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Dinosaur Hunting in Baguio

Kara Santos

A lot of images come to mind when you think of Baguio. Pine trees, strawberries, boating in Burnham Park. Dinosaurs… Dinosaurs?

Yes. We found ourselves face to face with these prehistoric monsters in Dinosaurs Island. The unique attraction is situated in a valley between forested mountains in the town of Badiwan, Tuba, Benguet, about 15 minutes from Baguio City.

“Welcome to Jurass…Dinosaurs Island”

The dinosaur theme park is the newest family-friendly attraction in Baguio. It’s actually one of three theme parks in Baguio Eco Park, which is being developed in a 3.2 hectare fern land in Tuba, Benguet. The park also contains Holy Land (a recreation of events from biblical times) and a Science Museum (currently in the works), so the place is sure to be a popular educational destination for school field trips and tourists.

I just found it a bit funny that Egyptian pyramids photobomb dinosaur fights. Meanwhile, one T-Rex looks off into the distance towards crucifixion rites. :p

From the main gate where the van parked, it was a short uphill hike leading to the Dino Trail, where guests can interact with various pre-historic creatures. All the dinosaurs here use animatronic technology and look pretty realistic. Motion sensors detect and trigger their movements and sound when people pass.

As we walked along the trail the dinosaurs came to life. An Apatosaur (sometimes referred to as Brontosaur) stretched its long neck as if to acknowledge our presence, the Albertosaurus wiggled its tiny forearms and roared menacingly, while the Oviraptors chirped bird-like sounds. Along the way, we stopped by several caves where a tour guide explained the different dinosaur skulls, eggs and hatchlings and shared some trivia about dinosaurs. Trivia: Did you know that Barney, the purple dinosaur, is a T-Rex?

“The shutdown must have turned off all the fences!”

While walking around, I couldn’t but help but remember my introduction to the world of dinosaurs through the (now vintage) Dinosaur Panini Sticker Album and Land Before Time cartoons. Of course, images of Jurassic Park also came to mind. The novel by Michael Crichton and the first movie, were among my favorites as a kid. Forget about The Lost World: Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park III.

“Dinosaurs eat man … woman inherits the earth.”

“Life finds a way.”

Run!


This raptor really knew how to dance and pose for photo ops. Clever girl.

At the end of the trail, we were treated to a dance number by a couple of velociraptors who did a cute rendition of Gimme, Gimme. Because why not, right?

Dinosaurs Island is a suitable destination for groups who have young kids with them, those who are just kids at heart, or are just plain dinosaur geeks. If you’re looking for something new to do in Baguio City, and want to get up close with dinosaurs, then be sure to check this out.

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