Name: Baluarte
Address: Quirino Boulevard, Tamag, Vigan City, 2700 Ilocos Sur, Vigan City, PH
Telephone: +63777227186

A free-admission zoo and resort in Tamag, Vigan City, where visitors can explore animals like tigers, zebras, and ostriches, as well as life-sized dinosaur replicas and a butterfly garden.

Google rating: 4.1.

Location & Getting There — Located in the southern village of Tamag in Vigan City (along Quirino Boulevard), it is about a 10 to 15-minute ride by tricycle or calesa from the historic Calle Crisologo. From Angeles and Clark, Vigan is about a 5 to 6-hour drive (approx. 320 km). By bus, it takes about 5.5 to 6.5 hours to Vigan via Partas or similar buses from the Dau (Mabalacat) terminal.

Highlights — Created by the family of former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson, this private zoo and resort has no admission fee. Visitors can see tigers, zebras, deer, monkeys, ostriches, flamingos, hornbills, parrots, snakes, albino animals, and miniature horses, as well as life-sized dinosaur models, a butterfly garden, a safari gallery featuring hunting trophies, the Baluarte Museum, and a horseback riding track. Animal shows are sometimes held at the end of the day.

Fees — Admission is free, and guided electric cart tours around the large grounds cost about ₱50 per vehicle (based on 2025 blogs). Taking photos with animals or horseback riding may incur separate fees. The popular giraffes died in 2024, so giraffe feeding experiences are no longer available.

Tips — There is little shade so it gets very hot at midday, making early morning or late afternoon the best times to visit. Be sure to bring a hat and water. Check the entrance for animal show times as they may change.

※ Fees are based on 2025 travel blogs (no official rate sheet available) and are subject to change (verified on 2026-10-10).

Review Summary
Based on 8 Naver blog reviews (2013–2026), many reviewers note that while the grounds are large, the variety and number of animals are limited, making it more of a nice-to-visit stop while in Vigan rather than something to set high expectations for. Several posts mention that walking without shade during midday is difficult, leading to recommendations to use the vehicles around the complex instead of walking. Many reviewers remember how ostriches and other animals roam freely near visitors. Reviews are mixed regarding the safari gallery featuring taxidermy, with some finding it fascinating and others feeling uncomfortable, and some posts express pity seeing tigers and lions kept in small enclosures or tied up for photo ops. Recent posts (2022–2026) mention choosing between walking and riding tours, and visiting the crocodile farm and an exhibition detailing the gold mining process. Posts also note a row of souvenir shops near the entrance.

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요금Oct 10

볼거리Oct 10