africa, Asia, Australia, North America and South America.

Upon entry, three colorful mascots greet guests and set the jolly mood ideal for a holiday: Bayani the Philippine Saltwater Crocodile, Andres the Visayan Warty Pig and Amihan the African Crowned Crane.

A fountain which doubles as a rotunda with a cluster of sculptured wild creatures reminiscent of Noah’s Ark provides a teaser and a glimpse of what is yet to come.

Visitors get an organized briefing and some last-minute reminders for safety – with lots of do’s and a few don’ts.

One of the main draws of this hideaway is wide open-air gardens, complete with pathways contoured by the landscape. Guests have the option to either walk or take a leisurely ride in an open-on-all-sides zebra-inspired vehicle.

Mommy Lucy the orangutan takes care of her little Dante (left). A llama grazes in the fields (right).

All over the park, there are excellent signages which display information about the species, its scientific name, a brief and friendly description of the animal – mostly geared for children – enhanced with a true-to-life image.

We first stop by the Tiger Turf, where we encounter an ambush of Bengal tigers up close, as they majestically prowl in their very own natural habitat.

Adjacent is the Deer District, which hosts a herd of Indian Black Bucks and other four-legged critters.

Inside the Orangutown, a playful and animated family of three – the patriarch Gibo, Lucy the mother and their baby Dante – entertain almost non-stop anyone who passes by. Around the bend close by are gibbons, Celebes apes, lemurs and meerkats.

Get a touch of Africa at the African Savannah adventure – much like an early morning expedition in the safaris of the continent – where adventurous and brave souls jump into a covered jeep which safely traverses a slice of the wilderness, where they will be able to spot zebras, wildebeests, greater kudus, blesboks, waterbucks, helmeted guinea fowls and African crowned cranes – all coexisting in harmony.

Some of the park’s 50 giant crocodiles wait to be fed.

A separate yet similar exploration allows us to interact with a pride of six white adult male lions and their feline cousins; a coalition of cheetahs may be seen at a nearby graze.

Among the many activities available for feeding are the gold and blue macaws, tall giraffes, plus a huge pit – half submerged in water, half dry land – of over 50 giant crocodiles all eager for a whole chicken for their next meal.

There are cassowaries near the entrance of the Canopy Trail, an elevated walk which successfully replicates a stroll in a man-made forest.

Black and white swans, pelicans, flamingos, crown cranes may be spotted gracefully gliding in one of many ponds.

Emus, llamas, Javan rusas and capybaras may be spotted along a short walk, while the other side of the path hosts kangaroos, rheas and wallabies.

A strategically-located Safari Stadium, an amphitheater, will soon be the stage for the trained animals and bird show.

Kids feed the playful macaws and parrots.

A wide, circular glass Aviary Dome is sanctuary to medium-sized lories, notable for their brush-like tails, as well as the usual but beautiful parrots and pigeons. These colorful birds fly free from branch to branch, as if they were in their Australasian domain. Tourists may likewise offer them pellets.

There is no reason to worry about the animals and birds’ health and well-being, for an in-house team of expert veterinarians led by Glenn Perez conduct daily inspections.

Not to be missed is Michel’s Garden, an integrated patch that has proven to be a surefire way to aid relaxation, where over a million and still counting orchids – phalaenopsis, dendrobiums, paphiodelums, cymbidums and vandas, constantly and continuously in bloom – as well as row after row of yellow, peach and red mayanas.

If that isn’t enough, there is a menu of hard-to-decide options for adrenaline junkies.

Nestled between two mountain peaks is the zipline, one of Asia’s longest, at a staggering 1.3 kilometers. A Skybike experience is likewise available, which transports you from one summit to another. And for the truly valiant, an elastic Giant Swing launches you up into the air, 35 meters above the mountains!

Terraces of mayanas of various colors make for a breathtaking view.

And if that isn’t enough and you’re seeking a real challenge, the stories-high hanging Obstacle Course may be conquered either solo or with a team – as you test your own limits or rely on the power of cooperation to pass all the levels.

Among the other facilities available are boardwalks, view decks, outposts, souvenir shops, ice cream kiosks, food stalls and a Safari Restaurant.

But there’s a whole lot more in store, as black panthers and black bears are due to join the growing family, according to vice president and COO Eduard Loop. Also to come are Adventure Waterfalls which promises to be an aquatic escapade for lovers of thrill, and camping grounds for those who wish to embrace nature.

Moreover, a 60-room hotel and 10 log cabins with multi quarters are slated to be erected on the area’s highest vantage point, to provide an unobstructed view of the mountains and the oceans.

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The Cebu Safari and Adventure Park currently provides controlled admission, from Thursdays to Sundays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Promotional rate of P800 includes buffet lunch. Reservations encouraged. Contact 0917-7178501.