Fantasy World, An Abandoned Theme Park Turned into A Photo Park in Batangas
Who doesn’t want to visit Disney World? Unfortunately, not everyone (including myself) is lucky enough to get a chance to visit this popular theme park. Interestingly, there is an attraction in Batangas that will somehow help us fulfill that childhood fantasy. You might have heard about the Fantasy World in Lemery, Batangas which is becoming increasingly popular today.
Fantasy World may not be as grand as Disneyland but this is closest thing we can get so far. What really makes this attraction so unique is the fact that the place itself is almost abandoned. Thanks to the efforts of ECE Realty Corporation, they saved the theme park from its possible decay. The theme park, which is supposedly our country’s very own Disneyland, was built in 2001 by Japanese Businessman. Unfortunately due to financial problems and due to the fact that the owner got ill, the construction of Fantasy World was halted.
It is a guarantee, however, that every corner of this open-air attraction is definitely picture-worthy. They also offer photobooths for extra fees but you can always bring your personal camera or even your mobile phone to take some Intagram-worthy pictures. They also offer the place as a wedding prenup venues or any kind of special occasion. The place has special rates if you want your photos to be professionally taken. Like what they used to say, photographs do not just capture the images but they also save the memories. You can have these photos printed as wall art and display them beautifully in your living room. Nowadays, there are online printing services that can have your photos be printed in no time. The website prints4sure.com , for instance, offers a great number of printing services, allowing you to transform your digital photos into a beautiful wall art, canvas, photo tiles, glass photos, and more. They can be ideal gift for your love ones too!
It was left unfinished. It could have been an amazing attraction but the potential huge success was unfortunately wasted. The 195 hectare of land was supposed to house a huge Disney-inspired theme park and a condominium building for the visitors to stay. Interestingly, instead of leaving the park to rot, the ECE Realty Corporation decided to turn the place into a Photo Park.
With Millennial and Gen Z always seeking for picture-worthy places to fill their Instagram feed, this is a clever step! Currently, the place is being handled by the Homeowners Association. As soon as you arrive in this place, you will be welcomed by a huge and life-sized Medieval-inspired castle. First thing you should know, Fantasy World is open to public but it is not freely accessible. There is an entrance fee of Php1000. Yes, I know, that is very pricey for a Photo Park but the amount is already good for ten people. So I suggest, you come here in group so you can split the cost.
The Medieval inspired castle is the centerpiece of Fantasy World. However, unlike real Castle, the attraction only offers facades. They are all accessible but there’s really nothing much you can find inside. It is, however, undeniably Instagram-worthy. The castle is built with four equally huge facades facing in all four directions.
One of the buildings includes a Chapel-like facility with Stained-glass windows, altars and pews. One building highlights a huge tower which everyone can access for free. Another one features a small canteen, a costume-for-rent shop and souvenirs. The colorful exterior is something you will marvel. The aging walls of the castle creates a beautiful patina effect which somehow adds a realistic Medieval experience. Every corner, as you step on the courtyard, is picture worthy!
The castle as viewed from the other angle. The entire place is surrounded by luscious greenery. The garden is seemingly well-maintained as well. Aside from the Castle, another notable attraction in Fantasy World are the abandoned rides. These are non-operation children’s fun rides which are both look creepy and fascinating at the same time!
One of the colorful Kiddie Swing Ride in Fantasy World
A Christmas-inspired Kiddie ride
A Small Ferris Wheel
An abandoned Roller Coaster Ride
Most of these fun rides were just recently reinstalled but still non-operation yet every corner of this place is absolutely a great photo opportunity. You’ll love the contrast!
There’s also a hanging bridge which is accessible to everyone.
The Hanging Bridge
The Taal lake can be seen from one of the towers
There’s also a picture-worthy pond outside with fountain
Another fun thing you can do when visiting Fantasy World is to climb the tower and marvel the view from above. Here, you can get a picturesque view of the entire place and also Tagaytay and Taal skyline.
Honestly, I wish the people behind this theme park will go extra mile in restoring this place. It has a very huge potential to become a successful attraction.
Things you should know before visiting Fantasy World in Lemery, Batangas
►The entrance fee is fixed to Php1000. This is good for 10 Pax
►No matter how much the head count is as long as you are not more than ten, the entrance fee is still Php1000. If you exceed, you have to pay additional 100 per pax. I suggest you come here in group so you can split the cost.
►The Fantasy World is open everyday from 8am to 5pm
►There’s a photo booth where you can rent Medieval-inspired costumes for Php300-Php400
►There’s a small canteen to buy snacks
►The place is also open for photoshoot with special fees (contact their page for the inquiry). I’ve heard the rate was at Php5000
►Ideal side trip is Calaruega Church in Batangas, Gingerbread House in Alfonso, Villa Jovita or Cantai Coritos Garden in Batangas, Taal Basilica to name a few.
►The Parking is Free
How To Get to Fantasy World via Public Transport
►From the van terminal in front of Starmall (EDSA-Shaw), look for the van bound to Tagaytay. Ask the driver if they will pass by the Fantasy World (some vans don’t). If they said yes, go for it. They will drop you off to Fantasy World.
►Alternate route. Ride a bus bound to Nasugbu (from EDSA-Taft or LRT-Buendia terminal). Ask the driver to drop you off at the “Boundary”. From the boundary, ride a jeepney bound for Lemery and ask to be dropped off in front of Fantasy World. If there are no jeepneys,you can look for a tricycle to take you there ( a little pricey though)
Hellow open po keu sa dec25 daytour only?
Need po ba magpabook online to be one of priority? Ano po mga requirements to enter the fantasy world?
Wow such a beautiful place to visit.Thanks for sharing with us.
Now THIS is where I’d want to be, not at Disney! This looks so beautiful I feel so sad that it never blossomed into the park it was supposed to be. All that aside, I’d still want to go!
This is very intriguing! The buildings did remind me of Disney. The rides looked interesting and a little creepy at the same time. How cool!
This is absolutely awesome! It was built a few years after I left the Philippines and the Batangas region. I need to go back and check this place out.
This looks like an amazing attraction! I’d love to have something like that near me to visit. It is so pretty!
Oh, what an interesting way to keep a theme park going without all the expense of a fully operational theme park. I can see how it would have been gorgeous in it’s prime.
This is so cool! I love how awesome the place turned. Everything about just amazing.
Fransic – https://www.querianson.com
It looks as if back in the day this park was pretty awesome
The pictures are just amazing. Right out of a fairy tale.
I didn’t know this themepark exist in Batangas! It looks cool even though it is abandoned. I could imagine the cost of maintenance for this, and probably they see it as not feasible to operate.
But still a lovely spot for photo ops.
Since I’m actually not so much into theme parks, this site might be more interesting for me now. I love some run-down charm.
Looks like Disney but without the spark. Would have been a great theme park if continued. Looks very promising and beautifully created.
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