See the Baluarte Resort and Museum: The Fortress of Vigan!
The Baluarte of Vigan is a fortress that is a must-see for first time Vigan-visitors. It has a lot to offer, with a mini-zoo featuring a private collection of animals, a resort complex that stretches from the plains to the hills, a butterfly farm, a horse-riding track, and a skeet-shooting range. A special feature here is the Philippine Cloud Rat, a nocturnal animal endemic to the Cordillera region.
At the mini-zoo, people can see the caged animals and fenced animals. The latter can be fed and most of them are monkeys, swans, flamingos, ostriches, albinos, and spotted deer. There is also a miniature horse play pen where children can ride atop them. For a more controlled interaction, there are also parrots and hornbills that can be fed with bananas and seeds. At the end of the day, there is a scheduled show where the animals are introduced.
This location is famous to Filipinos to see the well-cared animals and for the exciting activities in here. You and your family will surely enjoy it!
How to get to Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo?
Easiest way to get to Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo
Skip the stress and hassle of commuting in the city of Laoag! Avail our car rental to have that comfortable journey heading all the way to Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo. You and your travel-mates are sure to relax in your seats while we manage the travel heading to your destination.
It won’t matter where in Ilocos you may be located, we are confident to pick you up and send you all the way to your destination with no hitch! This rental is sure to save your time and money – giving your group more for the actual vacation.
Thanks to the diverse rental units available for our clients, we are sure to accommodate big groups to small ones. Laoag Rent a Car is sure to take care of your travel.
Book with us now through our Booking Page
CONTACT US
You can also contact us through the following:
[Globe]: 0936 812 9040 or 0955 872 3883
[Smart]: 0981 632 5288 or 0907 931 8774
Email: info@laoagrentacar.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laoagrentacar
Website: https://laoagrentacar.com
From Laoag to Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo
1. From Laoag, ride a bus heading to Vigan.
2. At Vigan, alight at either Calle Crisologo or the Public Market.
3. On arrival there, hire a tricycle to bring you to Baluarte.
Things to do at Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo
1. APPRECIATE THE VIEW
– Take it all in once you’ve set foot inside the Baluarte.
2. INTERACT WITH THE ANIMALS
– You can feed fenced animals, the parrot, and the hornbill. You can even have a chat with the parrot – it will answer you!
3. TAKE PHOTOS OF THE ANIMALS
– There are a lot of animals in here, called as the Home of the Big Cats in Vigan – they sport 8 Bengal tigers, 6 White lions, and 2 leopards. This is aside from the other animals they have inside.
4. ROAM IN THE SAFARI GALLERY
– The collection and memorabilia of the owner’s hobby as a hunter is demonstrated here with preserved wild animals.
5. TAKE A PHOTO AT THE BALUARTE SIGNAGE
– Do not miss getting your picture taken with the Baluarte sign and the dinosaur figures.
Rates and Fees
No Entrance Fee
Guided Tour via Electronic Cab – ₱ 50 per cab
How to Contact
You may contact Ilocos Norte Tourism Office through the following:
Mobile No.: 0908 810 8621
Email Address: tourismilocosnorte@gmail.com
Website: www.ilocosnorte.ph
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TourIlocosNorte
What to Bring when visiting Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo
1. Bring seeds and bananas for the animal feeding.
2. Bring a selfie stick to quickly take shots with the animals and the place.
3. Bring a power bank for gadget charging just in case you run out of power.
4. Bring a trash bag for garbage collecting amongst your group.
5. Bring cash for when you plan to avail the guided tour in the electronic cab.
Reminders when visiting Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo
1. Respect the place.
2. Do not touch the preserved animals inside the Safari Gallery.
3. Do not bring food or drinks inside the gallery to avoid costly accidents.
4. Avoid getting too obnoxious as to disturb guests.
5. Do not throw your trash just anywhere but at the right bins.
6. Keep an eye on children especially during interactions with the animals.
7. Do not pat, tap, or surprise the animals. They may be tamed but they are still wild.
8. Avoid putting your hands inside the caged areas.
9. Touch animals with caution.