Isuzu MU-X goes for an offroad safari

AT THE Francisco B. Reyes (Busuanga) Airport

Photos by Charles E. Buban

A thick plume of dust hung over our SUVs as we flew about Busuanga Island’s bumpy, gravely dirt road. Visibility sometimes dropped to near zero so the convoy had to be extra alert to oncoming traffic and blind curves, and of course, to keep our distance from one another.

We had to speed up a bit, having landed late at Francisco B. Reyes (Busuanga) Airport. The boat skipper, waiting in a port more than 60 kilometers away, was already feeling anxious since the narrow channel we would cross could become quite choppy around noontime.

On this late Wednesday morning, six 3.0-liter Variable Geometry System (VGS)- equipped Isuzu mu-X took the the northwestward route to visit the famed game reserve and wildlife sanctuary where giraffes, zebras and Calamian deer (named for the northernmost island cluster in Palawan province, a group that includes Busuanga Island) roam freely.

“The scene here is familiar to anyone who has been on a safari tour in Africa. Calauit Safari Park is one of the least-known attractions of the Philippines, a haven for African wildlife that has operated for 39 years. We are proud to include this in one of our events to highlight our latest vehicle model,” said Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) president Hajime Koso.

Few people know the story of this island sanctuary that was set up in 1976 by then President Ferdinand Marcos through Presidential Proclamation No. 1578.

ISLAND-HOPPING with the mu-X

It was established not as a private safari but in response to the call of the Kenyan government and the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to conserve wildlife that have been affected by conflict in the African region.

On March 4, 1977, 104 animals—giraffes, zebras and six types of antelope (bushbuck, eland, impala, Thomson’s gazelle, topi and waterbuck)—were shipped to this 3,760-hectare, relatively isolated sanctuary.

Successful experiment

Today, Calauit Safari Park holds the distinction of being the first successful wildlife translocation experiment in Asia, and is also one of the few places outside of Africa that is hosts to African wildlife.

Over time, the impala, Thomson’s gazelle and topi did not survive, mainly because of infighting and diseases due to inbreeding, and occasionally because of poaching, according to some park staff.

KOSO

After taking a late lunch and short tour of the park, we left the island and continued our drive to Busuanga Bay Lodge in Barangay Concepcion, which is another 70 kilometers going southeast of the island.

“This is just the start of your exciting day here in Busuanga and Coron islands. Tomorrow, we go island hopping to visit one of the area’s famous snorkeling sites (Siete Pecados) and white sand beaches (Atwayan/Banul), and of course, the trek to Kayangan Lake, regarded as the cleanest lake in the country.

“In a way, our itinerary may be replicated by any adventurous individual or family, especially those who own or are considering to buy our flagship model, the 3.0-liter VGS-equipped Isuzu mu-X,” said Koso.

Most powerful

The 3.0-liter Isuzu mu-X is currently IPC’s most powerful model, equipped with an engine that puts out 161 horsepower and 380 Newton-meters of torque.

It runs on the VGS turbocharger technology that alters the direction of exhaust flow to optimize turbine response at low-engine rpm to overcome “turbo lag” or the delay the driver experiences when stepping on the accelerator. (A regular turbocharged engine takes time to generate the needed power when the accelerator is depressed suddenly.)

TRAVELING in convoy on heavily dusted roads

“With what we did, any mu-X owner can arrange with 2GO so they can bring their vehicle to the island. This way they will be protected from the elements and even enjoy the ride as they go around the island,” described IPC EVP Takashi Tomita.

Apart from 2GO, the event was also cosponsored by Reebok.

Arthur Balmadrid, IPC SVP for sales, added that the six units brought to the trip was also equipped with four-wheel drive system that the driver could control via a selector dial (from the default two-wheel drive to 4WD-High to 4WD-Low).

COMFORT inside the SUV despite dust and heat

“This is the mu-X variant that you could take to almost all types of rough terrain. Also, as we have experienced during the drive, this SUV dampens road imperfections very well, thanks to a five-link rear coil suspension,” Balmadrid said.

He added that for those hidden sites, alternative sightseeing and secret off-the-beaten attractions, it would be great to drive a vehicle that is capable and one that would not give you the jitters should a tough trail suddenly materialize ahead.

THE DRIVE around Busuanga island is scenic, and at times, nail-biting.

A PIECE of Africa in the Philippines

THIS mu-X easily tackled one of the most challenging terrains of Busuanga.

AS LONG as you keep your distance, the giraffes are quite affectionate especially during feeding time.