After a hearty breakfast at Cafe Uno, the Poor Traveler and his friends drove to Baluarte. Baluarte is a relatively new attraction in Vigan. It used to be former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson‘s residence. That’s why it is commonly dubbed “Baluarte ni Singson,” “Baluarte ni Chavit,” or “Chavit’s Fortress.” Today, it is a major tourist destination in the province. The best thing about this place — NO ENTRANCE FEE. Chavit claims this place is his gift to the people.
Baluarte houses a wide variety of wild animals. The moment you step into the perimeter of this place, you’d be greeted by asses (the animal kind) and other breeds of horses, which are all free to roam around the area. But of course, most of the other animals are locked up for obvious reasons.
There are countless species of birds including ostriches and peacocks as well as mammals like monkeys, deers and wallabies. There are also a few reptiles in the area.
In one corner of Baluarte lies a Butterfly Garden, which is home to various species of butterflies. It’s probably one of the loveliest parts of the place. Butterflies never fail to lift the Poor Traveler’s spirits! And there were hundreds of them!
But of course, the superstar is Harry the tiger. I think there was a tiger show when we were there but unfortunately, I was busy roaming around the deep recesses of the other side of Baluarte when it happened. I was only able to catch the part where the handler was allowing visitors to have pictures with the tiger. I wanted to have a pic with it, too, but I kinda chickened out.
Another famous animal in Baluarte is Ruffa, the Orangutan.
This is the view from the elevated part of Baluarte. The mountains just made a good backdrop. And yeah, the dinosaur isn’t real. LOL.
i am definitely going to trace your tracks in ilocos this holy week! the views are just amazing!
hi,
would like to ask how long you stayed here? You think 2 hrs is enough to check all that is to be seen? do the gates open as early as 7am? making my itinerary for our Ilocos trip… so am fishing for more info! thanks a lot in advance!
maganda na…free pa…san ka pa…
I’ve been there, I just don’t like the dinosaur
i’m from ilocos sur actually… “Baluarte” a place you must see!!!^^
i’ve been there twice. nice place
it’s like a mini zoo. plus you can be with butterflies 
super ganda nah lugar at libre pah….un nga lang sobrang layo sa manila pero sulit naman pag pumunta kah….
ako kagagaling ko lang don april 30 ah shock ako kc lang bayad pag pasok atska pag sumakay ng kabayo…
went there also last april 27, no entrance fee nga kaya lng nghhngi ng tip ung mga staffs.. hehe..
mganda dito ung miniature horse! haha
score 1-10? i give them 6. (:
yap jas a lil’ help, been there last january then we go straight to ilocos n0rte. really a nice tourist spots!!
i know pero nde sna ung compulsary, nid k pang sbhan to give them a tip daw.
@muriel – u can ride florida bus to get there. u dont nid a guide in vigan, u can ride calesa and the kutsero will serves as ur guide as well.
take a look at that mountain, right side is what we called sleeping beauty when we were kids…it made me miss my childhood.
Wow! Sleeping beauty! Thanks for sharing, Joyce! And I hope you visit this blog again.