Calauit Island

Calauit Island is an island in the Calamian group off northern Palawan in the Philippines and is best known for its wildlife sanctuary. The island’s park is notable for an introduced population of African mammals living alongside native wildlife.

Tourists visit by boat from Coron or nearby ports to view wildlife on guided safari-style tours, and to see mangrove and coastal habitats around the island. The sanctuary supports both introduced African species and native Philippine fauna in managed habitats.

In the mid-1970s the island was designated for wildlife introduction and conservation, when several African animal species were relocated there. The project created a distinctive and controversial mixed-use area combining conservation, tourism and local community concerns.

Calauit sits among the Calamian Islands off the northwestern coast of Palawan; it is reached by boat transfers from Coron town on nearby Busuanga Island.

• Introduced African species: The island hosts an introduced population of African mammals such as giraffes and zebras that were brought to the site in the mid-1970s as part of a conservation and game-park programme.
• Tour access: Regular boat trips and day tours operate from Coron and nearby towns on Busuanga island to view wildlife and visit the sanctuary.

What to See #

• Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected wildlife area established on the island supports introduced African mammals and native Philippine species, managed as a conservation and tourism location.