Palawan
Crocodile FarmYou might be slightly underwhelmed by the Irawan crocodile farm but it's an interesting enough place to spend an hour or so. They are quite serious about observing the lunch break for the staff so it is best not to arrive between 11:30am and 1:30pm because you will not be allowed to enter. The
entrance fee is around 50 peso which includes a quick tour with the
guide through the tank area where the young crocs are reared.You can take public transport from Puerto Princesa or hire a tricycle to ferry you out there and then wait till you have seen enough and are ready to be on your way. Public transport will be less than 20 peso in a multi cab but around 150 to 200 peso by tricycle. Discuss the fare in advance so you and the driver are both satisfied. There is an
enormous skeleton from a croc that was captured in the
southern town of Batarazza after it had killed at least one child. Most of the live crocs at the farm are not that big. It was not made clear if these crocodiles are used commercially at this time or if the farm is still building up it's stocks. There is an elaborate system of rearing tanks that are full of small crocodiles. Eventually the plan is to harvest these animals for their leather and meat but there is not much information on that available. After
the 10 minutes of tour you are free to wander the grounds
where a variety of animals unique to Palawan are kept.That might be the most interesting part of the farm. Palawan Bearcats, eagles, bearded pigs and other unusual animals are penned up in large enclosures. It may seem unnatural for the animals but it would be difficult to spot them in the wild. An hour would be more than enough time time to satisfy most peoples curiosity. Just make
sure that you don't arrive at lunchtime. |