Experiencing the Only Tiger Safari in the Philippines

Full of energy from our lunch, we went to our next getaway destination, Zoobic Safari. It was in 2006 when I last visited a safari, the Night Safari in Singapore. I was excited to visit Zoobic Safari because it is the only tiger safari in the Philippines. 

Zoobic Safari is a 25-hectare amusement park that is far from conventional zoo. Zoobic gives an amazing experience to meet animals up close and personal. The safari also promotes awareness and concern for their species.  

I have limited pictures in our escapade because I wanted the experience to me memorable. We arrived at the safari around 13:00 to catch the animal show at 13:30. While waiting for the show to start, we strolled the nearby Serpentarium. It is a place wherein you experience close-up view of small and large reptiles. Huge pythons, lizards, iguanas and turtles to name a few. 

Going back to the animal show, I had a great experience because I actively participated in the show. A well-trained bird went to my arms to pick up a peso bill. Animal show is not just for kids, it's also for adults. My niece also had a chance to be at the stage to hold an iguana. What an awesome experience!

The Safari can be explored by a tram. From the tram station, Forbidden Cave was our first destination. The most memorable part of the tour was the Tiger Safari Ride. We enjoyed feeding the tigers with chicken. The close encounter with the tigers gave me a mixed emotions. Fear and excitement with these ferocious hunters because I was thrilled every time they jump at our vehicle to eat chicken. It was a once of a lifetime adventure riding on a safari jeep to see live roaming and growling tigers. 

From encountering tigers and lions, we went passed-by Savannah. Savannah is an an animal sanctuary of farm and exotic animals such as wild boars, pigs, guinea fowls and wild ostriches. We went directly to Bone Muzooeum right after a short ride in Savannah.

Aetas' Trail offered a great experience by showing a very entertaining tribal dances: butterfly and war dance. It is where a realistic Aeta village featuring their homes and kitchens. You can also find souvenir shops along the trail. Croco Loco was the last destination of our tour. My relatives had a great time watching me as I feed the crocodiles. I purchased a quarter chicken and dangled on a fishing pole for the crocodiles to eat. We had a lot of fun watching them opening their mouth and jumping once in a while to catch the chicken. The feeding of the crocodiles ended our tour.  

Zoobic Safari was a real adventure. Tiring but enjoyable. It was a great destination to end our family summer weekend getaway. This safari is a must visit if your family is looking for a great weekend getaway. 

A Weekend Family Bonding in Treasure Island Resort, Olongapo, Zambales

After enjoying our time in Ocean Adventure, we headed to Olongapo City to check-in for an overnight stay. We booked a family suite room at Treasure Island Resort. We choose the resort because it is located at the beachfront and has a swimming pool. A place like this will definitely loved by the kids including me, who is young at heart.

Treasure Island Resort is a casual beachfront resort that is a minute's walk from the waters of Subic Bay. The resort is colorful. Rooms are simply decorated with feature free Wi-Fi, cable TV and mini-fridges. Upgraded rooms with some ocean views including sitting and dining areas. Family quarters includes sleeping alcoves and offer coffeemakers. They also offer diving packages.

Upon checked-in, I explored the resort and took some pictures. I strolled at the shore and waited for the sunset. It was fantastic. After taking a shower, we had our family dinner in the room. From a long ride and couple of hours in Ocean Adventure, I slept early. Unlike last year, we had a long night finishing bottles of beer and a glass of vodka and other liquor mixes. 

I had a good night sleep that made me wake up early. What else to do when most of my colleagues were still sleeping? I strolled the beach of Baloy Long Beach. If I go out of town, most of the time, I catch the sunrise. I even did some hill climbing to catch a picture perfect morning in Subic Bay. After an hour or two, I went back to the resort for breakfast. 

Subic Bay on the background.

After our breakfast, my nieces were so excited to hit the beach. They love playing in the shore. They also love swimming. We enjoyed the beach bonding while the sun was not yet strikingly hot. Took pictorials as usual. Clicked on the camera left and right. I selected few pictures which I think got my best angle in the beach. Forgive my not-so-good beach body. We continued our bonding moments at the pool later on. 

We definitely enjoyed our stay at the resort. We checked-out before 11:00 to take our lunch. We enjoyed a buffet lunch at Grill 99 Roast. They offer eat all you can during Sundays at 11:00-14:00. We made sure to have our stomach full before we went to our last summer destination: Zoobic Safari. 

Treasure Island Resort Room Rates:

Standard - Php 1,900.00

Deluxe - Php 2,400.00

Cabana/Poolside - Php 3,100.00

Ocean View - Php 3,400.00

Suite Room - Php 4,300.00

Family Room - Php 3,300.00

Family Suite - Php 4,900.00

tisubic@yahoo.com

(047) 223-8890

0929-515-6665

Different Ways to Enjoy Ocean Adventure in Subic, Zambales

Last year's family summer bonding in San Juan, Batangas was memorable. To see pictures of our family bonding view HERE. That bonding made us decide to have an out of town travel every summer. As planned, we decided to visit Ocean Adventure for us to visit a place wherein kids and adults will both enjoy. 

Ocean Adventure is located in Camayan Wharf, West Ilanin Forest Area, Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales. Ocean Adventure has earned the reputation as a premiere attraction in Southeast Asia. 

We left Manila early morning and we arrived timely before the animal show at the Wildlife In Need (WIN) Rescue Center started. Various animals were presented to the tourists who showed different amazing skills. Kids and adults in the area had a lot of fun watching the show. After the animal show, I parted ways with my relatives to explore the area. 

I explored the vicinity of Ocean Adventure. From Dolphin Lagoon to Adventure Beach. Tourists shall keep in mind that Ocean Adventure is a rain forest and marine sanctuary. While enjoying the special environment, one must remember that we are at our own risk. The sanctuary urge every tourist not to approach, touch or attempt to feed any form of marine life or animal in the forest.

Fresh from a long ride, I was attracted by Dr. Nibbles Fish Spa located in the sanctuary. Honestly, it was my first time to experience this kind of spa. I sat back and relaxed in the tropical environment as doctor fish (Garra rufa) nibble away my dead skin from my tired feet leaving it fresh and rejuvenated the natural way. We paid Php 150.00 per head for 15 minutes. The experience was ticklish!

My Dirty Feet, LOL

Spending 15 minutes in the spa was enough for me to recharge. I strolled inside the rain forest and marine sanctuary. I took various pictures from the different stadiums in the sanctuary. They offer different experience of adventure. Feature shows of Dolphin Tales, Sea Lion Marine Patrol and Wild World. Animal encounters with sea lion, dolphins, turtle and shark adventure.   

The sanctuary also boasts Ocean Discovery Aquarium and Seatrek. Photo encounters with Dolphins and Sea Lions added up the thrill in the sanctuary. I enjoyed Ocean heART a lot. 3D paintings are available along the hallway for pictorials. I also have my own share of shots. 

Oh myyyy, oh please, don't bite!

Ocean Adventure also offers first hand experience in witnessing a live sea lion. Underwater viewing for sea lion is great. I can't help but amazed on these creatures. 

The grand finale for the tour was the dolphin show. It was really amazing to watch dolphins live. This kind of animal show will be both appreciated by kids and young at heart, like me. I salute those dolphin trainers, they are amazing. Before the show started, I did some poses to capture those simple yet memorable moments in the sanctuary.

To sum it up, the tour was all worth it. Ocean Adventure really offers a great value of money and time for families. This is highly recommended for families who are looking for a summer family bonding. Go ahead and visit this rain forest and marine sanctuary. Below are two of my shots taken during the dolphin show. Amazed? Better visit the place soon and you will also be experiencing a great adventure. 

Thank you Ocean Adventure for a great memorable experience. I will definitely be back anytime soon.