Wild Life : Avilon Zoo

"Wild Life : Avilon Zoo"

Far away from Manila is a place or rather a zoo and/or wildlife conservation called Avilon. It is located in Montalban Rizal far beyond expected distance. You’ll pass by rough, dusty and muddy roads to get here. I suggest that you take Commonwealth avenue then turn right to sandigan bayan right after the wet markets. Go straight then turn right to Litex road or formerly known as Payatas road. Take this road up to San Isidro up to the Ultramega supermarket. Just around the right corner of Ultramega is a tricycle terminal where you’ll turn right to this road.  Just follow the road and take mostly right turns and exit the Eastwood Residences. There you’ll find signs of Avilon Zoo and find it until you reach the offroad again.

When you reach the zoo, there will be an entrance of Php400 per person. If you’re bringing you cameras, you’ll have to register it with the guard on duty. You can eat lunch in the area right after the entrance. Pack lunch starts @ Php150 and there are group lunch that costs @ Php1,500. From here you’ll see different kinds of ducks, goose and the infamous supersized fish called the “arapaima” I don’t know if I spelled it right but the mere sight of this fish will definitely make you remember their name. It is about 1 meter long and 1 foot wide big meat eater fish, the ones that you can see in the discovery channel.

Moving on to the inner park you’ll see the big sign of Avilon Zoo with its slogan “Celebrating Life”. You have a choice on what to see first, wheter go to the birds, aquatic animals or the more “domesticated” animals. In my watch, you can roam the whole park in around 2 ½ hours depending on your excitement on each animal you see.

I took some shots of the much known animals alive and wished I had the skills of a wildlife photographer. Though I enjoy taking pictures of them, what I failed to do is list their names / types of families they belong to. Well, I’ll probably go back here since there are places in the zoo that are still being renovated and built for a bigger and more animals to inhabit.

I’m pretty sure that if you love animals or your kids do, you will definitely enjoy going here. Just be sure to bring a big car with plenty of gasoline because it is not your ordinary zoo that’s lying around the corner. What to bring? Water, towel, camera, tripod, and power bars. Enjoy!:)

Unfolding Tagaytay

View from Taal Volcano

If you want a near vacation spot or just a chill out place away from work and stress, Tagaytay is an ideal place to go to. It is approximately 56km from Manila and a steady 2-hour drive. Just take SLEX highway and take Sta. Rosa exit and then turn right after the toll gates.

Tagaytay Night Life at the Ridge

Before going to Tagaytay, you can stop by at Paseo de Roxas. Paseo de Roxas has outlet stores that sell cheaper merchandise in adidas, nike, speedo, dockers / levis and the likes. Dine in cafe breton or try the famous crispy dinuguan in kanin club. Don't forget to bring your windbreakers or your sweaters especially during cold seasons for Tagaytay brings chilly winds and weathers. 

Serenity on top of Taal Volcano

Tagaytay is almost no different from Baguio. Both almost have the same weather, things to do, even places to go and stay in. If you're on a tight budget, you could stay in cheap hotels scattered all around Tagaytay. There is one called Little Falls Inn. Rooms are simple but neat, it has air-condition and cable tv, and have heated showers.  There are hotels nearer to the Tagaytay Ridge where almost all the food chains are located. Try the Rivera hotel across Max's and RSM restaurants. The place looks a little old, but it does make your overnight stay A-OK, complete with big beds, big televisions, and big rooms. I recommend staying in Magallanes Square Hotel, just near the Rivera hotel. A little pricier than the two mentioned, but has the works, it includes free breakfast, LCD televisions, cozy modern rooms and bathrooms. 

Tagaytay - Taal View

After you choose your place to stay in, a rewarding lunch is deserved. You have a dozen of restaurants and carinderia to choose from. Try the fatty, sumptuous hot soup of bulalo in Green Ats located at the end of Tagaytay (the way to Nasugbu). Not only that you'll enjoy the bang for the bucks food here, but also the serene view of the Taal Lake. There are also a number of restaurants along the ridge where it's actually nice to chill, sit back and relax.  You also have options to do some leisurely activities like ride the zipline in picnic grove, horse back riding etc.

Taal Lake

Caleruega Church

Going to Tagaytay for a vacation will not be complete without going up the Taal volcano to see it's beautiful crater and a wonderful view from the top. The way to go to Taal is to drive down have to the Taal lake for half an hour. You need to rent a boat for about Php1,000 for four people to bring you back and forth. Upon arrival in the foot of Taal, you will pay for the toll of going to the crater. Locals will welcome you and offer horseback ride for Php600 / horse but if you have negotiation skills may bring it down to Php300. The journey to the top of the Taal mountain is roughly 5km. You will be needing a face mask because of the dust and stinky horse poops but I'm assuring you a peaceful feel when you get to the top.  If you're into seeing beautiful churches, you could do a visita de iglesia in Caleruega, The church is rustic, brick and stained glass made church. 

Sunset in Tagaytay

There are still much to say or share about Tagaytay. Best is for you to experience the journey. So fasten your seat belt and drive to Tagaytay. Enjoy!